The deep bay on which Matanzas was founded, sheltered by headlands to the east and west and fed by three rivers from the interior. The bay was the source of the city's colonial wealth: its depth and shelter made it one of the best natural harbours on Cuba's north coast, and the sugar and molasses from the surrounding plantations were loaded here for export to Europe and North America.
The waterfront is accessible on foot from the city centre, and the bay provides a backdrop for the northern part of the city. The Malecón-style seafront promenade gives a long view across the water. The bay is also associated with the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, which took place at Playa Girón on the southern coast of Matanzas province — not the city bay, despite the name, which causes some confusion.