Royal Caribbean and Less Plastic is Fantastic team up to preserve the environment in Mahahual

As part of its commitment to sustainability and the well-being of the communities where it operates, Royal Caribbean announced a $40,000 donation to support the Quintana Roo-based nonprofit organization Less Plastic is Fantastic, dedicated to data-driven beach cleanups, the reuse of plastic waste in crafts, circular ecology, and the reduction of single-use plastics.

This support will allow for 30 days of beach cleanups in sea turtle nesting areas, 20 environmental education activities for the local community, and six months of beach patrols in Puerto Ángel and Punta Herradura, both in Quintana Roo, to conserve sea turtles. These activities focus on reducing plastic pollution, protecting coastal ecosystems, and encouraging community participation.

“At Royal Caribbean, we are deeply committed to the well-being of the destinations where we operate and the preservation of the unique biodiversity that distinguishes them. We are proud to partner with Less Plastic is Fantastic to make a positive impact in Mahahual, a key region for marine life and coastal ecosystems,” said Helen O'Connell, Associate Vice President of Community Relations at Royal Caribbean Group. “This partnership is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the environment and the communities where we operate.”

Mahahual is part of the Mesoamerican Reef System and is home to mangroves, seagrass beds, and nesting areas for sea turtles such as the loggerhead, white, and hawksbill turtles, all of which are in danger of extinction. However, these ecosystems face constant threats from the accumulation of waste carried by the Yucatán Current. The donation made by Royal Caribbean and the work of Less Plastic is Fantastic multiply the organization's environmental management efforts and the recovery and preservation of critical ecosystems on the southern beaches.

“The collaboration with Royal Caribbean represents a significant step forward in our mission to protect the coasts and marine life of Quintana Roo,” said Ana del Pilar Antillanca, director of Less Plastic is Fantastic. “Thanks to this generous donation, we can expand our cleanup and environmental education activities, engaging the community in the preservation of our natural environment. This strengthens our local efforts and highlights the importance of working together in the fight against plastic pollution,” Antillanca emphasized.

Through 2025, Royal Caribbean has allocated $90,000 to support initiatives focused on ocean protection and environmental education. In January, the company announced it would allocate $50,000 for a comprehensive project that includes the restoration of 20 hectares of mangroves, dunes, and seagrass beds in partnership with MARES Center, an organization dedicated to the restoration and conservation of key ecosystems in Mahahual, Quintana Roo.

These actions reinforce Royal Caribbean's commitment to sustainable development, contribution, and community service, in line with the upcoming opening of its new destinations in Mexico: Royal Beach Club Cozumel, scheduled to open in 2026, and Perfect Day Mexico, scheduled to open in 2027. In both destinations, vacationers will enjoy the perfect combination of the Royal Caribbean experience with the rich culture of Mexico.

For more than three decades, Royal Caribbean Group has pioneered environmental initiatives within the cruise industry, with programs like Save the Waves and the addition of its first-ever Environmental Officer on board. Today, the company continues to innovate and connect people with the world's most beautiful destinations in a way that respects and protects both the oceans and the communities it visits. A focus on its "SEA the Future" initiative drives it to conserve the planet, support communities, and accelerate sustainability innovation.

Fuente: Royal Caribbean.