The largest wetlands area in the Caribbean is the Zapata Swamp in Matanzas Province. The swamp is a maze of small lagoons, some tidal and some brackish with water from the rivers. The edges are fringed with palms, tall grasses, and sedges. Mangroves thrive in tidal areas. These tropical wetlands plants are also a haven for birds.

One of the great attractions is the Crocodile Farm, where as many as 10,000 Cuban crocodiles are being reared. They are grown for their meat and their leather, which has a high commercial value. More than 900 species of fish have been recorded, including the odd-looking alligator-gar, a relic from the past.

The Zapata Swamp has been set aside not only as a national park but also as a Special Region for Sustained Development. In these regions, human activity is carefully controlled so that the region’s natural life will be available for many future generations.