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Cozumel Catamaran Rental Snorkeling in the water

Why Do You Need To Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen In The Riviera Maya?

Our ocean ecosystem here in the Mexican Caribbean is fragile and beautiful.  At Riviera Maya Catamarans we have the privilege of sharing some great snorkeling and sea life with our amazing clients.  We ask all our clients to use no sunscreen prior to snorkeling and if not possible that you use only reef-safe sunscreen.

 Why is this important? Because both have been linked to coral bleaching.

When you snorkel or swim,  you wash away all the sunscreen you’ve applied to your skin. If such sunscreen is from the regular type, it will leave a trail of chemicals across the water. Those substances hurt the creatures living there and it bleaches the coral beds, killing it, and ensuring that our marine life loses food, shelter and safety. 

Many states in the United States such as Hawaii have banned sunscreens that are not safe for the environment many places prevent the sale of sunscreen containing common UV-filtering ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate.  

Snorkeling in Coral reefs and with Sealife

snorkeling with turtles during a private catamaran charter in riviera maya, mexico

Each year, the ocean receives between 6000 and 14000 tons of sunscreen, destroying sea life.

Coral reefs are very important for many reasons beyond economics.

 They provide shelter for organisms of all sizes.

Reefs are a source of nitrogen and other essential nutrients for marine life. Coral fixes such substances and contributes to nutrient recycling.

They protect coastlines from the actions of tropical storms and strong waves.

Their importance goes way beyond this list. Coral reefs help to recycle and purifying water and air. If this is not enough, these amazing groups of organisms create soil and break down pollutants, while preserving species diversity.

Where can I find Sunscreen like this?

Locally at any Chedraui Super Market

Thru Amazon before you arrive

Please avoid these ingredients
in your sunscreen

  1. Oxybenzone
  2. Octinoxate
  3. Octocrylene
  4. PABA (Aminobenzoic Acid)
  5. Enzacamene
  6. Octisalate
  7. Homosalate
  8. Avobenzone

What about Zinc Oxide?

Zinc oxide non nano offers a wide-spectrum protection against UV rays. Pay attention to NANO and NON-NANO. Nanoparticles are microscopic. Sea life and reefs easily absorb them and that’s where the damage starts.

You don’t have to get rid of all your products. Use your remaining regular sunscreen while on the pool or when you’re going out for a hike. Next time you’ll buy sunscreen, you’ll be able to make the right choice

Paso Doble

46 ft. Catamaran
Puerto Morelos

YEYEN LUX

44 ft. Lagoon
Puerto Aventuras