Dive, snorkel, and restore coral reefs with your family, friends, or as a solo adventurer.
This is a week-long hands-on expedition that puts you in the water restoring real coral reefs alongside world-class specialists. It is perfect for families with certified divers and younger snorkelers, couples looking for an adventure with purpose, or independent travelers who would rather plant coral than sit by a pool.
Certified divers will earn their PADI Reef Rescue Diver Certification and AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty, learning hands-on nursery care, coral outplanting, and restoration techniques across 12 dives. Snorkelers get the full experience too, with a Reef Rescue Snorkel Experience and Certificate as they explore the reef from the surface and contribute to conservation alongside the dive team.
Beyond restoration, you will explore the famous dive and snorkel sites off the coast of Andros, including sections of the world’s third-largest fringing barrier reef, which stretches nearly 100 miles both north and south. Blue hole adventures, mangrove snorkels, bonfires on the beach, and lunch on secluded cays round out the week. This is not just a dive holiday. It is exploration, purpose, and seriously good diving rolled into one.
Discover how PIMS and the Reef Rescue Network are working to restore Caribbean coral reefs and why this work is critical for ocean health. Your participation directly contributes to this vital mission.
50+
Coral Nurseries
10,000s
Corals Planted
15+
Years Monitoring
Watch: The Reef Rescue Network in Action
Can’t Join Us This Time?
For just $10 a month – less than the cost of two morning coffees – you can plant one coral every single month. That is 12 new corals per year growing on Caribbean reefs, providing habitat for marine life and helping restore these vital ecosystems for future generations.
Become a Coral ChampionEvery coral counts. Every donor matters.
International Field Studies
Forfar Field Station is a rustic former dive resort nestled in a beachfront coconut grove on the east coast of Andros Island, the largest and least developed island in The Bahamas. Named after Archie Forfar who originally built it as a dive resort in the 1960s, the station has hosted over 50,000 students and visitors since 1970.
International Field Studies (IFS) is a nonprofit specializing in environmental education and experiential learning. Their year-round staff of environmental educators and certified dive instructors facilitate guided excursions, lectures, and conservation programs. The typical week at Forfar includes boat days snorkeling and diving the third largest fringing barrier reef in the world, the Tongue of the Ocean, and oceanic blue holes, plus land days exploring seven distinct plant communities, the largest concentration of freshwater blue holes in the world, endemic birds and reptiles, and local Androsian communities.
Learn more at intlfieldstudies.orgCertification Course
This hands-on course offers an in-depth and practical opportunity to familiarize yourself with the essential skills, specialized knowledge, established procedures, and overall enjoyment of coral restoration diving. Designed for divers passionate about marine conservation, this program moves beyond passive observation to active participation in vital reef recovery efforts.
Your dedicated Reef Rescue Diver Instructor will provide comprehensive education and training centered around the critical aspects of coral nurseries and outplanting. The curriculum is meticulously structured to cover a wide range of essential topics, ensuring a thorough understanding of the entire restoration process:
Snorkelers will follow the same curriculum from the surface, earning a Reef Rescue Snorkel Experience Certificate and participating fully in the conservation mission alongside the dive team.
Explore the world’s third-largest fringing barrier reef stretching nearly 100 miles along Andros. Dive and snorkel vibrant coral gardens, oceanic blue holes teeming with fish and finger corals, and reefs alive with marine life.
Conduct hands-on coral restoration by collecting corals from the nursery and outplanting them onto nearby reefs. Directly contribute to the recovery of these precious Bahamian ecosystems under expert guidance.
Divers earn their PADI Reef Rescue Diver specialty and AWARE Shark Conservation specialty. Snorkelers earn a Reef Rescue Snorkel Certificate.
Andros is home to the highest concentration of blue holes on Earth. Visit iconic inland blue holes for swimming, sightseeing, and an unforgettable afternoon adventure unique to this island.
Expedition strictly limited to 12 participants. This small group size ensures direct mentorship from PIMS coral restoration specialists and a highly personalized adventure. Perfect for families with a mix of divers and snorkelers, couples, and solo travelers alike.
A Full Week of Restoration and Discovery
Arrive at Forfar Field Station, settle into your cabin, and meet your coral restoration specialists and dive instructors at the welcome evening. Get to know others in the group.
Refresher check-out dive and a dive near the coral nursery. Afternoon land excursion or relaxing around the field station.
Dives at the Forfar coral nursery site with hands-on guidance planting corals you collect from the nursery. Afternoon fun dive, evening shark conservation presentation, and optional basket weaving with a local artist.
Continue planting corals from the nursery onto the nearby reef during morning dives. Afternoon dive completing the first of your AWARE Shark Conservation specialty dive.
Complete your coral restoration skills assisting in the nursery, followed by a second AWARE Shark Conservation specialty dive. Afternoon option of leisure activities around the station or a mangrove snorkel with Forfar staff.
Morning adventure dives exploring new reef sites. In the afternoon, join Forfar staff to visit one of Andros Island’s iconic inland blue holes for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.
Spend a full day on the boat snorkeling vibrant reefs, including a stunning oceanic blue hole teeming with fish, finger corals, and nudibranchs. Enjoy lunch on a secluded cay with classic Bahamian views, then explore another reef site. Evening bonfire with s’mores and field station stories.
Pack up and fly home with your PADI Reef Rescue Diver Certification (divers), Reef Rescue Snorkel Certificate (snorkelers), unforgettable memories, and the knowledge that you made a real impact on the reef.
Please note: The general itinerary is subject to change based on local weather and schedules.
During the coral restoration dives you will learn coral nursery maintenance and coral outplanting techniques guided by experts who will demonstrate all skills first and then guide your learning and assist your skill development during the dives.
Between dives and excursions, you can swim off the beach, relax in the coconut grove, play volleyball or basketball, or simply unplug from the constant buzz of the digital world. Home-cooked meals are prepared by local staff with accommodations for dietary needs. Think of it like a conservation summer camp in the Caribbean.
Andros is the largest island in The Bahamas and one of the least developed, with fewer than 8,000 residents across more than 100 miles of coastline. Virtually untouched by the tourism industry common to other Bahamian islands, Andros remains characterized by small, tightly-knit communities. The island’s ecosystems range from shallow tidal creeks to the 6,000-foot deep Tongue of the Ocean, making it one of the most diverse marine environments in the Caribbean.
Accommodations are shared cabins with a communal island vibe. Each unit has a bathroom in the center with a cabin on either side, holding 2-3 sets of bunk beds per side. Families booking together are placed in the same cabin, and the Forfar team works to keep everyone comfortable with as much space as possible. Cabins have electricity, fans, hot water showers, and wifi is available in the lodge. Booking with a friend, partner, or family is encouraged.
Trip Briefing
Shared Cabin • Flights to Andros Included
All accommodations are shared cabins. Families are placed together. Solo travelers and friends are matched thoughtfully. Booking with a friend, partner, or family is encouraged.
Certified Open Water Diver (or higher) – Minimum 20 logged Dives – Dived within the last 3 years – 12 years or older – Snorkelers welcome
To join as a scuba diver, you must be a certified open water diver (or higher), have a minimum of 20 logged dives, and have dived within the last 3 years. Must be 12 years or older. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Snorkelers are welcome on every expedition at the same rate with no dive certification needed.
How to book: A deposit is required to secure your spot. Once your deposit is received, you will get access to a participant page with full trip details, and the Forfar team will send you a welcome package with everything you need to prepare. Registration deadline: December 31, 2026.
The Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) is a leader in innovative coral reef protection and restoration, replanting thousands of corals onto reefs each year. Long-term monitoring has shown the positive impact of this work, including an increase in the number and size of critically endangered corals, and the return of fish and other marine life. Recognizing the vital role of coral reefs in maintaining marine biodiversity and ecosystem services, PIMS established the Reef Rescue Network to expand and scale up its efforts.
Learn more at perryinstitute.orgThe Reef Rescue Network (RRN), a vibrant global initiative spearheaded by the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), unites dive shops, non-profits, and businesses in a common goal: the restoration and protection of Caribbean coral reefs, spanning locations like The Bahamas, St. Lucia, Barbados, and Grenada. With a network of over 50 coral nurseries, the RRN actively involves local communities, tourists, and volunteers in practical coral restoration efforts. This direct engagement nurtures environmental stewardship and heightens awareness of crucial marine conservation issues.
PIMS Coral Programs Manager
PADI Instructor
Restoration Specialist
PADI Instructor
Adults are $2,850 and children under 12 are $2,550. Everything except your flights to and from Nassau is included. The price covers roundtrip flights between Nassau and Andros, ground transportation on the island, 7 nights accommodation at Forfar Field Station, all meals, 12 dives (for divers) or guided snorkels, all dive equipment including tanks, weights, and weight belts, PADI Reef Rescue Diver certification and AWARE Shark Conservation specialty (divers), Reef Rescue Snorkel Certificate (snorkelers), all land excursions, Reef Rescue Diver Manual, and a Reef Rescue Network T-shirt.
Yes. Snorkelers are welcome on every expedition at the same rate as divers. Snorkelers participate in guided reef and mangrove snorkels, hands-on coral conservation from the surface, and all land excursions. They earn a Reef Rescue Snorkel Experience Certificate. This is a great option for younger family members or anyone who wants the full experience without diving.
You must hold a minimum of Open Water Diver certification (PADI or equivalent), have at least 20 logged dives, and have dived within the last 3 years. Participants must be 12 years or older, with divers under 18 requiring accompaniment by a participating adult. No prior coral restoration experience is required.
Absolutely. The expedition is designed to welcome families with a mix of divers and snorkelers. Ages 12 and up can participate, and families booking together are placed in the same cabin. The combination of diving, snorkeling, blue hole exploration, beach time, bonfires, and cultural activities means there is something for everyone. The all-inclusive pricing with flights to Andros included makes it simple to plan.
Forfar Field Station is a rustic beachfront property in a coconut grove. Accommodations are shared cabins with a bathroom in the center and a cabin on either side, each holding 2-3 sets of bunk beds. Families are placed together, and the Forfar team works to give everyone as much space as possible. Cabins have electricity, fans, and hot water showers. Wifi is available in the lodge. The vibe is summer camp on the Caribbean. Booking with a friend, partner, or family is encouraged.
Register through the form on this page. A deposit is required to secure your spot. Once your deposit is received, you will get access to a participant page with full trip details, and the Forfar team will send you a welcome email and package with everything you need to prepare, including a detailed packing list. Registration deadline is December 31, 2026. Questions? Email support@intlfieldstudies.org.
The expedition is led by Alex Frans, PIMS Coral Programs Manager and PADI IDC Staff Instructor with several years of experience managing coral restoration projects, and Anwar Godet, Restoration Specialist and PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer born and raised in The Bahamas with over 20 years of diving experience. Both are experts in coral restoration and diver education, and their specialties include Reef Rescue Diver, AWARE Shark Conservation, Fish Identification, and Sea Turtle Awareness. The expedition is limited to 12 participants for personalized mentorship.
Your participation directly contributes to active reef recovery on Andros Island. The corals you plant during the expedition become part of ongoing monitoring and restoration efforts. Trip fees help sustain the Reef Rescue Network’s operations across more than 50 coral nurseries throughout the Caribbean, supporting ongoing nursery maintenance, community engagement programs, and the broader mission of protecting Caribbean coral reefs for future generations.
Ready to join us?
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Expedition Essential
Coral Care SPF 30
The marine professional’s choice
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The Winter 2027 checkout is being finalized with our partners at the Forfar Field Station. Send an enquiry below and we’ll be in touch as soon as registration opens.
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