How Sandals Resorts Are Protecting the Ocean’s Future
Coral restoration meets tourism: guests now help restore reefs while on vacation.
A Mission That Goes Below the Surface
For World Oceans Day 2025, Sandals Resorts and the Sandals Foundation are expanding their efforts in coral restoration. New reef protection programs are launching in the Bahamas and Curaçao, adding to existing projects in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Grenada.
Together with local marine partners, they’ve already replanted over 37,000 coral fragments. Now, guests are invited to join in—learning, diving, and helping to protect one of the region’s most fragile ecosystems.
“The ocean defines our way of life. Its wonders sustain us,” says Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “With each new program, we create new chances for people to engage and make a real difference.”
From Learning to Doing
At Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, guests can take the Reef Rescue Diver Specialty Course. The course includes theory, taught with a digital eBook, and hands-on reef work during guided dives.
In collaboration with the Perry Institute for Marine Science, participants help maintain coral nurseries, plant reef-ready corals, and support reef recovery. Those with less time can still join a shorter version: the Reef Rescue Experience, which includes one restoration dive.
Curaçao’s New Underwater Nursery
In Curaçao, Sandals has partnered with the BRANCH Coral Foundation to launch a new nursery. The site features five “Coral Trees” and 400 Staghorn Coral fragments. Right now, it’s maintained by the BRANCH team and Sandals’ watersports crew.
Starting in 2026, guests will be able to join a certified PADI course focused on coral restoration. During this experience, divers will learn how to grow and transplant corals—supporting marine life with every dive.
More Than Just Reefs
The Future Goals initiative, created by Sandals and football club AFC Ajax, turns ocean plastic into school football goals. Over 1.4 million bottles and 282 square meters of fishing nets have been recycled.
This year, participating schools on Curaçao are taking part in a Clean-Up Challenge, combining education with action for the environment.
Coral Restoration With Community Impact
On Saint Lucia, guests staying at Sandals Grande, La Toc, or Halcyon Beach can join the Coral Nursery Transplanting Course. Run with CLEAR Caribbean, it allows guests to help plant 2,000 coral fragments each year.
The course is now part of a recognized Caribbean qualification, giving local residents access to certified training in marine protection as well.
Ongoing Projects in Grenada and Jamaica
In Grenada, the Sandals Foundation supports BIOROCK reef structures and local youth dive training. Meanwhile, in Jamaica, marine reserves in Whitehouse and Boscobel are patrolled by community rangers. The Foundation also protects sea turtles and teaches sustainable fishing.
Guests across the region can buy reef-safe sunscreen, UV gear, and 4ocean bracelets in Sandals’ dive shops. Proceeds go directly into coral restoration and environmental education.
Dive In With Purpose
Through tourism, conservation becomes accessible. Through diving, guests leave more than footprints—they help shape a healthier future for the reefs.
For full insights, you can visit the website.
If you want to know more about Lifestyle, you can take a look at this article.
