PUERTO MORELOS REEFS - MARINE NATIONAL PARK

On February 2nd, 1998 the Mexican Federation Official Newspaper published a decree in which the area known as Puerto Morelos Reef is declared Natural Protected Area as a National Park.

Puerto Morelos Reef is located on the Northeastern coast of Quintana Roo state, on the Caribbean Sea. It is right in front of Puerto Morelos town and it belongs to the municipality of Benito Juarez in which Cancun is also located.

Puerto Morelos Reef National Park comprises an area of 22,402 acres, of which only a small portion is land: the Federal Property beach area; the rest is marine environment and it encloses a reef lagoon, located between the beach and the coral heads, the barrier reef itself and the eastern part with average depth of 115 feet.

Thousands of plants, fish and invertebrates species inhabit the coral reef, the reef lagoon and the marine grass plain. Some of them are considered to be endangered or subject to special care. Many other species use the reef as a mating, breeding and feeding area. This reef is the most important economical source for Puerto Morelos community, for tourism and fishing industries.

The reef provides a natural barrier that protects from the wave action and hurricanes, preventing beach erosion and serious damages to the community.

Its devastation or destruction could result in the loss of one of the most important sources of employment for the community.

It is important to preserve it for the enjoyment of our children and grandchildren, and the continuity of its ecosystem.

Collaborate with us in order to preserve our reef, follow these instructions:

• Enjoy the reef view using a life vest, even if you know how to swim.
• Floating properly allows you to avoid hurting the fragile coral formations.
• Do not litter.
• Wear only biodegradable sunscreen or suntan lotion.
• Fish and coral are beautiful; leave them in their place for everyone's enjoyment.
• Polyps make coral structures. Polyps are live beings that can easily break or die if they are touched, tread on or kicked.
• Park guards and guides working at this Protected Natural Area need your help to achieve the important task they have been assigned. This will benefit everyone.
• At some point during your visit they will give you instructions, observe them.
• If you will go through the navigation channel raise a flag so the boats won't pass over you.