Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration
Sustainability & Conservation

Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration

3.9/5

Great
19 reviews
from
$97.00
Free cancellation
Language: Spanish, English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: from 4 hours to 8 hours

Based on our commitment to sustainable tourism, all National Geographic Day Tours meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria, and a portion of the proceeds from these tours goes back to the National Geographic Society to fund research and sustainable programs around the world.

Why you’ll love this…
  • Sail along Cancun's coast accompanied by marine specialists, identifying bleached corals, learning about reef restoration, and supporting sustainable tourism.
  • Snorkel Cancun's coastal wonders to learn about sustainable marine practices and how you can contribute to the restoration of our natural environment.
  • Uncover the relationship between human activity, global warming, and the delicate local fauna as you discover part of one of the world's largest coral reef systems and see the effects of bleaching firsthand.
  • Connect to the National Geographic-sponsored Pristine Seas project, inspiring you to protect the last wild places in our oceans.
  • Tuck into a burrito lunch served onboard as you cruise the turquoise waters of Cancun's coast.
What to expect

Explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef System on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Led by marine specialists, you will have the unique opportunity to snorkel and witness the impact of humanity on the reef and see coral bleaching. This is followed by an insightful talk on actionable steps for reef restoration.

Setting sail when the waters are at their calmest, you'll venture to two different reefs, each affected by bleaching due to global warming, water pollution, and microplastics. Visit the reef known as “El Meco”, which boasts the youngest corals, making it a particularly special attraction.

The boats used for the tour are certified by Blue Flag for sustainable tourism, ensuring your voyage aligns with eco-conscious practices. Along the way, you'll also get to know the local fauna and savour a delicious burrito lunch.

During this tour, you will be inspired to protect these marine ecosystems, which is the aim of the National Geographic-sponsored Pristine Seas project. This project has carried out expeditions to Banco Chinchorro, a significant part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. This project's work underscores the importance of safeguarding marine environments from human influence while protecting the last wild places in our oceans.

By joining this tour, you will engage with the vital importance of preserving and protecting the precious Mesoamerican Reef System. See for yourself the marvels of the ocean and gain a profound understanding of coral reefs and their critical role in the biosphere.

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What's included
  • check Catamaran cruise
  • check Admission fees
  • check Soft drinks
  • check Guide
  • check Lifejacket
  • check Snorkeling
  • check Lunch
What to remember
  • Please inform us of any dietary restrictions you may have at the time of booking, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, etc
  • Please note, this is an exclusive tour and requires a minimum of 15 participants to go ahead. If the minimum isn't met, the tour will need to be rescheduled
  • Not suitable for expectant mothers or guests with back problems
  • Not suitable for wheelchairs
  • Bring bathing gear and sunblock
  • Bring a towel
  • Bring money for extras or gratuities
  • Not suitable for guests with poor health
  • Not suitable for guests with cardiac or respiratory problems
Read more
Provider
TUI MEXICANA SA DE CV
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Great

3.9 /5

Based on 19 reviews from verified customers


47%
26%
16%
0%
11%

Sort by:

  • L

    Linda

    Verified booking

    1

    September 6, 2025

    Unable to comment as trip cancelled sadly due to numbers

  • R

    Rayson

    Verified booking

    5

    July 11, 2025

    Traveled with family


    Very hard to pick any bad points, excellent day and amazing guide (Abraham) very well organised. A day for the memories.

  • T

    Thorster

    Verified booking

    3

    July 5, 2025

    Traveled as a couple


    The guide was very knowledgeable and engaging and tried to take us to see as much as possible but it was extremely rough in the sea. I’m a fairly good swimmer but found it hard going. Sea wasn’t that clear so visibility wasn’t great

  • P

    PatrickW

    Verified booking

    3.8

    April 25, 2025

    Traveled as a couple


    The presentation was cut short as the projector stopped working. We were told that the reef is a symbiotic relationship between the coral building animals and zooxanthellae but not told why the reeds are under threat or how they get stressed. Once in the water it was very choppy and there was current and other groups so it was difficult to work out where we were supposed to be even with the leader shouting. The second stop was even rougher and current stronger. Not good for first time snorkelle

  • B

    Brenda

    Verified booking

    4.2

    March 21, 2025

    Traveled as a couple


    Abraham the guide was excellent and gave a fascinating talk on the coral reef and fish in the sea. Looked after us well on the boat and gave ongoing chats about turtles etc as we saw them. Well worth the money especially compared with cost of other excursions.

  • S

    StS

    Verified booking

    3.8

    May 5, 2025

    Solo traveler


    Interessante Schnorcheltour mit 2 anderen Teilnehmern- sehr gut. Meine Erwartungen zu den Informationen über den Erhalt und die Aufbauarbeit der Riffe wurde nicht erfüllt. Leider nur mit englischem-spanischem Guide. Die angesteuerten Schnorchelplätze waren sehr interessant und sehenswert.

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Nat Geo Day Tour: Desvelando la importancia de la restauración de los arrecifes de Cancún
Sustainability & Conservation

Nat Geo Day Tour: Desvelando la importancia de la restauración de los arrecifes de Cancún

Explora las maravillas del Sistema Arrecifal Mesoamericano en este exclusivo National Geographic Day Tour. Guiado por especialistas marinos, tendrás una oportunidad única de presenciar el impacto humano en el arrecife y el blanqueamiento del coral. A esto le seguirá una detallada charla sobre medidas prácticas para la restauración del arrecife. Zarparás cuando las aguas estén tranquilas y te aventurarás en dos arrecifes diferentes, cada uno de ellos decolorados debido al calentamiento global, a la contaminación del agua y a los microplásticos. Visita el arrecife conocido como «El Meco», que cuenta con los corales más jóvenes, lo que lo convierte en una atracción muy especial. Los barcos utilizados para la excursión están certificados con la Bandera Azul del turismo sostenible, lo que garantiza que se ajusta a las prácticas ecológicas. Por el camino, también conocerás la fauna local y te comerás un riquísimo burrito mexicano. Durante esta experiencia, sentirás la motivación de proteger estos ecosistemas marinos, que es el objetivo del proyecto Pristine Seas, patrocinado por National Geographic. Este proyecto ha realizado expediciones al banco Chinchorro, una parte importante del Sistema Arrecifal Mesoamericano. El trabajo de este proyecto subraya la relevancia de salvaguardar los entornos marinos de la influencia humana, protegiendo al mismo tiempo los últimos lugares salvajes de nuestros océanos. Al unirte a esta visita, te implicas en la vital importancia de preservar y proteger el precioso Sistema Arrecifal Mesoamericano. Admira con tus propios ojos las maravillas del océano y conoce en profundidad los arrecifes de coral y su papel fundamental en la biosfera.

free cancellation
Available in:

es, en