The Reef System in Puerto Morelos
The Mesoamerican Ref. is one of the largest coral-reef systems in the Atlantic strechting 450 miles from the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to the Bay Island off the coast of Honduras. It hosts more than 65 species of stony coral and 5oo species of fish, including the mammoth-sized Whale Shark, the largest fish in the world. The Mesoamerican Reef was recently identified as one of the top 10 coral reef “biodiversity hotspots” in the world.

The most extensive reef devolpment in the Mexican part of the Mesoamerican Reef is in the state of Quintana Roo just south of Puerto Morelos. This jewel of the Caribbean is unique not only for its size but also because of its array of reef types. In addition, the coastline is noted for its lack of rivers but the numerous limestone sinkholes result in an overflow of fresh water at various points. These sinkholes are known as Cenotes or “Ojo de Agua” when found at the bottom of the sea.

Every port has its name for their part of the reef. Some reefs own their name for the port. Here in Puerto Morelos we know the reef simply as “Arrecife Puerto Morelos” or “Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos” after its declaration as a national park on February2, 1998.

When you're in Puerto Morelos, you should look up Val at Hello Asia Restaurant next door. She's the guardian and angel of our reefs. Val provided all of this information and has even more to share.

ADVICE TO REEF
DIVERS AND SNORKELERS
Coral is a fragile living creature and easily dies when abused. Therefore we stress NOT to wear any suntan when near the coral. The coral is similar to the human body because our body is exposed to oil all the time it clogs our pores and wham¡, we get pimples. The coral gets all the oil in its “pores” and it clogs, but the sad part is, it does get a pimple it “suffocates” and dies¡
Another NO-NO is standing on the coral, it may look like a rock but has a thin delicate layer of tissue that is easily damaged. When you are snorkeling at all times, please keep your fins up and away from the coral. People do not realize just letting your fins swim across or being dragged over the coral can break oww a piece, especially the youngest one, as they are not as strong.

And of course we can NEVER EVER touch, hold or pick anything that we see. What we can consider on firstsight as a dead part of the coral reef will be a home, food or shelter for a numerous little creatures that are the basis of Life in our coral reef.

For all those reasons, we strongly recommend that every time you visit the “Parque Nacional Arrecife Puerto Morelos”, please do it under the supervision of one of the snorkelers-guides who will be glad to teach you the marvels of the reef, following the safiest rules for you and for life in our beloved “Arrecife Puerto Morelos”.