Your Cancun Adventure Can Be Sustainable: Protect the Paradise You Came to Enjoy
Cancun is more than just Instagram-worthy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters; it is a vibrant and delicate ecosystem that is home to invaluable life, both in and out of the sea. As responsible travelers, we have a duty to protect this paradise. Today, we outline several crucial practices for taking care of Cancun: avoid touching starfish and choose your sunscreen wisely, among other things…
1. Why should we NOT touch starfish, corals, and other living sea creatures?
It's tempting to see a starfish on the seabed and want to pick it up for a photo. But this seemingly harmless action has devastating consequences.
- They cannot breathe outside of water: Starfish breathe through tiny gills on their skin. When removed from water, even for a few seconds, they suffer from internal suffocation. Simple contact with our hands can irreparably damage these organs.
- Stress and poisoning: Our skin contains salts, creams, and chemicals that are toxic to it. Handling them causes extreme stress that can weaken and kill them.
- An important slogan: Always remember the local campaign: "Look, don't touch." The best photo is one taken from a distance, admiring its beauty in its natural habitat.
👉 What can you do? Enjoy their beauty while snorkeling or diving, keep a respectful distance, and never, under any circumstances, take them out of the water.
2. The toxic truth about your conventional sunscreen
Protecting ourselves from the sun is essential, but many conventional sunscreens contain chemicals that are poisonous to coral reefs and aquatic life in general, especially in enclosed spaces such as cenotes.
- Harmful chemicals: Substances such as oxybenzone and octinoxate are released from our skin when we swim. These chemicals:
- They bleach corals: they are one of the causes of coral bleaching, a phenomenon that weakens corals and leads to their death.
- They alter ecosystems: In cenotes, which are closed and very delicate freshwater systems, these pollutants do not dilute, but rather concentrate, damaging the unique species that live there.
- They affect wildlife: They can alter the development and reproduction of fish, starfish, and other marine creatures.
👉 What can you do? Choose safe alternatives!
- Mineral or “Reef Safe” Sunscreens: Look for sunscreens made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (which act as a physical barrier). Crucial: Make sure they are “non-nano,” meaning that the particles are large enough not to be absorbed by corals.
- Physical Barriers: The best protection is often the simplest. Wear long-sleeved shirts with UV protection, leggings, and caps or hats. They drastically reduce the amount of sunscreen you need.
3. Trash should always be disposed of properly.
Being on vacation in a new destination does not exempt us from taking care of our habits. Disposing of trash properly is one of the main ways you can make your visit have less impact on the environment.
We are not saying: don't use plastics, don't buy glass containers. Since this is impossible, it is important to dispose of waste in the appropriate place.
If you visit the beach, DO NOT leave your trash behind.
It is very sad to see the beautiful beaches of Cancun littered with trash. Every day, cleaning crews and organizations work to minimize the impact caused by people who leave their trash on the beaches.
4. Use water responsibly.
Although we are surrounded by the sea, let's remember that not all water is drinkable, so it is a finite resource even in places like Cancun or the Riviera Maya.
If you plan to stay in a hotel or Airbnb, use water consciously.
If you visit the beach, instead of showering in one of the showers, take advantage of the water that the sea gives us to rinse your feet and shoes. You won't be able to avoid showering later, but it's a way to save a few liters of water. Imagine if more people did this. How many liters we would be saving!
Your Footprint in Cancun Can Be Green
Being a conscious traveler doesn't mean enjoying yourself less, but enjoying yourself better, with the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping Cancun maintain its magic for future generations.
Here is a brief summary of the responsible actions you can take:
Admire marine life, don't disturb it.
While swimming or engaging in water activities, remember NOT to touch marine species, as they may become stressed, attack, or in the worst case, die, because they are not accustomed to human contact.
Use “Reef Safe” sunscreen.
This type of sunscreen is certified and free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. It is ideal if you want to protect your skin and the environment at the same time.
Another option is to wear UV-protective clothing.
Choose tour operators with sustainable certifications
Cancun Airport Transportation or Sacbé Transfers They are two of the few environmentally responsible transportation agencies in Cancun.
You can take group services with your companions, thus reducing your carbon footprint during your trip to Cancun.
Rent electric vehicles in Cancún
Today, there are many options for renting electric vehicles in Cancún, from electric scooters to cars and SUVs for families. Without a doubt, this is a very sustainable way to get around Cancún. Kick Scooter is one of the electric scooter rental agencies in Cancún that you can turn to. They not only rent scooters, but also electric wheelchairs for people with disabilities.
Let's work together to protect the natural treasure that makes Cancun such a unique destination! 🌊🐠🌿
If you want to learn more about responsible tourism, we invite you to read the following article from the UN. https://news.un.org/es/story/2022/10/1516007
Published on Aug 30, 2025
