Gulf of Guacanayabo

The Gulf of Guacanayabo lies off southeastern Cuba, between the island’s southern shore and the cays of the Jardines de la Reina. The Cauto, Cuba’s longest river, enters the gulf through a broad delta and carries sediment into its shallow waters. Mangroves and wetlands fringe the delta, while nutrients from the river support marine life in the gulf. To the west, reefs and cays mark the edge of the island shelf.