A project born of love for the oceans

Just as nature offers us protection, we strive to care for the natural environment of our hotels and the coastlines of our destinations. Through our Ocean Love focus area, part of our Iberostar Wave of Change movement, we work to maintain a healthy ocean, from the coral reefs in the Caribbean to the Posidonia seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean.

That is why we have launched a project to raise awareness about the marine environment through the lens of Rafael Fernández Caballero, one of the most internationally renowned underwater photographers. Produced in collaboration with National Geographic Traveler magazine, Rafael invites us to discover the natural richness of the oceans and the fragility of their ecosystems.

The initiative is part of the 30/30 Target, the international commitment agreed upon at the 2022 Montreal Biodiversity Summit to conserve 30% of the world's ocean area by 2030. Marine and coastal ecosystems play a vital role in mitigating climate change by absorbing 25% of all carbon emissions and regulating heat.
 

a man riding a bike

Rafael Fernández Caballero

The project's protagonist is Rafael Fernández Caballero, a contributor to National Geographic and winner of awards such as Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024, Underwater Photographer of the Year 2022, and CMAS World Champion 2017 and 2023.

Rafael's relationship with Iberostar began in 2012, when he participated in his first international underwater photography competition in Cozumel, Mexico. He came in second place, and his father, who was also participating, came in third. Since then, he has dedicated his life to exploring the oceans and capturing, through his camera, the beauty and fragility of the underwater world.


A passion he himself sums up in one sentence: “I don’t say I have my feet on the ground, but rather my fins in the water. And that’s where I want to be.”
 

Destinations

Riviera Maya and Cozumel, Mexico

In Cozumel, the project focuses on photographing and filming the deep-sea fauna: giant sponges, sea fans, and schools of fish that coexist with green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and the Cozumel toadfish. The coral reefs are also being photographed; their richness and vibrant colors make them one of the destination's main attractions, and Iberostar is also working on several conservation projects there.

 

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Balearic Islands

We showcase the difference between protected and unprotected areas, highlighting the richness of their underwater landscapes and the importance of their conservation.

In these waters, we also document the presence of cetaceans such as pilot whales, dolphins, and even sperm whales. Furthermore, we will emphasize Posidonia oceanica, a keystone species for the ecosystem, responsible for generating a large portion of the Mediterranean's oxygen.

Baja California, Mexico - Coming soon...

In the Mexican Pacific, described by Cousteau as "the Aquarium of the World," the project is being developed in the Revillagigedo Archipelago and the Sea of ​​Cortez.

In these settings, authentic natural spectacles are documented, such as concentrations of manta rays and sharks, in addition to the rich biodiversity that characterizes the region.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Coming soon...

In Punta Cana, the project will take place in one of the most representative environments of the Caribbean, where it is possible to document coral reefs teeming with biodiversity.

In this environment, the marine life inhabiting these ecosystems will be recorded, including colorful fish and a wide variety of other species. If conditions permit, we may also be able to photograph humpback whales as they pass through the area.

Returning to Cozumel is like going back to where my relationship with the ocean

"If we don't protect the oceans, their wealth will be lost forever."

"Telling stories about the connections between specific places"

"Initiatives that allow for the active recovery of what was lost"

"We show that independent ecosystems are part of a connected network"

Rafael Fernández Caballero

Ocean Photographer of the year 2024

This is what the oceans look like

Iberostar Wave of Change

In 2017, we launched Iberostar Wave of Change, a movement born with the specific goal of caring for the ocean. Today, it has evolved into our roadmap, which focuses on positive strategies to promote a responsible tourism model both within and beyond our hotels.

In our commitment to advancing responsible tourism, we develop various initiatives aimed at protecting and regenerating marine ecosystems in the destinations where we operate. Through conservation and research projects, we work to preserve biodiversity, restore key habitats, and reduce our impact on the marine environment.

Restoration of reefs and coral nurseries

At Iberostar, we are working to restore coral reefs with three marine nurseries in Playa Paraíso and Cozumel, where 12 key species are already being propagated to revitalize damaged ecosystems. In addition, our Coral Lab is researching corals resistant to climate change and disease, helping to protect marine biodiversity and the future of the oceans. These three nurseries are part of our restoration project, which already includes seven coral nurseries along the Caribbean coast.

Mangrove conservation

Iberostar protects mangrove areas at the Paraíso Resort to help curb coastal erosion and safeguard ocean health. Thanks to their dense roots, mangroves act as natural barriers against waves and filter the water flowing into the sea, helping to preserve key ecosystems such as coral reefs. Iberostar also works with mangroves in other destinations, such as the Dominican Republic.

Turtle protection

Iberostar collaborates in the protection of sea turtles by monitoring nests on its hotel beaches and relocating them to safe areas when necessary. During nesting season, it also adapts beach management and lighting to facilitate the turtles' journey and help the hatchlings reach the sea safely.

Protection of Posidonia Oceanica

At Iberostar, we also support research and restoration of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean to strengthen their conservation in the face of climate change. Considered the "lungs of the Mediterranean," Posidonia is key to maintaining crystal-clear waters, protecting coastlines from erosion, and providing refuge for thousands of marine species. Without it, Mallorca's ecosystem would collapse.