Cancun is a very popular touristic destination for its marvelous white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, stunning Mayan heritage, ecological parks, and, of course, its impressive coral reef, which belongs to the Mesoamerican Reef Barrier System, the second-largest reef barrier in the world. Reefs in Cancun might be a bit far from public beaches but is definitely worth the trip.
If you are visiting the area, snorkeling in Cancun or Riviera Maya is a must. However, coral reefs in Cancun are a very delicate ecosystem that deserves all our respect if we want to preserve them. For example, there is a lot of information on why to avoid regular sunscreen while snorkeling in Riviera Maya.
Cancun Coral Reef
Wow facts
These facts about Cancun coral reefs are for you to learn a bit and care for them even more.
- There are three types of reefs: barrier reefs, fringing reefs, and atolls. Atolls are often called islands.
- Barrier reefs protect shallow waters along the shore from the open sea for the survival of some underwater life species.
- A coral reef is a community of underwater life that lives and thrives in one location.
- Reefs are essential to the fishing industry because they are the natural habitat of the baitfish which is used to fish for tuna and other large species.
- Reefs are where many fish and sea creatures choose to spawn. The protected environment of the reef means their eggs will be safe from predators.
- Because a coral reef can stabilize the seabed for seagrasses to thrive, it provides a space for feeding and raising babies for many sea mammals including dugongs.
- Coral reefs help to improve the surrounding water quality. They act as a filter that traps things floating in the water, which makes for cleaner water all around.
- Reefs grow where there are stronger wave patterns and currents. The stronger currents and waves deliver more food for the ecosystem that creates the reef structure.
If you’re ever up to do a Cancun snorkeling tour, get some gear and be ready to immerse yourself in a whole new world.