Malecon Havana is the main seawall and floodgate of Havana. As a result, direct hit hurricanes, those centered on Havana and prevailing from south to north, often create major seawater incursion onto El Malecon and the adjacent streets. Buildings located 40 meters from the seawall are lashed by 20 meter high waves in what can only be described as breathtaking.

During these extremely rare Cuban Hurricane days the Malecon Havana becomes a gigantic river with water rising to over 2 meters in places and completely covering sidewalks, pavements and parks.