Cozumel, Q.R. — Federal agencies says it’s a new reef rest period at Cozumel Reefs National Park and that three are currently closed. The Park says for the month of February and March, reefs Cedral Pared, Cedral and Francesa will be closed to divers and snorkelers.
Water activates in these areas will remain closed to tourists while the reefs are in ecological rest time.
“We remind tourism service providers and visitors to respect this measure, key to conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable activities such as diving and snorkeling,” the Park posted on its social media.
The temporary February and March closures are part of a strategy to allow their recovery from environmental damage. The rotating rest of the Cozumel reefs is a program promoted by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) within the Cozumel Reefs National Park.
According to CONANP, the temporary closures give the reefs a break and promote natural recovery processes. The rotating reef breaks from tourism was started in 2020 in response to the advancement of coral bleaching.
“For a period of time, tourist activities are suspended at three sites in the Cozumel Reefs National Park with the purpose of allowing the best-preserved areas to rest, as well as carrying out supervision, surveillance and scientific monitoring actions,” CONANP reported.
The Park has released a calendar of reef rest periods for 2026 for those wishing to know ahead of time if a certain reef will be open.
“It is important to note that the proposed strategies may change depending on the conditions observed in the area through ongoing monitoring. In this regard, users of the Cozumel Reefs National Park are asked to continue and promote good tourism practices for the benefit of the reefs and the economic activity they support,” CONANP added.
The Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel says visitors can visit the reefs online through a digitalized format.
“Thanks to a project funded by the Conservation Program for Sustainable Development, the reefs of the Cozumel Reefs National Park have been digitized. This tool allows you to learn more about this incredible marine ecosystem and understand why it’s so important to protect it.
“On this platform, you can navigate the reefs, learn about their location and environmental value and experience Cozumel’s underwater world without getting wet.”
