Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project by becoming a citizen scientist with REEF! In 1993, REEF began collecting data on the abundance of marine fish populations. Since then, this project has grown to make up the world's largest marine life sightings database and includes more than 200,000 surveys conducted by volunteer divers and snorkelers. Key Largo, where REEF Headquarters is based, is nicknamed the "dive capital of the world" and was also home to the very first REEF Field Survey Trip. Participants will visit some of the same dive sites visited on that first REEF Trip, to observe how fish populations have changed over time and collect important data to help scientists and resource managers continue to protect the ocean life and habitats. REEF will also offer a week of Ocean Explorers Summer Camp to coincide with this trip, so plan to bring your entire family! We welcome campers aged 7-13. Camp registration will be open in early 2018. For more information about summer camp, visit our Ocean Explorers Camp page.
Trip Type: Fish Survey - click here to learn more!
Pricing: $1,043 per diver based on double occupancy. Single occupancy, non-diver, and family-style suite pricing also available. Please inquire with REEF Trips.
Accommodations: The standard accommodation is a resort room at Marina Del Mar. Each room is air-conditioned and has a coffee maker, refrigerator, and 1 or 2 beds (depending on requested bedding setup.) Other family-friendly accommodation options are available including a suite, which has a separate bedroom with a king bed, kitchenette, full living room and dining area, and queen size Murphy bed and sofa.
Diving: Horizon Divers' dock is located at Garden Cove Marina, which has plenty of parking. The diving will begin on Sunday, June 24 and end on Thursday, June 28. Additional dives can be done in the afternoon or on Friday for an additional cost. Average water temperature in Key Largo in June is 82-84 degrees Fahrenheit. Onsite gear storage is available.
Price Includes: The trip package includes 7 nights of accommodation in a standard room, 5 days of 2-tank morning boat dives, all taxes, daily continental breakfast, tanks, weights and weight belts.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $300 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar and REEF survey materials.
Additional Fees: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF - All flights and transportation to and from Key Largo, meals other than breakfast, transportation around Key Largo (rental car information is below), optional Nitrox and additional diving available for an additional cost. Gratuities are not included and are at each individual's discretion. Insurance is not included, however REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. More information about dive travel insurance can be viewed here.
About the Trip Leader: Paul Humann is co-founder of the Reef Environmental Education Foundation and co-writer of ten fish identification field guides, is a celebrated scuba diver and an expert underwater photographer. Paul’s work has been featured in numerous magazines including Ocean Realm, Sport Diver, and National Geographicand he has been recognized as a leader in the study of fish. Paul’s detailed photographs have been key to positively identifying many species. In fact, many of his photos were the first ever documentation of living species in their natural habitats. This trip is based in Key Largo, Florida, home to REEF Headquarters, and will also provide the opportunity to dive and learn from members of REEF's talented staff and Board of Trustees.
How to Sign Up: To reserve your space or find out more, e-mail us at trips@REEF.org, or call us at 305-588-5869. A $500 deposit will be collected at the time of booking. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
How to Get There: Key Largo is the northernmost island of the Florida Keys. Participants may choose to drive the entire way to Key Largo, or fly to one of South Florida's airports and then rent a car to drive to Key Largo. Participants should make arrangements to arrive in Key Largo on Saturday, June 23, and depart on Saturday, June 30. Participants may fly into Miami International Airport, 60 miles from Key Largo (airport code MIA) or Fort Lauderdale International Airport, 90 miles from Key Largo (airport code FLL.) Participants are responsible for booking their own air travel. REEF is not able to book airfare.
Transfers: If you choose to fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, you will need to rent a car to get to Key Largo via the Florida Turnpike and US 1. Rental cars are readily available at either airport. There is no reliable public transportation in Key Largo, so participants should plan to have a rental car for the duration of the trip.