Coral reefs are the main creators of white sand beaches and tropical islands.
This June 1st, Coral Reef Day is celebrated with the goal of raising awareness about the protection of these marine ecosystems and learning what we can do to keep these magnificent ecosystems alive.
Coral reefs play a very important role within the marine ecosystem of the area, as they are home to hundreds of thousands of animal species that live there. Within the Riviera Maya, you'll find the Maya Reef, known for being the second largest reef in the world. Stretching from Cabo Catoche to the bays of Honduras, you can appreciate more than four centuries of marine history in America.
What activities can I do within a coral reef?
Let's get to the important part: how to visit, what activities to do, and above all, how to take care of the reef during your visit. Recreational uses are divided into two parts:
Extractive
Non-extractive
This means there are activities to extract marine fauna and flora or not extract anything from the sea. As far as I am concerned, fishing and other extractive activities require a higher level of experience to carry out than a traveler visiting a reef for the first time. Therefore, we will focus on non-extractive activities that, in my opinion, you can do on your first visit to the Riviera Maya.
Snorkeling
Diving
Boat tours
How do I take care of the coral reefs during my visit?
If we understand that we are invading an ecosystem different from our own, we can generate a higher level of awareness that allows us to decide between what we do right or wrong. Here are some recommendations for your experience:
Use approved sunscreen for entering the water.
In most protected reserves or cenotes, you need to enter without sunscreen because the clarity of the water is affected by traditional sunscreens.
Don't be afraid of the sea, but have a lot of respect for it.
Some experiences and tours are carried out in the open sea, which can be challenging for some people as they adapt to an environment where there is nothing to hold onto. Additionally, ocean currents can make you swallow some water at first. However, I recommend that you don't get scared, stay calm to float properly, and adapt to the new environment. If you focus on your breathing and slow body movements to maintain buoyancy, it will be a fantastic experience.
Consider bringing your own snorkel equipment (goggles and snorkel) for a more comfortable experience.
This is important because in many tours, the equipment provided is often heavily used, resulting in lower quality. When you find yourself in challenging situations, like the open sea, it's difficult to trust that borrowed equipment won't fail. My point isn't that the provided equipment is of poor quality or doesn't work, but if you're trying a new experience, personally, I like to enjoy it without setbacks and with the confidence that the equipment helping me is of good quality. Believe me, this investment will greatly benefit you, and you'll likely use your equipment again.
Some key snorkeling spots in the Riviera Maya that are easily accessible are:
Playa Norte
Akumal
Isla contoy and isla Mujeres
Laguna Kaan Luum
In other articles, I'll share my experiences snorkeling at each of these beaches.
Coral reef; snorkel in playa norte.
How do I get to the coral reefs?
There are different options to reach the recommended destinations. Mainly, there are three options that could help with your transportation:
ADO
Booking tours with included transportation
Renting a vehicle with Drivey
Definitely, it's a must-do adventure on one of your visits to the Riviera Maya. When planning your itinerary, you'll look for the best option to get to these spots. However, from my own experience and for vacation benefits, I recommend renting a vehicle to explore the Riviera Maya at your own pace and without hassle. Remember that with Drivey, we don't require a credit card nor have hidden additional charges.
If you need more information about the reefs or additional details to complement your trip, feel free to comment on what you'd like us to discuss.
Thanks for reading.