Full Day Hands-on Dive Program Restoration Adventure!
Turn a dive into direct conservation on a full-day Coral Restoration program operating from Tavernier, Florida. Learn from Coral Restoration Foundation™ crews, work in a Coral Tree™ nursery, and help outplant corals on Florida’s Coral Reef.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to carry basic gear, climb onto boats, and perform repeated shallow dives or surface work.
Wildlife
History
The Florida Keys and portions of the reef fall under long-standing regional protections, including the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (established 1990), which frames modern restoration efforts.
Conservation
Work focuses on low-impact, repeatable techniques; visitors are encouraged to use reef-safe products, avoid anchoring on reefs, and follow crew guidance to minimize disturbance.
Coral Restoration Foundation
Full Day Hands-on Dive Program Restoration Adventure!
Coral Restoration Foundation, based in Tavernier, Florida, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring coral reef ecosystems through science-based restoration, public engagement, and volunteer programs. The foundation cultivates coral fragments in offshore and in-water nurseries, conducts outplanting and monitoring on restored reef sites, and advances best practices for reef recovery. Public experiences include Coralpalooza events, boat-based restoration dives with local dive operators, and full-day programs that let participants work directly in nurseries, assist with coral planting, and learn monitoring techniques.
Programs are designed for divers, snorkelers, students, volunteers, and community groups seeking hands-on conservation opportunities. Coralpalooza is presented as a multi-day global event that mobilizes volunteers and partners to celebrate World Oceans Day with reef restoration activities. Boat-based experiences listed from local operators provide accessible ways to join restoration efforts in the Florida Keys region. Educational materials, volunteer training, and site monitoring support the foundation's restoration goals and provide measurable field experience.
The organization collaborates with regional partners, dive operators, and community stakeholders to scale restoration efforts while maintaining scientific oversight. Volunteer opportunities are structured and supervised to ensure safety and ecological best practices. Public participation supports ongoing reef resilience work and helps connect visitors to local marine conservation. For travelers seeking meaningful ocean experiences in the Florida Keys, Coral Restoration Foundation offers guided, field-based programs that combine education with tangible reef recovery actions. Programs accommodate varying experience levels, include certified-diver options and snorkel-friendly activities, and often offer opportunities to learn about coral biology and reef ecology in the Keys.
Location
Tavernier, FL
Based in the Florida Keys
Tours Offered
11 experiences
Boat, dive, and full-day programs
Signature Program
Coralpalooza™
Multi-day global reef event
Volunteer Focus
Hands-on restoration
Nurseries, planting, monitoring
Reserve a Coralpalooza™ spot or book a boat-based restoration experience in Tavernier, Florida to make a measurable difference for local reefs.
Bring certification documents
Carry your scuba certification card and logbook; operators will verify credentials before in-water tasks.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen before arrival to avoid harming coral and marine life.
Prepare for a full day on the water
Expect 6–8 hours including boat transfers—hydrate, eat a solid breakfast, and secure seasickness meds if needed.
Listen to crew instructions
Follow handling and buoyancy guidance precisely; careful technique keeps coral fragments alive and the program scientific.
SCUBA certification card
Required for participating divers—operators verify credentials before dives.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while avoiding chemicals that stress corals.
summer
Mask, snorkel, fins
Comfortable fit improves your ability to observe and assist at the surface or while diving.
Waterproof logbook and pen
Record observations and measurements that support monitoring protocols.