Reef Rescue
Expeditions

Coral restoration diving is a specialized form of scuba diving where certified divers actively participate in rebuilding and regenerating coral reef ecosystems. Unlike recreational diving, coral restoration diving involves hands-on conservation work such as maintaining underwater coral nurseries, fragmenting healthy corals for propagation, and outplanting nursery-grown corals onto degraded reef sites. At Perry Institute for Marine Science, our coral restoration diving expeditions combine PADI specialty certification with real-world restoration activities guided by marine scientists, allowing divers to make a measurable contribution to reef recovery while experiencing world-class Caribbean dive sites.

Participants in our Reef Rescue Expeditions must hold a minimum of PADI Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent from another certifying agency) and be comfortable diving to depths of 30-60 feet. Prior experience with buoyancy control is highly beneficial since coral restoration diving requires careful maneuvering around delicate reef structures. During the expedition, all participants will complete our PADI "Reef Rescue Diver" specialty course, which provides comprehensive training in coral nursery techniques, fragment handling, and outplanting protocols. No prior coral restoration experience is required—our marine science team provides all the specialized training you need.

Coral restoration diving accelerates natural reef recovery through a scientifically-proven process called coral gardening. Divers help maintain underwater nurseries where coral fragments grow 2-4 times faster than on natural reefs. Once mature, these corals are outplanted onto degraded reef areas, jumpstarting ecosystem recovery. Perry Institute for Marine Science has planted over 15,000 corals across the Caribbean, with 15 years of monitoring data demonstrating significant increases in coral cover, fish populations, and overall reef health at restoration sites. Each expedition participant directly contributes to this work—the corals you plant during your trip will be monitored and tracked as part of our long-term restoration program.

Perry Institute's Reef Rescue Network operates coral restoration diving programs across multiple Caribbean locations including The Bahamas, St. Lucia, Barbados, and Grenada. Our 2026 Reef Rescue Expeditions feature Small Hope Bay Lodge on Andros Island (May and November 2026), the Coral Restoration Training Series in Nassau (June, July, and August 2026), and Forfar Field Station on Andros (Spring and Winter 2027), plus Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos (April 2027). Each destination offers unique diving experiences—from the pristine reefs and crystal-clear waters of the Abacos to the world's 3rd largest barrier reef on Andros, complete with blue holes and vibrant marine ecosystems. Our network of 41 coral nurseries means expedition participants engage with active, long-term restoration projects with proven track records of success.

Our week-long Reef Rescue Expeditions blend coral restoration diving with world-class recreational diving and marine science education. A typical expedition includes: PADI Reef Rescue Diver specialty certification, multiple coral nursery maintenance dives, hands-on outplanting sessions where you'll attach coral fragments to reef substrates, guided recreational dives at premier local sites (wrecks, walls, and reef formations), evening presentations from PIMS marine scientists, and luxury accommodations at carefully selected partner resorts. You'll work directly alongside coral restoration specialists while experiencing the best diving each destination has to offer—returning home with new skills, a PADI specialty certification, and the knowledge that you've made a lasting contribution to reef conservation.

While reef cleanups remove debris and invasive species, coral restoration diving actively rebuilds reef structure by growing and transplanting living corals. It's the difference between tidying a garden and actually planting new trees. Coral restoration diving requires specialized training in coral biology, nursery maintenance, and outplanting techniques—skills you'll learn through our PADI specialty course. The corals planted during restoration dives become permanent additions to the reef ecosystem, providing habitat for fish, protecting coastlines from storms, and supporting biodiversity for decades to come. Perry Institute's restoration sites show measurable improvements in coral cover and fish abundance, demonstrating the long-term impact of this active regeneration approach.

Reef Rescue Expeditions are led by Perry Institute for Marine Science's team of coral restoration specialists and marine biologists, many of whom have dedicated their careers to Caribbean reef conservation. Our expedition leaders include PADI-certified instructors with specialized coral restoration credentials, ensuring you receive both the highest quality dive training and cutting-edge restoration education. You'll also work alongside local dive operators from our Reef Rescue Network—experienced professionals who maintain the coral nurseries year-round and know their reef systems intimately. This combination of scientific expertise and local knowledge creates an unparalleled coral restoration diving experience.