Did you know that you don’t have to live by the ocean to make a significant impact in saving our world’s many coral reefs? You can even make a difference in saving the severely threatened Great Barrier Reef. The largest coral reef in the world can be saved if every person does his or her part in practicing green living at home. Before diving into how to keep our coral reefs safe no matter where you live, let’s first take a look at Riviera Maya’s top coral reefs. These are the reefs we love to take our guests to, and we hope to see them vibrant, colorful and healthy for as long as possible.
Explore Cozumel Island and snorkel at two different coral reefs!
On both our private tour to Cozumel and on the tour to Isla Mujeres, we’ll take guests to two different coral reefs. The world’s second largest coral reef is located in Sian Ka’an—the Mesoamerican Reef. The reef was recently named as one of the top 10 “Biodiversity Hotspots” in the world. Surrounding this reef are 379 species of birds, 115 species of mammals, 90 species of native bees, 47 species of dragonflies, 74 species of beetles, 276 species of crustaceans, 310 species of mosquitos and 318 species of butterflies. The barrier reef is made up of more than 84 species of coral. And just like the coral reef, the land is colorful too, with 1,048 species of flora. Head to Sian Ka’an to see the majesty of the coral reef, its surrounding area, and manatees, four species of marine turtle, howler and spider monkeys, crocodiles, Jabiru stork, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, pink flamingos, toucans and tapirs.
Spend the day on the water and explore the coral reefs of Isla Mujeres.
The reason we need to take steps toward preserving these reefs is because of coral bleaching. Coral reefs are vital to protecting our coasts, and they are diverse and productive ecosystems. Ultimately, the stunning coral reefs in Riviera Maya are one of the main attractions that keep people coming to Quintana Roo. In recent years, hurricanes, diseases and bleaching have affected coral reefs throughout the Caribbean. These problems are due to overfishing, pollution and rising seawater temperatures. Coral can no longer producer offspring if they’re unhealthy.
So, what can you do to help? Whether you’ve been on a tour with us to one of these amazing reefs, or if you plan to, anyone can see their beauty and their vulnerability. Join us in protecting coral reefs around the world, right from your own home.
1. Save water: Use less water so that less runoff and wastewater pollute the ocean. Don’t let your hose run too long and try to collect excess water in a bucket. Turn the sink off when you’re not using the water. Avoid pouring oil down the drain. Any toxic chemicals poured down the drain will end up in the ocean so be responsible with how you throw out waste. It helps to buy green products to begin with!
2. Reduce fossil fuel emissions: Walk, bike or use public transportation. Fossil fuel emissions from cars lead to ocean warming and mass bleaching of coral reefs. Carpool to work and plan your errands in one trip.
3. Avoid toxic lawn care: No matter how far away from the ocean you live, products used on your lawn flow into the water system, pollute the ocean, and they can harm coral reefs and marine life.
4. Choose brands responsibly: Support businesses and organizations that care for the environment, and particularly coral reefs. We have so many resources today to buy ethical, eco-friendly products that put money back into great causes!
5. Plant trees: Trees reduces the amount of runoff that goes into the ocean.
See the world's second largest coral reef during our private tour to Sian Ka'an.
Learn more about how to protect the environment in Riviera Maya here!
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to write in the comment section below or send us an e-mail to: contact@kay.tours.