Cozumel Coral Reef Conservation Course
Cozumel Coral Reef Conservation Course
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.
Highlights
- Short 2 day course that covers the essentials of coral biology, reef ecology and a brief overview of our restoration project and the various coral restoration methods.
- Learn about the routine tasks needed to maintain the coral nursery for optimal coral health.
- Easy access by swimming out from shore. No boat ride needed. Mobility friendly.
- Reefs visited: Villa Blanca Reefs, Cozumel, Mexico
- Languages: English and Spanish
- Once certified, you can optionally stay after your course to directly help out with the coral restoration efforts by planting more corals, maintaining and monitoring the nursery.
Prerequisites
- Requires SSI/PADI Open Water Diver certification.
Includes
- Scuba diving equipment (BCD, regulator, mask, fins, tanks, and weights) are included. You are welcome to bring your own gear.
- 3 dives where you will get to practice your skills and finally plant your own coral fragment.
- Includes course manual that can be used as a lifelong reference for future dives to help ID corals.
Excludes
- Food and transportation are not included.
- Accomodation not included
What to bring
- Bathing Suit
- Towel
- Long sleeve T-shirt or rash guard. Do NOT wear sunscreen or skincare products prior to diving. Even 'reef safe" ones have non-biodegradable compounds that damage corals.
- Reusable water bottle
Meeting point
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
Reviews
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is regenerative travel?
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.
Where can I find regenerative experiences?
Canopi curates experiences in Indonesia, Mexico, and Spain, including coral reef restoration, forest conservation and reforestation, and wildlife protection.
How do these trips make an impact?
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.
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