Expert Guides and Planning Resources for Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park

Caribbean reef sanctuary protecting the western hemisphere's second-largest coral reef system

Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park

Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park represents one of Mexico's most significant marine conservation areas, protecting a vital section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System that stretches along the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize. The park encompasses the coral reefs on the southern and western sides of Cozumel Island, beginning just south of the International Pier and continuing around Punta Sur and along a portion of the eastern coast. The reef ecosystem displays remarkable structural diversity, with coral formations found on underwater cliffs, within coastal lagoons, and along sand bars at the island's northern tip. The park's marine environment extends from shallow reef zones to mesophotic depths reaching 100 meters, protecting the entire vertical profile of coral habitat. The surrounding island of Cozumel features a karst landscape characterized by sinkholes and cenotes, with no surface waterways due to the permeable limestone geology. The park was created to balance marine conservation with sustainable use, supporting recreational diving, snorkeling, and other tourism activities that form the backbone of the regional economy. As part of the Isla Cozumel Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO, the park benefits from integrated protection frameworks that address both marine and terrestrial ecological values.