AN UNFORGETTABLE DIVE EXPERIENCE

Joining Coral Restoration Foundation™ out on the water during a hands-on, tailored, SCUBA diving is an experience you will never forget. 

The program is designed to suit all levels, letting all ocean lovers have a positive impact.

American Divers is teaming up with the Coral Restoration Foundation in Key Largo for this unique experience.

Friday, March 20th - Sunday, March 22nd, 2020

We have rented an Airbnb for the weekend. Saturday & Sunday from 9am - 5pm we will be either at the Exploration Center learning about the Coral Restoration or in the water, hands on with the program. Evenings are free. There are limited spots available, sign up early!

The total cost of the trip is $600, which includes the following;

PADI Coral Restoration Distinctive Specialty Dive Certification

Hands on training with the CRF both Saturday & Sunday

2 Days of 2 tank boat dives with Keys Divers

Tanks & Weights

2 Night accommodations in shared home

What is not included?

Transportation

Food

About the Program

The Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) Dive Program is a restoration adventure that offer participants an up-close experience with scientific fieldwork and coral reef restoration. You will be joining us for several days, over which you will learn about all aspects of coral restoration! During your time with the CRF, you will earn the PADI Coral Restoration Distinctive Specialty, a unique certification available only at the CRF.

There will be morning educational components with presentations. Following the presentations will be mock hands-on land practice of underwater skills. You will learn restoration techniques for nursery maintenance, out-planting methodology and monitoring techniques alongside CRF Coral Crew.

 Afternoon dives will consist of restoration activities which can include spending time learning about nursery and coral tree maintenance, exploring to monitor coral survivorship on a reef and/or out-planting corals yourself back onto a nearby reef!

CRF Dive Program Outline
Techniques presented will be dictated by the work necessary to complete CRF’s mission. Please note that the itinerary is always prone to change due to weather conditions, but that an alternative program will be prepared.

9:00am                       Arrival & Check-in

9:30am                       Lecture & Hands-on training: CRF presentation, review all of techniques, hands-on practice

11:30                             Break for Lunch
12:30pm                      Check-in at dive operator

1:00pm                        Departure

5:00pm                        Return to dock

Do I need my own dive equipment to join a Recreational Dive Program?

    You don't need your own dive gear to join a dive program, you can rent equipment from ADI. The dive operators include tanks and weights in the cost. You are always welcome to bring your own equipment, though!

Do I need to have a minimum number of dives to join a Recreational Dive Program?

    You can join a dive program with any number of dives, but the tasks that you will be able to participate in will depend on your level of experience. You must have dove within the last 2 years or the dive charter will not allow you to dive. We will tailor the program to suit your level to make sure that you have a fun, comfortable, and rewarding experience with us.

Buoyancy is CRUCIAL, consider taking our Peak Performance Buoyancy Course prior to this experience.

 Dive Program Expectations & Warnings

• All participants must hold an open water certification from an internationally recognized training  agency. Please present your certification card to the dive operator at check-in.
•  All divers are responsible to have their own dive gear. Tanks provided.
• While we encourage students to have gloves for nursery work, it is not required.
• Many of the CRF staff are experienced divers, however are not in the position to aid with training.  Review gear set-up, skills and emergency procedures prior to dive day. Students having difficulty should get help prior.
• Captains and their crew work for tips.  Show your appreciation by including a gratuity. Standards for tipping dive staff are $5 per tank per diver.
• Conditions on the water can affect people in different ways! Seasickness is not fun. Please take precautions by utilizing medication, starting the evening before the dive and the morning of, to avoid an unpleasant boating experience.
• While we’re ready to go on an underwater adventure, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. In the case of cancellation or program alteration due to unsafe weather conditions on behalf of CRF or the dive operator, backup plans will be in place. Sometimes this happens last minute – we appreciate your understanding in advance.
• Chemicals on reefs can harm corals! Please be aware of the sunscreen you choose to use to protect your skin. Sunscreen without oxybenzone or nano-particles are preferred, and dive operators will thank you for avoiding aerosol sunscreens.

Check out ADI's full line of Stream2Sea Suncare. Consider using a rashguard for sun protection, like the ones at Coral Restoration Foundation!