Contributing to reef conservation while diving in Cozumel National Marine Park is very easy. Here are some rules you must follow:
1. Do not touch the reefs
Corals are more fragile than you think. Simply brushing them with your skin can damage them, as we produce natural oils that can disrupt their biological balance. A hit from your dive gear or fins can kill the polyps that form corals and affect their growth. This kind of damage can take many years to repair.
2. Do not feed marine life
It may seem obvious, but people still feed marine animals to make them come closer to customers and create a “better experience.” Doing this disrupts the ecosystem, alters the food chain, and some marine species can get sick. This interaction could also lead to an accident.
3. Do not disturb marine life
We all get super excited when we see a shark, an eagle ray, or a turtle, but that is not a reason to chase, touch, or harass them. This only stresses them out, making them swim away quickly, and you won’t even be able to enjoy them. Stay calm, keep your distance, and you’ll see that many times they will come to you, giving you a magical encounter.
There are entire books about how to interact with marine life, but I want to mention two specific points here:
Using toys to lure out the splendid toadfish from its hiding spot? NO, PLEASE.
Be mindful during night dives. Keep your flashlight on the lowest brightness mode and avoid pointing it directly at marine life.
4. Use mooring buoys / Anchoring is prohibited
Anchoring inside the marine park is strictly prohibited. This action severely damages and destroys corals, often in irreversible ways. The park has mooring buoys so that boats can tie up when necessary.
5. Keep a distance of 1.5 meters from the reef
We know this rule is hard to follow. Many times, we want to get a closer look at the amazing species in the reef, but it’s essential to maintain a safe distance to avoid hitting the corals. As we mentioned before, they are very fragile and easily damaged. This is even more important for beginner divers.
6. Do not use sunscreen
It has been proven that sunscreens contain toxic components that can harm corals. Many brands claim to be “reef-friendly,” but very few actually are. Sunscreen use contributes to coral bleaching and affects their growth. Use alternatives like hats and rash guards instead.
7. Do not use gloves, knives, or pointers
Wearing gloves gives divers a false sense of security, making them more likely to touch corals and other marine life. Plus, some divers use knives or gloves to anchor themselves to corals to counteract currents in Cozumel’s dive sites. Do not bring these items on any dive—it is prohibited!
8. No fishing
Another obvious one, but you’d be surprised at how many reports are made about boats fishing inside the marine park. This is a serious problem, especially with illegal fishing late at night or in the early morning when there is little to no activity in the park. Please do not hire services that fish within the protected area.
9. Keep your gear secured to your BCD
Something very simple yet often overlooked. Keep your regulator hoses clipped to your BCD—this protects both the reef and your equipment. Be mindful of your DSMB so it doesn’t drag too much, and the same goes for your camera or any other accessory you bring on your dives.
These are the most basic rules shared by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) to safeguard the integrity of the Cozumel National Marine Park. It’s not complicated—everyone can and should follow them. Do not book tours that ignore these rules. Do not use boats that are not authorized by CONANP to operate within the Marine Park. Ask for your wristband. Be a responsible diver.
As we always say:
Take only memories, leave only bubbles.