Playa del Carmen’s New Sea Route Promotes Sustainable Tourism

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The municipal government, led by Mayor Estefanía Mercado, has announced the launch of “La Ruta del Mar” (The Sea Route) as part of a key strategy to strengthen Playa del Carmen’s sustainable tourism model, diversify the tourism offering, and highlight the history, identity, and deep relationship of the municipality with the sea.

The setting was Mamitas Beach, where hundreds of tourists witnessed the start of this project promoted by the Municipal President through the Secretariat of Tourism, headed by Diana Estefanía Hernández, who was responsible for the historic launch.

Furthermore, “La Ruta del Mar” is established as a new tourism proposal that, in its first phase, implements an educational and cultural tour designed for residents and visitors to learn about, enjoy, and value the historical, cultural, and natural relationship between the city and the ocean through accessible, informative, and recreational experiences.

During the presentation, Diana Estefanía Hernández emphasized that from the time of Xaman-Há to the present day, the sea has been a source of sustenance, a means of communication, and a meeting point for the community, so “La Ruta del Mar” seeks to recognize and disseminate this historical heritage, strengthening the sense of identity and belonging among the population.

The route invites discovery of the close relationship between the ocean and the city through a tour that integrates pre-Hispanic history, traditional fishing, navigation, and marine biodiversity, offering cultural, natural, and nautical experiences that strengthen the coastal identity of the destination.

At the event, Cecilia Navarro, director of Baalche Proyecto Azul, highlighted the community-oriented nature of the initiative and its contribution to the protection of natural resources. It also integrates a map of marine activities that guides visitors to areas suitable for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, promoting responsible use of marine space.

Also notable is the bull shark diving activity, considered an emblematic experience of the destination, which integrates conservation, environmental education, and responsible tourism, highlighting the value of this key species for the balance of the marine ecosystem.

With this project, the Municipal Government of Playa del Carmen reaffirms its commitment to promote the sea as a core element of the destination’s identity, drive sustainable tourism, and strengthen a conscious, respectful, and responsible relationship with coastal ecosystems.