Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The municipal government has announced the second edition of the Tiburón Toro Fest 2026, set for July 25 at the Sayab Planetarium, as part of ongoing marine conservation efforts.
The initiative, presented by the Secretary of Economic Development and Investment Attraction through Secretary Estefanía Hernández Flores, aims to strengthen environmental education, promote species conservation, and consolidate sustainable tourism as a driver of local economic development.
“Conserving the bull shark means conserving the future of Playa del Carmen and part of our identity,” Hernández Flores said. “This festival seeks to strengthen environmental awareness, boost sustainable economic development, and recognize the work that scientists, civil organizations, divers, and service providers have carried out for years.”
According to Rachel Graham, executive director of Mar Alliance, Playa del Carmen is one of the most important sites in the world for bull shark research. She noted that shark encounter tourism generates more than $500 million annually worldwide when conducted under sustainability criteria.
The festival will begin at 4:00 p.m. with environmental education workshops, exhibits from more than 21 conservation projects, panels with national and international specialists, family activities, and documentary screenings. Cecilia Gutiérrez Navarro, director of Proyecto Azul Balché, emphasized that the goal is to dispel myths about the species and promote a culture of marine ecosystem conservation.
Currently, Playa del Carmen has 26 authorized permit holders for shark tourism under guidelines from the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), positioning the destination as an international benchmark for responsible tourism.
