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Cozumel, Quintana Roo - The white shores of the island of Cozumel have the second largest barrier reef in the world, the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (also known as the Great Mayan Reef).

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El Mar Caribe -

At first sight and on its surface it isn't noticeable, but these coral banks are actually home to a rich and varied marine fauna.

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El Mar Caribe -

This great marine biodiversity makes it an ideal spot for diving.

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Cozumel -

The island has seven different reefs.

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Cozumel -

Enjoy the brilliance of the small colorful fish that swim and swirl through them.

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Cozumel - If you visit the Santa Rosa Reef, you will surely see the occasional turtle swim by.

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Turtles -

Hawksbill sea turtles, like the one in this photo, are in serious danger of extinction.

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Cozumel - The creature seen here is a cousin of the lobster, as it is also a crustacean.

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Cozumel - Violet coral sponges with alien-like features.

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Cozumel - The starfish in this area are worthy of admiration.

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Riviera Maya - The National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos is also part of the Great Mayan Reef.

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Riviera Maya -

It is home to more than 70 coral species. 

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Type of coral - Some look like rocks or stones.

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Type of coral - While others look like alluring plants. 

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Type of coral -

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Akumal, Riviera Maya - "The shadow does not exist. What you call shadow is the light that you do not see." - Henri Barbusse

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Pacific Coast - The reefs in this area are geographically isolated and relatively small.

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Bahía de la Paz - This is the only reef area of the entire Sea of Cortez.

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Cabo Pulmo - The coral reef in Cabo Pulmo Bay is conserved thanks to the fact that it has been converted into a protected area and, subsequently, a national park.

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Sea of Cortez, Baja California -

It occupies an area of just over 7,000 km (4,350 mi).

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Isla Espíritu Santo - If you dive into the crystal clear waters on this island, you can swim with impressive marine animals, like this sea lion!

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Cabo Pulmo -

Let a school of fish swim along with you. 

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Sea of Cortez - Admire the little dotted fish with radiant fins.

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Cabo Pulmo - A sea of amazing surgeonfish.

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Cabo Pulmo -

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Cabo Pulmo - It is easy to see why this area has been declared a World Heritage Site.

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Importance -

These ecosystems are so rich and varied that it is 400 times more likely that elements necessary for the creation of new medicines will be discovered among them.

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Importance - It is important to remember that these structures also protect us against storms and hurricanes by acting as a barrier.

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Importance -

Without them, the effects of these storms would be devastating for coastal towns.

See also: Mexico from a bird's-eye view

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