Análisis ecoturístico de la actividad de snorkelling en Majayura (Cartagena, Colombia)

Coral reefs in Marine protected Areas are an important tourist attraction whose touristic overuse drives changes in its ecosystem structure as a result of the mechanical impacts generated by tourists. This work describes snorkelling activity of one trail in the Natural National Park of Corales del Rosario and San bernardo (Colombia) to identify management opportunities. We assessed benthic changes in two benthic transects, one in a touristic trail and the other without touristic activity. In order to describe the guides’ practices, we conducted participant observations and interviews to the crew of touristic boats. The results show no changes in percent cover of benthic components in each place but do show differences between both transects. Regarding tourist behavior, we recorded most contacts with the substrate at the beginning of the activity. based on these results, we present some suggestions to improve the activity conditions for both the conservation of the ecosystem and users.