Cozumel
Mexico
Cozumel's is well known for its beautiful coral reefs, with an amazing location in the Caribbean Sea off Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, their reefs are vibrant ecosystems full with underwater life that will blow your mind!
The project is focused on both conserving and protecting Cozumel’s coral reefs. The coral garden consists of 23 underwater platforms, found near the beach and no more than 10 meters deep, and consists of coral fragments that have been rescued and new coral colonies that have been grown by lab fertilization. Due to the amount of animals that rely on coral populations, the gardens set by CCRRP are also home of many marine creatures, who find shelter in the “artificial reef” such as sand rays, puffer fish and damsel fish.
While budding is the fastest way for coral to reproduce, spawning is necessary for genetic diversity, this is why our partner mimics both of these methods in their garden to help restore and conserve coral. As a Reef Ranger in Cozumel, you will learn both restoration techniques, along with different monitoring techniques, allowing you to become an active guardian of the ocean.
This course is made for individuals from all backgrounds, providing the opportunity to learn how to monitor and conserve various marine species within coral reefs while comprehending their ecological roles and functions within the ecosystem. To participate, simply book with us for the available dates. If you're unable to participate on those dates, feel free to contact us to explore alternative options.
Program Details
Activities & Training
This course offers an immersive dive into the advanced knowledge of the coral that forms the backbone of the Mesoamerican Reef ecosystem, combining rigorous academic instruction with hands-on practical experience. The program is meticulously crafted to provide an in-depth understanding of coral reefs and marine conservation.
Participants will engage in a range of specialized activities, starting with the Coral Reef Fish ID Course, where over five days, you'll partake in four theory classes and six dives to identify fish species and monitor the growth of planted corals. The two-day Coral Reef Restoration Course includes four theory classes and four dives, and you'll earn a PADI-AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Specialty and a diploma. The program also features the Research Diver Course, a five-day intensive with four theory classes and ten shore dives, focusing on advanced techniques for evaluating coral adaptation and growth.
Beyond these core courses, the program offers various activities related to coral monitoring and restoration, including capturing data on reef health and marine life. You'll also participate in on-land tasks like equipment maintenance, ensuring a holistic understanding of conservation efforts. This comprehensive approach, combining theoretical learning, practical diving, and hands-on activities, equips participants with the essential skills to contribute effectively to coral restoration projects in Cozumel and around the world.
Why Participate
Engaging in this program not only equips you with essential skills for coral reef conservation; it also immerses you in the principles of sustainable tourism, empowering you to advocate for environmentally conscious practices and contribute positively to the long-term health of coral reef ecosystems.
Upon successful completion, you will receive your graduation in the different PADI courses the program offers such as; Coral Reef Restoration Course, Coral Reef Fish ID Course and Research Diver Course.
Available Activities
Conservation
Diving Courses*
Other*
*Available activities at destination (not necessarily included in package and might require additional costs on-site)
What to see?
Included/Excluded
- Welcome Kit
- Transportation to the field and training activities
- Professional Instructor/Marine Biologist
- PADI Coral Reef Fish ID Course
- PADI Coral Reef Restoration Course
- PADI Researcher Diver Course
- 20 Open Water Dives
Location
What is around?
San Miguel, the main town of the island, is home to many restaurants, discothèques, bars, cinemas, and outdoor stages. The Mayans had numerous temples in Cozumel, many of which can still be found today, with the most prominent ruins located at the archeological site of San Gervasio. The Festival of Santa Cruz and El Cedral is a tradition held in the south of Cozumel Island at the end of April.
How to get there?
Flight to Cancun International Airport, from there, take another flight to Cozumel International Airport or take a ferry from Playa del Carmen to the Cozumel Cruise Terminal. Once on the island, our team will pick you up.
Requirements
- At least 16 years old with parent consent OR at least 18 years old
- PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent) with at least 15 logged dives, 5 of those must be within the last 12 months
