biodegradable sun protection only??

[kittysoul]

When i was looking at the excursions for Cozumel (the Tulum excursion ), I saw this statement below.... I am just curious now, is this some sort of special sunscreen?  where do I buy some?

• "The National Marine Park of Cozumel forbids the use of chemical sun protection if entering the water. Only UV protective clothing (rash guard) or biodegradable sun protection are permitted in an effort to protect our oceans.    "

[Skid]

3 minutes ago, kittysoul said:

When i was looking at the excursions for Cozumel (the Tulum excursion ), I saw this statement below.... I am just curious now, is this some sort of special sunscreen?  where do I buy some?

• "The National Marine Park of Cozumel forbids the use of chemical sun protection if entering the water. Only UV protective clothing (rash guard) or biodegradable sun protection are permitted in an effort to protect our oceans.    "

Yup, it's a thing. Apparently the chemicals that work best for our protection are deadly to the coral reefs. Here are a couple of articles with some good information on the subject. You can buy this type of lotion in most stores now and on Amazon, Pricey, of course.

https://www.oceanfdn.org/blog/your-sunscreen-killing-coral-reefs

https://www.cozumel-tours.com/biodegradable-sunscreen.htm

Here's a page from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=reef+safe+lotion&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

[kittysoul]

@Skid thanks!  wow, I had no idea....  haven't been anywhere exotic lately lol   ... i am well overdue!!

[MelKaps]

This is good to know, thanks! For my cruise in October, I booked a snorkeling excursion in St. Thomas and it states we need special sunscreen since we are swimming with coral reefs.

[ChunkyMonkey]

We go to Mexico often as my husband is from the Tulum area, this is the brand we have used for a few years.

I would suggest to reapply every 2 hours or so, just from my experience.  Also there is no shade within the ruins of Tulum, I highly suggest a light shaw or coverup to put on every so often

https://www.amazon.com/Sunscreen-Biodegradable-Tropical-Sands-Snorkeling/dp/B00THZEFT6/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=biodegradable+sunscreen&qid=1564167661&s=gateway&sr=8-5

[SpeedNoodles]

I won't use any other kind if I'm going to be in the water.  Even if it isn't "required" that doesn't mean that it's still not a good idea.  I found some at Costco.