04Experiences

The Caribbean

Reefs and snorkelling

Off Mexico's Caribbean coast begins the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which runs for more than 1,126 kilometres from Isla Contoy at the tip of Yucatán to Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. It is the second-longest reef system in the world and the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, and Mexico holds the largest share of it. It shelters more than 65 species of stony coral, more than 500 species of fish and five species of sea turtle, and whale sharks, the largest fish on the planet, gather near Isla Contoy in the north. The best-known diving is around Cozumel, where a national marine park created in 1996 bans touching or taking marine life, while Isla Mujeres has reefs close to shore and an underwater museum. A mask and snorkel are enough for the shallow reefs; for deeper dives go with a licensed dive centre. Never stand on or touch the coral, and use a reef-safe sunscreen.

over 1,126 km

Length of the reef

over 500

Fish species

over 65

Stony coral species

1996

Cozumel marine park