Reef-Safe Products, Conservation &
Responsible Dive Travel

As divers, we’re guests in fragile marine environments, and our choices matter. From the sunscreen and defog we use to how we behave underwater, every decision has an impact. This guide covers practical, realistic steps you can take to reduce your footprint and travel more responsibly as a diver.

I've come up with my own personal Responsible Diver Code of Conduct so I can articulate what I believe and how I try to behave.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen Isn’t Optional

Many popular sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that contribute to coral bleaching and marine toxicity, even in small amounts. Choosing a reef-safe option helps protect the underwater ecosystems we travel to see.

What to Avoid:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate
• Nano zinc or titanium dioxide

What to Look For:

• Non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient
• Biodegradable formulas without petroleum-based ingredients
• Packaging labeled “reef-safe” or “Hawaii-compliant”

What I Use:
I carry Stream2Sea, which meets reef-safe standards, but I mostly rely on sun shirts with hoods and wide-brimmed hats. Sunscreen should be the backup, not the primary plan.

If you’re unsure what’s truly reef-safe, look for “Protect Land + Sea Certified” on the label.

Eco-Friendly Mask Defog Options

Most store-bought defogs contain surfactants or preservatives that aren’t great for coral reefs, especially at busy sites where dozens or hundreds of divers enter daily.

Better Alternatives:

• Stream2Sea’s reef-safe mask defog (biodegradable and marine-safe)
• Avoid baby shampoo. It’s not reef-safe, despite what some divers claim
• Spit is technically reef-safe, but not everyone finds it effective

If you’ve already switched to reef-safe sunscreen, changing your defog is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.

Don’t Touch, Don’t Chase, Don’t Feed

Let’s be blunt: stop touching, poking, chasing, or feeding marine life.

• Coral and sponges are living organisms, not decorations
• Fish don’t need you to “interact” with them
• Feeding disrupts behavior, damages ecosystems, and encourages aggression

I never purposely touch marine life and I avoid dive ops that encourage it. It physically angers me when I see people poking or grabbing animals just to get a closer photo. I understand the context of shark feeding operations, but I still believe most marine life should be left entirely alone.

Reduce Waste on Every Trip (Thoughtfully)

Waste reduction on dive trips isn’t just about eliminating plastic, it’s about being intentional with what you bring and how you use it.

• Bring a refillable water bottle (I use a metal one) to cut down on bottled water in remote areas
• Use dry bags or durable packing cubes instead of disposable ziplocks
• Choose reef-safe soap, shampoo, and conditioner if you're rinsing gear or showering near the ocean

When it comes to plastic cutlery or straws, it’s not always simple:

Properly disposed single-use plastic may have less impact than poorly maintained or improperly washed reusables.

If you go reusable, be sure you can wash and dry them properly during your trip.

The issue isn’t plastic itself, it’s how we use and discard it. Responsible disposal matters more than rigid rules.

Choose Dive Operators That Protect the Dive Environment

Not every dive shop prioritizes sustainability, but some go above and beyond:

• Limit group sizes and enforce buoyancy control
• Educate guests about local marine life and conservation zones
• Use mooring buoys to avoid anchor damage
• Avoid feeding wildlife or promoting “petting zoo” experiences

You can also look for dive centers that support local conservation or coral restoration efforts. Some operators offer tours or volunteer days where you can assist in replanting coral fragments or maintaining underwater nurseries. These programs are often supported by marine parks or NGOs and give divers a way to contribute directly.

I haven’t specifically chosen dive operators based on their eco-practices in the past, but I know I can do better. This is something I’m trying to figure out how to actually do for future trips.

Common Diver Mistakes That Harm the Dive Environment

Some behaviors are so common that they’ve become “normal,” but they still harm marine life or degrade dive sites.

• Don’t anchor on reefs or seagrass. If your operator isn’t using mooring buoys, ask why.
• Don’t grab coral or rocks for balance. Work on your trim and buoyancy instead as your skills should protect the environment, not damage it.
• Don’t crowd animals for photos. The shot isn’t worth stressing out marine life.
• Don’t encourage others to poke or chase wildlife. It’s not funny, educational, or harmless.
• Don’t let fin kicks or camera gear drag across coral. Poor trim and control can break delicate reef structures. Keep your body and equipment streamlined at all times.

The marine environment isn’t a petting zoo. It’s a shared space so act like a respectful visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions