Coral Restoration in the Florida Keys

Key Largo, FL, USA

BP
Blue Planet Scuba
  • Email address verified
159 reviews
Sep 21 - 25, 2019
Group size: 11 - 22
Coral Restoration in the Florida Keys
Key Largo, FL, USA

Blue Planet Scuba
  • Email address verified
159 reviews

Sep 21 - 25, 2019
Group size: 11 - 22

About this trip

Join Blue Planet in the Florida Keys for two days of hands-on training in coral reef restoration and monitoring with the Coral Restoration Foundation plus one day of recreational diving. This is your chance to “get your hands dirty” and give back to the beautiful coral reefs that we all love!


CORAL RESTORATION

We’ll be volunteering with the Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF), a non-profit conservation organization created to develop offshore coral nurseries and reef restoration programs for critically endangered coral reefs at local, national and international levels.


On Monday and Tuesday mornings, we will learn about coral nursery operations, coral restoration techniques and coral monitoring procedures. We’ll then apply what we learn on two afternoon dives at a staghorn nursery and restoration sites. By the end of the trip, you will qualify for the optional PADI Coral Restoration Distinctive Specialty.


On Sunday morning, we’ll dive on wrecks and reefs to get a taste of the great diving in Key Largo. Want to dive more? Jump back in Sunday or Tuesday afternoon. Or add on extra days at the end of the trip.


THE DIVING

The 120-mile Florida Keys island chain is home to the continental United States’ only living-coral barrier reef. This teeming backbone of marine life runs the length of the Keys about five miles offshore and offers easy access to beautiful reefs and impressive wrecks.

 

We’ll be diving with Conch Republic Divers in Tavernier with access to the reefs from the southern edge of Pennekamp Park off of Key Largo down to Alligator Light just south of Islamorada. This gives us access to some of the best scuba diving in the Florida Keys including Molasses Reef, Pickles Reef, the Conch Reef System, Davis, Crocker, Victory and many, many others. We can also dive the major wrecks in the area, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Duane and Bibb, Spiegel Grove and the Eagle.


ACCOMMODATIONS

We’ll be staying at the Marina del Mar Resort, right on the marina and only 8 miles from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Each marina view room comes with 2 double beds and a common balcony facing the marina, plus mini-fridge and coffeemaker. There’s also free WiFi, a fitness center, outdoor pool and more. Parking is included as is a light continental breakfast.


TRAVEL

Fly into Fort Lauderdale or Miami on Saturday, September 21st and drive down to Key Largo. We’ll be staying at the Marina del Mar Resort, right on the marina and walking-distance from a few great restaurants. You can fly back on Wednesday, September 25th — just be sure you give yourself 18-24 hours after your last dive! Fly on Southwest out of DCA for only $350 and get 2 free checked bags. We can help coordinate carpooling/rental cars too.


Please check in with Blue Planet staff before booking flights. Or if you need assistance with flights, just let us know!

Cancellation Policy

Upon cancellation of a reservation for any reason, the refund of the deposit and payments made or due will be contingent upon Blue Planet reselling the participant's reservation. Any refund may also be subject to a $100 cancellation fee and payment of any non-refundable fees imposed by the tour company, dive operator or any other contractor associated with the trip. 


Dive accident insurance is required for all divers on this trip. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your vacation investment. Contact us if you need more information. 

What’s included

  • 4 nights accommodations
    Single or shared rooms available
  • 4 CRF dives
    2 days of 2-tank boat dives focused on Coral Restoration and Monitoring Training
  • 2 recreational dives
    1 morning of local wreck and reef diving

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    Book your flight to Miami or Fort Lauderdale
  • Ground transportation
    You'll need to rent a car to get to Key Largo, or hook up with other divers on the trip and carpool
  • Scuba equipment
    Only tanks and weights included; rental gear available
  • Tips
    Tips for the boat's excellent crew
  • Meals
    There are a ton of great options at and near the hotel

Available Packages

Standard Room, Double Occupancy

Double occupancy in a Standard room with two double beds, bathroom, television, mini fridge.


Bringing a non-diving companion? Contact us for pricing!

$845
Deposit:$400
Standard Room, Single Occupancy

 Single occupancy in a Standard room with two double beds, bathroom, television, mini fridge. 

 

Bringing a non-diving companion? Contact us for pricing!

$1,230
Deposit:$400

Available options

Sunday afternoon boat dives
$75
Tuesday afternoon boat dives
$75
PADI Coral Restoration Specialty
$150


Itinerary

Saturday
Arrival in Key Largo

Fly into Fort Lauderdale or Miami and drive down to Key Largo. Check into hotel and dive shop. Dinner with the group.

Your Organizer


BP
Blue Planet Scuba
159 reviews
Blue Planet is a different kind of scuba diving organization — aimed at providing the best education and experiences to divers in the Washington, DC area and beyond, while harnessing the excitement and adventure of scuba diving to help protect our fragile oceans.

Reviews

SS
Cold water wonder is an understatement! The diving was beautiful, the resort was scenic, and the food was amazing. I highly recommend getting dry suit certified to be able to do this trip. Heather and Jonas did a great job leading the trip, making sure everyone had a great time.
By Solomon S for Cold Water Wonders at God's Pocket Resort on Oct 07, 2024
It was a great diving trip. I enjoyed the group. Anthony from Blue Planet was a great, and very knowledgeable organizer and trip lead. His experience and knowledge as a Dive Instructor also became very evident. I enjoyed the trip.
By William W for Weekend Getaway in Grenada on Oct 05, 2024
JK
Diving in Grenada was an incredible experience - likely my favorite dives I've done. Anthony was an excellent trip organizer and guide, the dive shop staff was fantastic, and Grenada itself has a lot to offer including beautiful beaches, great food, rum distilleries, chocolate factories, and a ton of hiking opportunities. I'll definitely be returning if Blue Planet does another trip in the future.
By Jonathan K for Weekend Getaway in Grenada on Oct 05, 2024
Another stellar dive trip with Blue Planet, my seventh! The scenery was stunning and the diving was excellent! Kudos to Heather for wrangling 14 adult with aplomb, whilst running certification courses, adapting to schedule changes, and enjoying the whole experience with us at the same time. The boat and dive crew were fabulous, very down to earth and attentive. The resort staff and food were wonderful too, so were the resorts non-diving activities. Definitely a trip for the memory books. Can't wait for another BP dive trip in 2025!
By Stephen M for St Lucia: Coral Spawning Magic on Oct 01, 2024
This was our fourth trip with Blue Planet and it was another great one! They do such a wonderful job of handling all the trip logistics and picking out excellent dive shops. The local St. Lucian dive crew was one of the best we've had!
By Alan W for St Lucia: Coral Spawning Magic on Sep 06, 2024
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References

Blue planet is absolutely spectacular - I try to go on at least one trip a year with them! They've taught me everything I know about diving and show incredible care and dedication to their divers. The trips are absolutely incredible; I wish it was possible to rate them six stars instead of five! I cannot recommend them highly enough and intend to keep diving with them for years to come.
By Rachel D on 25 Aug, 2024