







This course offers a more complete overview of the coral species that form the Mesoamerican Reef ecosystem. Our unique offering combines the PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation specialty with additional hands-on training on the corals endemic to Cozumel and the various restoration methods we use.
Upon completion, you will both earn your PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation specialty and have all the knowledge and training required to volunteer with the NGO in Cozumel. This course includes the NGO's own Coral Reef Restoration Course Manual that is emailed to students shortly after booking so you can revise it before the course starts. It can be also used as a reference document to help identify corals on future dives anywhere in the Caribbean! The reef is shallow with a maximum depth of 6m with easy shore swim-up access.
Our meeting point is a short 10-minute taxi ride whether you are coming from Cozumel ferry terminal, downtown Cozumel or Puerto Maya cruise ship terminal.
Contact us if you require us to help arrange your PADI Open Water Diver certification with the NGO prior to the start of this experience.
Sand Dollar Sports dive Centre
Learn about corals and plant a fragment, which helps fund the NGO’s coral restoration work. Optionally, stay on to volunteer!
Full refund with self-cancellation up to 3 days before start time
Rating distribution
This course was much more than learning—it was a deep connection with the ocean. I discovered the beauty and fragility of corals, the threats they face in Cozumel, and the urgency of protecting them. The pre-course manual made every explanation easier to follow, and the guided dives, with the support of Germán and Michelle, made me feel safe and supported throughout. I leave feeling inspired, grateful, and with a stronger commitment to conservation.
A great experience. If you like diving and helping to conserve marine life, CCRRP is the perfect place, plus you learn about such an important topic as corals!
Participating in the CCRRP with my two sons was one of the most meaningful dive experiences we've ever had. Dr. Germán Méndez is a true local hero. His passion, knowledge, and decades of dedication to restoring Cozumel's reefs are both humbling and inspiring. Over two days, we learned about the island's history, the threats facing its coral ecosystems, and what real conservation looks like beneath the surface.
"I had the incredible opportunity to dive with this amazing team, and I can honestly say it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. German and Michelle were so kind, patient, and so passionate about what they do. They taught me so much about diving, coral restoration and how small actions can really make a difference. Thanks to them, I now feel like I can help — and I can't wait to come back soon and see how 'my' corals have grown!"
My time at the project of marine biologist German Mendez was so informative, valuable and inspiring. He is conserving and restoring the corals and fights against reef destruction and water pollution. I took the two-day course — which gives you a PADI certification and more information than PADI would think of — and afterwards I was welcome to come back on my own with my buddy to clean the corals and maintain the growing platforms. I can highly recommend a visit while on Cozumel!
Regenerative travel is a form of travel that actively improves local ecosystems and communities through restoration projects. Travel and give back to the planet at the same time.
Canopi curates experiences in Indonesia, Mexico, and Spain, including coral reef restoration, forest conservation and reforestation, and wildlife protection.
Each booking funds local NGO efforts to rebuild coral reefs, replant forests, and restore biodiversity. In this case, you will be helping Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program.

Dr. German Mendez founded the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program in 2017 to conserve and restore Cozumel’s coral species affected by unsustainable development, overtourism, and climate change. We grow and restore damaged corals in our aquarium and coral garden, then plant them in the Villablanca Reef. To date, we’ve built 29 coral restoration platforms and planted over 10,000+ coral fragments! We research coral reproduction, diseases, and water contamination, and offer educational programs to tourists and Cozumeleños, empowering them to help protect and regenerate their coral reefs.

Learn about corals and plant a fragment, which helps fund the NGO’s coral restoration work. Optionally, stay on to volunteer!
Full refund with self-cancellation up to 3 days before start time