Coral Restoration in the Florida Keys

Key Largo, FL, USA

BP
Blue Planet Scuba
  • Email address verified
170 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
170 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
170 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

RL
Where to even begin….This was such a great trip! Heather and Jonas made Raja Ampat a stellar experience, from communicating what visas and health forms we needed to organizing an optional tour guide in Jakarta (where most of us had a long layover). It was a wonderful experience with no hiccups. The only thing I wished we had done was one of the post-trip experiences (diving other parts of Indonesia) that Blue Planet offered!
By Rachel L for Raja Ampat, Indonesia Liveaboard on Feb 23, 2025
RG
Wonderful experience diving Raja Ampat on Aggressor with Blue Planet. Heather and Jonas make it look so easy. Raja Ampat is extraordinary, so many endemic species. Highly recommend! (just not all at once, okay?)
By Robert G for Raja Ampat, Indonesia Liveaboard on Feb 22, 2025
MT
Raja Ampat was beyond my expectations! I had the most amazing experience, did some incredible diving, met new dive colleagues and by far my favorite destination to date. I am very thankful for the opportunity to have experienced such a well-executed trip put together by Blue Planet and the team. I look forward to my next adventure!
By Marie T for Raja Ampat, Indonesia Liveaboard on Feb 16, 2025
Lots of fun and great people
By Janet D for Weekend Getaway to Belize on Jan 31, 2025
Belize is a quiet spot for diving. The trip was well organized and there were several opportunities to dive on the trip. There is not a lot of other things to do, but the food at the hotel and the local restaurants was excellent. I was a new diver and I’d say the diving here is better suited for advanced divers. For example, you must have advanced open water certification in order to experience the blue hole, and entry into the water was rough due to the strong currents. But the dive shop staff and instructors were excellent and the marine life was gorgeous. Many, many sharks! I had a good time and will definitely consider another Blue Planet dive trip.
By Christine D for Weekend Getaway to Belize on Jan 31, 2025
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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