Wednesday, June 4, 2025
In celebration of World Ocean Month, Sandals Resorts, along with its philanthropic branch, the Sandals Foundation, has announced an exciting expansion of its coral restoration programs across the Caribbean. This year’s expansion introduces new conservation initiatives in The Bahamas and Curaçao, which join existing efforts in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. Sandals Resorts is inviting guests to become directly involved in preserving the region’s delicate marine ecosystems, providing opportunities for guests to engage in coral restoration while supporting crucial conservation projects that protect the underwater environment.
Commitment to Marine Conservation at Sandals Resorts
Sandals Resorts has long been a leader in ocean preservation within the Caribbean, and in 2025, it is intensifying its efforts to protect the region’s vital marine life. The company has expanded its coral restoration activities, allowing guests to participate in a range of hands-on experiences that directly support ongoing conservation initiatives. Sandals Resorts’ expansive PADI dive programs are at the heart of this effort, offering certified divers the chance to explore the Caribbean’s incredible underwater ecosystems, while also engaging in optional activities such as coral restoration dives, a key component in helping restore the health of coral reefs.
Reef Rescue at Sandals Royal Bahamian
At Sandals Royal Bahamian, the resort has introduced a collaborative initiative with the Perry Institute for Marine Science’s “Reef Rescue Network.” This program allows guests to enroll in the new Reef Rescue Diver Specialty Course, where they will gain the skills needed to participate in coral gardening efforts. The course is a combination of online theoretical education and practical, in-water training at the resort’s coral nursery. Guests will learn about coral ecosystems, the threats they face, and the crucial role coral nurseries play in the restoration process.
During the course, participants will assist in maintaining coral nurseries, propagate new coral, and outplant reef-ready coral to help regenerate damaged reefs. For those looking for a more time-efficient experience, the resort also offers a one-dive Reef Rescue Experience, which provides a quick but meaningful opportunity for guests to dive in the nursery and contribute to coral restoration in a single dive.
Coral Restoration at Sandals Royal Curaçao – Launching in 2026
At Sandals Royal Curaçao, the resort has partnered with the BRANCH Coral Foundation to create a new coral nursery, which features five coral trees and 400 Staghorn coral fragments. The nursery is maintained monthly by the BRANCH Coral Foundation and the resort’s watersports team, ensuring that the coral is healthy and growing. In 2026, Sandals Royal Curaçao will officially open the PADI BRANCH Coral Restoration Course, a program designed to teach divers how to propagate and outplant coral, helping to sustain the island’s reefs and surrounding ecosystems.
The introduction of the PADI BRANCH Coral Restoration Course marks an important milestone in Sandals Resorts’ mission to expand coral restoration initiatives throughout the Caribbean. This program will offer guests the opportunity to play an active role in the preservation of the island’s unique marine life while providing them with the skills to contribute directly to the long-term sustainability of the region’s reefs.
A Legacy of Coral Conservation in Saint Lucia
In Saint Lucia, Sandals Resorts has been pioneering coral conservation efforts since 2018, and guests at Sandals Grande Saint Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, and Sandals Halcyon are encouraged to participate in the Coral Nursery Transplanting Specialty Course. This initiative has been particularly impactful, with over 2,000 coral fragments being planted annually since its inception. The course, developed in partnership with CLEAR Caribbean, includes an educational briefing on coral reefs, followed by two dives to transplant coral at a nursery site near the famous Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In addition to offering guests a meaningful hands-on conservation experience, this course has been accredited as a Caribbean Vocational Qualification. This means that local community members now have the opportunity to gain valuable skills in marine conservation, empowering them to take leadership roles in protecting Saint Lucia’s reefs for future generations.
Coral Protection Efforts in Jamaica
In Jamaica, Sandals Resorts has been actively involved in marine conservation through the Sandals Foundation, which manages two marine sanctuaries in Whitehouse and Boscobel. These sanctuaries are patrolled by local wardens to ensure the protection of the coral reefs. The Foundation also supports turtle conservation initiatives and hosts workshops designed to educate local fishermen on sustainable practices to protect the marine ecosystem. In Negril, funding has been allocated to help maintain coral trees, continuing Sandals’ dedication to safeguarding the environment.
Reef Restoration in Grenada
The Sandals Foundation’s partnership with the Grenada Coral Reef Foundation is playing a crucial role in community-led reef restoration efforts. This initiative incorporates BIOROCK structures and coral trees, both of which contribute to the rebuilding of damaged reefs. Additionally, the program supports youth scuba initiatives and public education programs to help locals understand the importance of coral conservation and to empower them to take part in protecting their marine environment.
Future Goals: Transforming Ocean Waste into Soccer Goals
A standout initiative, “Future Goals,” celebrates its third anniversary by turning ocean waste into soccer goals for local schools in Curaçao. More than 1.4 million plastic bottles and 282 square meters of fishing nets have been repurposed into over 60 soccer goals, which provide sustainable resources to local communities. To mark World Oceans Day, the program is hosting an island-wide Clean-Up Challenge, encouraging schools to participate in efforts to protect the marine environment and raise awareness about the importance of waste reduction.
Expanding Conservation Merchandise to Support Ocean Protection
In addition to its coral restoration activities, Sandals Resorts is expanding its conservation merchandise offerings at resort dive shops. Guests can now purchase reef-safe sunscreen, 4Ocean bracelets, and exclusive Sandals Foundation rash guards, with a portion of the proceeds from all sales being directed to ocean conservation projects. This allows guests to support marine preservation efforts both while on vacation and after they return home.
Through these expanded coral restoration programs and conservation initiatives, Sandals Resorts continues to lead the way in preserving the Caribbean’s vibrant marine ecosystems. By offering guests the opportunity to engage in hands-on conservation and directly support vital environmental efforts, Sandals is helping ensure the protection of these precious ecosystems for future generations.
