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Cancun is full of fascinating natural surroundings and phenomena, but somehow it seems to just keep getting better and better as it develops as a tourist destination.
One of the most amazing things to see are the coral reefs in the region, some of which are in danger due, in part, to the growing tourism industry.
But one fascinating new attraction near Cancun will not only help protect those reefs but will get more stunning every year.
A Reef Between Isla Contoy And Puerto Morelos
The new attraction we’re talking about is an artificial reef that will sit between the island of Isla Contoy and the town of Puerto Morelos.
Although we’re just hearing about the project, it actually began over a year and a half ago and has been in the works since.
While it’s still waiting for some details to be finalized, it won’t be long before this artificial wonder in a natural setting will be able to be explored.
Artificial Reefs
The artificial reef will be similar to a popular tourist attraction that you might not realize is an artificial reef at all.
MUSA, or the Underwater Museum of Art, is an area near Cancun and Isla Mujeres that is known for its submerged statues.
While they may just seem like pieces of art, they are actually part of a massive conservation project that is considered one of the most successful in the entire world.
It’s an artificial reef that was launched in 2009 to help restore marine life in the area. The new artificial reef will have a similar design and purpose.
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The New Artificial Reef
The artificial reef that will be installed will serve the purpose of venting the reefs.
According to Francisco Fernández Millán, president of the Nautical Associates of Quintana Roo, “There will be Mayan, archaeological, animal, human and all kinds of structures. The association contributes part of the expenses, and with this, we are going to vent the natural reefs.”
He also pointed out that “It is a project that we (they) will work on for several years.”
Coral Reefs In The Mexican Caribbean
The Mexican Caribbean is home to a large reef system that is part of the world’s second-largest barrier reef system, the Mesoamerican Reef.
The reef system starts in the Isla Contoy area and extends over 600 miles south along the coast.
In recent years, the effects of tourism have taken a toll on the reefs, which is why projects like this are being developed, to help protect and recover the coral and marine life lost as a result.
@hello_virgo_6 #puertomorelos #mexico #ocean #snorkeling #coralreef #Paradise ♬ Jammin' – Bob Marley And The Wailers
Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy sits less than 20 miles north of Isla Mujeres and is just over 5 miles long.
It takes about 30 minutes to get between the two islands.
Unlike Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy is an uninhabited island — aside from a few scientists, four different types of sea turtles that are endangered, and more than 150 species of tropical birds.
@jamievanderwoude You need to visit the most beautiful island of Mexico Isla Contoy 🏝️🥹 #islacontoy #mexico #vacation #mexicotiktok #travel #island #sea #seastar ♬ golden hour – Ruel Remix – JVKE
Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is a port town that sits along the Caribbean Coast between Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
It is home to the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, which is a protected part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
The reef off of the coast of the town is closer to the shore than in many other places, but due to its protected status cannot be accessed from the shore, but rather only through a guided tour.
@javierenelnorte Puerto Morelos is located only 20 minutes from Cancun #cancun #puertomorelos #travel #traveltiktok #explore #vacationideas ♬ Cumbia del Olvido – Nicola Cruz
The New Artificial Reef
The Environmental Impact permits for the new artificial reef have already been obtained.
Furthermore, the design of the reef should be finalized over the next couple of months, and tour prices are currently being discussed.
So all signs are pointing to this being an attraction that will be available in the near future.
And it is one that will keep getting better and more stunning as the years go by, and the artificial reef system helps to repair and sustain the natural one, and it will be less than an hour from Cancun.
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