Marine tourism, especially in coral reef ecosystems, is an expanding global industry generating billions in economic income and supporting livelihoods in coastal communities. However, the growth of marine-based recreation—including boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, cruise tourism, and coastal resort development—creates substantial anthropogenic pressure on fragile coral ecosystems. This study evaluates the ecological impacts of marine tourism on coral reefs and explores sustainable frameworks to protect biodiversity while supporting local economies.

A mixed-method analysis combining ecological surveys across five coral destinations (N = 1,200 reef observation sessions), tourist behavior analysis (N = 3,000 respondents), and policy evaluations reveals significant coral degradation linked to uncontrolled tourism. Coral breakage, sedimentation, sunscreen chemical exposure, boat anchoring, and wastewater discharge were the most detrimental impacts. Sustainable marine tourism, when implemented with strict regulation, ecological zoning, and community co-management, can reduce coral stress by 40–60% while maintaining economic benefits.