Coral eSIM

Coral Reef Diving Spot Crisis Map 2026

How healthy are the reefs at your next dive destination?

The 4th Global Coral Bleaching Event (2023-2025) has impacted 84% of the world's coral reefs - the worst event on record.

This report covers the current health status, crisis levels, and environmental regulations at 10 of the world's most popular diving destinations.

A guide for divers who want to understand the ocean's reality and travel in a way that protects coral reefs.

  • Critical
  • Severe
  • Warning
  • Good

coral-esim.com

April 2026

Asia-Pacific Region

  • Critical
  • Severe
  • Warning
  • Good

Great Barrier Reef

Australia
Critical
  • 2024: Worst bleaching on record (5th event in 8 years). All 3 regions affected
  • 2025: Back-to-back bleaching confirmed. 6th mass event since 2016
  • 33% of marine park is no-take zone. Reef tax AUD 7-8 per visitor
  • Reef-safe sunscreen recommended (not mandatory)

Maldives

Indian Ocean
Severe
  • 2024 El Niño pushed SSTs to 31-32°C. Shallow reef bleaching rate: 60-80%
  • Mortality rate 10-30%. Some resorts altered diving routes
  • Green tax USD 6/day for tourists
  • No national sunscreen ban (voluntary resort-level policies only)

Palau

Micronesia
Good
  • 2024 impacts relatively mild. Rock Islands Southern Lagoon in good condition
  • One of the world's most advanced marine protection systems
  • 80% of EEZ is marine sanctuary. Environmental fee USD 100
  • World's first sunscreen ban (10 chemicals, confiscated at customs)

※ 'Palau Pledge' signed by all visitors upon entry

Raja Ampat

Indonesia
Good
  • World's highest marine biodiversity (~75% of all known coral species)
  • 2024 bleaching moderate. Deep, current-swept sites showed resilience
  • Entry fee USD 65/year. Shark & manta ray sanctuaries established
  • Mandatory guides in some areas

Okinawa (Sekisei / Kerama)

Japan
Critical
  • 2024: ~90% of shallow-water corals perished. Sekisei Lagoon worst on record
  • Kerama also affected. Crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks compound damage
  • Kerama Shoto National Park (designated 2014). No sunscreen regulations
  • Local dive shops enforce voluntary no-touch rules

Caribbean, Hawaii, Red Sea & Others

  • Critical
  • Severe
  • Warning
  • Good

Caribbean

Cozumel / Bonaire / Belize
Critical
  • SCTLD (Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease) has spread to 20+ countries
  • Infected colony mortality rate: 60-100%. No known cure
  • Cozumel: No gloves, no coral contact, sunscreen regulations enforced
  • Bonaire: Diver fee USD 45/year. Sunscreen ban in effect

※ SCTLD is a more immediate threat than bleaching in the Caribbean

Hawaii

USA
Severe
  • Back-to-back bleaching in 2023-2024. Maui compounded by wildfire runoff
  • Kaneohe Bay showing partial recovery through 'super coral' research
  • First U.S. state to ban oxybenzone & octinoxate sunscreens (2021)
  • Hanauma Bay: Reservation required, 1,400/day cap, USD 25 entry fee

Red Sea

Egypt
Warning
  • Known as the 'Reef of Hope' - corals naturally adapted to high temperatures
  • However, bleaching observed in northern Red Sea in 2024. Overtourism a concern
  • Ras Mohammed National Park entry fee applies. Mooring buoy systems in place
  • No sunscreen regulations. Diver number caps under discussion

Seychelles

Indian Ocean
Severe
  • Lost ~90% of shallow coral in 1998. Major setback again in 2016
  • 2024 bleaching confirmed. Deeper and granitic sites more resilient
  • 30% ocean protection target (achieved via debt-for-nature swap)
  • Cousin Island coral restoration project: a notable success story

Philippines (Tubbataha)

Southeast Asia
Good
  • Tubbataha: 40-60% coral cover maintained. Liveaboard access only
  • Limited to ~1,000 divers per season (March-June). Strict permit system
  • Conservation fee USD 100. Mandatory ranger briefings
  • Guided dives only. Shark & manta sanctuaries in place

Reef-Safe Sunscreen Regulations Around the World

Reef-Safe Sunscreen Regulations Around the World

Palau

★★★

10 chemicals banned, confiscated at customs

Hawaii (USA)

★★★

Oxybenzone & octinoxate banned

Thailand

★★

Banned in all national marine parks

Mexico (Quintana Roo)

★★

Non-biodegradable sunscreen banned in marine parks

Bonaire

★★

Oxybenzone & octinoxate banned

Aruba

★★

Harmful chemical ingredients banned

Australia, Japan, Maldives, etc.

—

No regulations (voluntary / advisory only)

Diver's Coral Protection Checklist

  • Use reef-safe sunscreen (check your destination's regulations before you go)
  • Don't touch, stand on, or get too close to coral
  • Mind your fin kicks to avoid damaging coral
  • Follow marine protected area rules and pay conservation fees
  • Don't bring plastic waste into the ocean
  • Support local coral restoration projects through donations or participation

Your Data Usage Can Protect Coral Reefs

coral-esim donates 1 yen for every 1GB of eSIM data used to coral reef conservation efforts.

No physical SIM card needed - zero plastic waste.

Your travels can directly support the ocean you love.

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Sources: NOAA Coral Reef Watch, AIMS, ICRI, IUCN, Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Coral Restoration Foundation