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Marine Conservation & Snorkeling at Carysfort Reef with Coral Restoration Foundation - Key Largo

Marine Conservation & Snorkeling at Carysfort Reef with Coral Restoration Foundation

Key Largo

Difficulty

Duration

Fitness Level

Overview

Join the Coral Restoration Foundation at Carysfort Reef for a hands-on experience that combines snorkeling with reef preservation. Discover the vibrant marine life while actively helping restore Florida's coral ecosystems.

Key Largo, Florida

Coral Restoration Foundation Dive & Snorkel Program

Starting at $85 | 4.5 Hours

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Adventure Photos

Coral Restoration Foundation Dive & Snorkel Program photo 1

About This Adventure

Join the Coral Restoration Dive Program at Carysfort Reef and make a difference for Florida's coral reefs! This unique 4.5-hour experience combines education with hands-on training, allowing you to actively participate in coral restoration efforts. Dive or snorkel while learning vital techniques to help preserve these underwater ecosystems.

Reserve your spot to save Florida Key's coral reefs today!


Rates

Scuba Diver: Starting at $110 (Prices varies on scuba equipment being rented)

Snorkeler: Starting at $85 (Prices varies on snorkel equipment being rented)

Duration

4.5 Hours

About

Coral Restoration Dive Program with Silent World

Join Coral Restoration Foundation & Silent World Dive Center at Carysfort Reef, our showcase restoration site and home of our second largest Coral Tree™ nursery.

How to start:

You can start now by reserving your spot through our online booking system.

What are the requirements for the Coral Restoration Foundation Dive Program?

  • You must have at minimum the PADI Junior Open Water Diver Certification
  • The minimum age to dive or snorkel in the program is 10 years old.
  • For divers under the age of 18 a parent guardian must be with them during the dive at all times
  • The classroom session at Coral Restoration Foundation the morning of the dive trip unless you have done the program within the last 9 months. If this is the case you can register just for the dive portion in the afternoon.
  • You MUST have dove within 12 months. (If not we can provide a refresher program to bring your Scuba Certification current during the dive trip with Coral Restoration Foundation. If this is the case please contact Silent World Dive Center to book via phone or email.)

What will your schedule look like?

Classroom Session & Hands-on training starts at 8:00 AM at the Coral Restoration Foundation™ Exploration Center at 5 Seagate Boulevard Key Largo.

All Coral Restoration Foundation™ Restoration Adventure dive programs begin with a morning of education, which includes a presentation about CRF’s restoration work and mock hands-on land practice of restoration techniques.

There will be a break for lunch before check-in at the dive shop at 12:15 PM.

In the afternoon, weather permitting, we will put that practice to work by either working to maintain one of our coral nurseries, monitoring coral for survivor-ship and/or coral out-planting!

The activities we do can not be guaranteed as they are dictated by the day’s weather conditions and what work needs to be accomplished!

This program incurs the dive operator cost (booking cost & needed equipment rental cost), However a $50 donation per person is required to the Coral Restoration Foundation™.

Adventure Tips

Stay hydrated and wear reef-safe sunscreen

Bright sun and saltwater can lead to dehydration — remember to bring water and avoid harmful sunscreens.

Listen carefully during the briefing

Pay close attention to instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness during coral restoration activities.

Use reef-safe gear

Ensure your snorkeling or diving gear is eco-friendly to avoid damaging fragile corals.

Respect marine life

Maintain a respectful distance from fish and corals to protect these delicate ecosystems.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Green sea turtles
  • Queen angelfish

History

Carysfort Reef has protected status since the 1960s, helping conserve its unique coral ecosystems.

Conservation

The Coral Restoration Foundation’s work at Carysfort Reef supports reef resilience through science-backed restoration projects.

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Adventure Hotspots in Key Largo

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Snorkel mask and fins

Essential

Essential for comfortable and effective snorkeling to observe the reef's marine life.

summer specific

Reef-safe sunscreen

Essential

Protects your skin without harming corals or marine organisms.

spring;summer;fall;winter specific

Wetsuit or rash guard

Helps maintain warmth during cooler water months and protects against sun exposure.

winter specific

Underwater camera

Capture vivid underwater scenes and marine encounters.

spring;summer;fall;winter specific