Coral Nursery Scuba Adventure in Key West, Florida
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition able to manage entry, exit, and moderate underwater activity.
Overview
Join Southpoint Divers in Key West for a unique scuba adventure that helps protect coral reefs. Experience hands-on coral restoration and dive into Florida’s vibrant reef ecosystems.
Coral Nursery / Out-planting
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join us for a unique opportunity to protect the Florida Keys' coral reefs! Start your day with hands-on education at the Coral Restoration Foundation™ and dive into the vibrant underwater world. Experience coral cleaning and restoration firsthand, making a meaningful impact while exploring the beauty of the ocean.
We are joining forces with Coral Restoration Foundation™ to preserve our 3rd largest barrier reef. Dive into the immersive experience at the Key West nursery and nearby restoration site.
Help us preserve our Florida Keys Reefs with an immersive experience at the Key West coral nursery and nearby restoration site.
9:00AM Begin your day with hands-on education at the Coral Restoration Foundation™ Key West Exploration Center.
12:30PM Check in at Southpoint Divers dive shop.
The Afternoon 2-tank dive will include the first tank at the CRF™ nursery cleaning and observing the coral trees. The second tank at a nearby reef, an active restoration site, for outplanting and monitoring. (Restoration activities are weather dependent for the safety of the coral and the divers.)
This program incurs a dive cost to Southpoint Divers and a separate donation to Coral Restoration Foundation™, which is made on site during the morning session at CRF.
Learn more about the program: https://www.coralrestoration.org/dive-programs
Adventure Tips
Practice Neutral Buoyancy
Maintaining good buoyancy control protects delicate corals during your dive.
Stay Hydrated Before Diving
Florida’s subtropical climate means staying hydrated is crucial to avoid fatigue.
Respect Marine Wildlife
Observe but do not touch or disturb marine animals to protect the reef ecosystem.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Apply biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen to minimize environmental impact.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Spotted Eagle Ray
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle
History
The Florida Keys coral reefs have been impacted by storms and human activity; restoration efforts began in earnest in the early 2000s to revive this vital ecosystem.
Conservation
Southpoint Divers partners with the Coral Restoration Foundation™ to promote sustainable diving practices and hands-on reef rehabilitation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Key West
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Open Water Certified Dive Gear
Standard scuba equipment is required to safely participate in the underwater coral restoration activities.
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin while ensuring no harmful chemicals enter the delicate reef ecosystem.
summer specific
Lightweight Rash Guard
Provides protection from sun and minor scrapes during surface intervals.
spring specific
Underwater Slate or Dive Notebook
Useful for recording notes or observations while working on coral restoration underwater.