The great Caribbean reef

At the northernmost point of the Yucatan peninsula you will find Cabo Catoche, a beautiful island full of vegetation and history (it was the site of the first Christian church in North America). It is also the point that marks the beginning of the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second longest, and the home to millions of fish, crustaceans, corals and diverse marine species that help form one of the most impressive ecosystems on the planet.

Map of Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

Starting in the north of Quintana Roo state, the Great Mayan Reef extends along more than 300 kilometers of Mexican coastline and stretches over 1000 kilometers along Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Home to more than 500 species of fish and over 60 types of coral,the reef is historically linked to the coastal towns and its people, many of whom depend on it for fishing and tourism. However these activities combined with phenomenon like global warming, put this rich and diverse ecosystem at risk.

The coral reef is home to hundreds of species of fish

It is therefore important to preserve this subaquatic marvel where spiny lobsters, pink conches, turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks can all be found. Promoting environmentally friendly snorkeling and scuba diving, and not over exploiting the reef will help sustain its natural beauty.

Of all Oasis hotels the coral reef can best be seen at the Oasis Tulum, a jewel of the Riviera Maya and Oasis’ best kept secret.

The best place to see the reef

At Oasis Tulum you can swim by the reef, and even close to the shore one can see several multicolored fish that captures ones heart and puts to one side our complex civilization to remind us that we form part of something much larger, Mother Nature.

So next time you visit the Mexican Caribbean make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to see this natural wonder. The Oasis Tulum offers its guests snorkeling tours and at all Oasis hotels you can arrange scuba diving excursions to see the lively reef and its colorful residents.