What is reef-safe sunscreen and what type of sunscreen should I bring?​

We ask that aerosol spray and tinted sunscreens are not used onboard as they can damage our boat. We’ve got reef-safe sunscreen available for you to use onboard, and also purchase in our Renegades Shop, if needed.

Coral reefs are the most biodiverse, yet fragile, ecosystems on the planet, and while some of SXM’s have been damaged by hurricanes, there are colourful corals to explore and protect. The ingredients found in some sunscreens are dangerous to coral reefs and other marine life. It’s estimated that 14,000 tons of sunscreen are deposited into the world’s oceans annually, so choosing the right sunscreen is a simple step we can take to protect coral reefs.

The harmful ingredients in sunscreen to avoid are Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. Additionally, look out for Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, and Octocrylene. The safest sunscreen is biodegradable and made from minerals, instead of chemicals. We recommend using brands with non-nano Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient.