#United States #Sandals Resorts #Montego Bay #ocean conservation #Coral Restoration

Sandals Resorts Expands Coral Restoration Initiatives in the Caribbean

To celebrate World Ocean Month, Sandals Resorts, along with its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, has announced an exciting expansion of its coral restoration programs across the Caribbean. This initiative now includes new experiences in The Bahamas and Curaçao and builds upon existing conservation efforts in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. With these developments, Sandals invites guests to take a proactive role in protecting the region’s vital underwater ecosystems.

In a recent statement, Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, emphasized the importance of this mission, noting, "The ocean is not only a source of awe, but also vital to the Caribbean's way of life. Protecting these fragile underwater ecosystems is a year-round passion for us. Through our ever-expanding programs, we're inviting guests to experience the wonder beneath the waves and engage in marine conservation efforts that will have a lasting impact." The Foundation has successfully outplanted over 37,000 coral fragments in collaboration with marine science partners across the region.

Dive Into Conservation with New Coral Restoration Programs

This year, Sandals Resorts is enhancing its coral restoration experiences, allocating proceeds to ongoing conservation efforts. Guests at various Sandals properties are welcomed into the Caribbean's most comprehensive scuba diving program, accessible to all skill levels. On-site PADI dive centers provide daily diving opportunities for certified divers, alongside special coral restoration dives at select resorts.

Reef Rescue Diver Specialty Course at Sandals Royal Bahamian

Guests at Sandals Royal Bahamian can now participate in the new Reef Rescue Diver Specialty Course, developed in partnership with the Perry Institute for Marine Science's Reef Rescue Network. This course combines theoretical knowledge, delivered via an online ebook, with hands-on learning. Participants embark on two open-water dives focusing on coral nursery maintenance, propagation, and the transplantation of coral into the ocean. For those short on time, a streamlined single-dive Reef Rescue Experience is also available, allowing participants to get directly involved in conservation actions.

Coral Restoration Initiatives at Sandals Royal Curaçao (Coming 2026)

In Curaçao, a new coral nursery has been established thanks to collaboration with the BRANCH Coral Foundation and the support of Sandals Royal Curaçao. This nursery includes five coral trees and 400 Staghorn coral fragments, with ongoing maintenance by local experts to ensure healthy growth. This facility will be open to guests beginning in 2026 and will feature the PADI BRANCH Coral Restoration Course to equip divers with necessary skills for coral propagation and outplanting.

A Legacy of Conservation Across the Caribbean

Across all Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia, visitors can take part in a Coral Nursery Transplanting Specialty Course, where approximately 2,000 coral fragments are planted annually. This course, run by CLEAR Caribbean, includes educational elements on coral ecosystems, with participants earning a specialty certification upon completion.

Additionally, the Sandals Foundation manages two marine sanctuaries in Jamaica and is deeply involved in community-led reef restoration projects in Grenada, collaborating on initiatives like the establishment of BIOROCK structures.

Plastic Transformation Initiative

This year marks a special milestone for Future Goals, an innovative sustainability initiative that repurposes plastic waste into soccer goals for local schools in Curaçao. To date, over 1.4 million bottles and tons of fishing nets have been transformed to create meaningful resources for community youth sports.

Supporting Marine Conservation through Retail

To further capitalize on the commitment to ocean conservation, Sandals is expanding its conservation-themed merchandise available at resort dive shops, where guests can purchase eco-friendly products with profits supporting ongoing marine conservation efforts.

For those interested in exploring these impactful coral restoration programs, additional information can be found in the recently released CSR Report, "Love Exceeds Expectations, " available on Sandals Resorts' website.

In conclusion, Sandals Resorts continues to lead the charge in coral conservation across the Caribbean, creating an unforgettable experience for guests that combines luxury with environmental stewardship. By engaging guests in meaningful conservation efforts, Sandals not only enhances the vacation experience but also contributes to the protection of the Caribbean's vital marine ecosystems.