Iconic Reef Guardians Program
Help us Restore Florida's Coral Reef
"It was interesting to see how they grow the coral and then plant them. I wish I lived close enough to take part in this more often." - Joni Balfanz, Port Charlotte, FL
Photo: Coral Restoration Foundation's Tavernier Nursery photographed by JD Reinbott
Over the last 40 years, coral reefs in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary have suffered dramatic declines. Nearly 90% of the live corals that once dominated the reefs have been lost. NOAA and partners have developed a first-of-its-kind approach to restore corals at seven ecologically and culturally significant reef sites in the Florida Keys through a project known as Mission: Iconic Reefs.
The Florida Keys region has become a world leader in coral reef restoration. The effort to put Florida Keys coral reefs on track for recovery is an enormous undertaking, requiring long-term collaboration between many partners. Now, we are inviting the public to lend a hand with coral reef restoration efforts through the Iconic Reef Guardians program.
What is the Iconic Reef Guardians Program?
A unique opportunity for divers and snorkelers to contribute to Mission: Iconic Reefs, a first-of-its-kind calling to restore the health of coral reefs in the Florida Keys for future generations. The program is administered by NOAA's Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, restoration partners, and the community.
Working directly with Blue Star Dive operators, Iconic Reef Guardians empowers scuba divers and snorkelers to be knowledgeable and supportive of coral restoration efforts, and become stewards of reef sites undergoing active restoration efforts. Blue Star Dive operators are trained to lead divers and snorkelers through experiences that teach them about coral reefs, coral reef restoration, and allow them to experience the sensitivity and resilience of the coral reef ecosystem first hand. Currently, the operators listed below are offering passive visits to in-water nurseries.
How can individual divers participate in Iconic Reef Guardians?
Contact one of these Iconic Reef Guardians permitted dive shops or organizations to book a dive or snorkel experience. Be sure to mention that you are interested in helping to restore coral reefs in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary!
Florida Keys Dive Center
2025 Schedule
- January 30
- February 27
- March 27
- April 24
- May 29
- June 26
- July 24
- August 28
- September 25
- October 30
- November 28
- December 26
Quiescence
2025 Schedule
- January 9
- February 13
- March 11 (requested for private group)
- March 12 (requested for private group)
- March 13
- April 10
- May 8
- June 12
- July 10
- August 14
- September 11
- October 9
- November 13
- December 11
Island Ventures
2025 Schedule
- February 1
- February 22
- March 29
- April 26
- May 31
- June 28
- July 26
- August 30
- September 27
- September 27
- November 1
- November 29
- December 27
Pirates Cove Watersports
2025 Schedule
- January 26
- February 23
- March 30
- April 27
- May 25
- June 29
- July 27
- August 31
- September 28
- October 26
- November 30
- December 28
Rainbow Reef Dive Center
2025 Schedule
- January 24
- February 21
- March 21
- April 18
- May 16
- June 20
- July 18
- August 15
- September 19
- October 17
- November 21
- December 19
How can my business or organization get involved with Iconic Reef Guardians?
Want to become a steward of the reefs your customers know and love? If your dive shop or organization would like to take part in Mission: Iconic Reef's Iconic Reef Guardians program through Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, contact: Chandler Wright at Chandler.Wright@noaa.gov