Responsible Travel: swimming above the reef

Look, do not touch. The basic rule is to stay just above the reef without making contact, and never to feed marine life, even if a guide suggests it. Use designated moorings, and keep anchors off reef habitat.

Think about sunscreen. NOAA says no sunscreen is proven to be reef safe, though mineral sunscreens based on non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide do not appear to harm corals. The phrase “reef-safe” has no legal definition in most countries, so read the ingredients list. A rash vest cuts the amount you need.

Slow down near seagrass. In the Andamans, dugongs graze only on seagrass, and fast boats threaten the meadows. Ask your operator about speed limits in shallow areas.

Source quality note: sunscreen guidance here is from NOAA and National Park Service pages and secondary summaries; check NOAA's own page before publication.