This special Lionfish Research Trip is part of REEF’s ongoing effort to monitor the establishment and consequences of invasive lionfish on native fish populations and reef ecosystems. The trip includes a unique research itinerary aboard the Turks and Caicos Explorer II to visit remote areas of the Bahamas including Mayaguana, Plana Cays, Crooked Island, Salina Point, and Castle Island. Trip participants will also have the chance to be trained in lionfish collection, handling and dissection of specimens to document prey.
With its large variety of dive sites, Grenada is known as the dive capital of the Eastern Caribbean. Colorful reefs and spectacular shipwrecks filled with fish life will thrill all types of divers. Conditions are typically excellent both above and below the water, with dive visibility normally between 50-100 feet. Grenada is also home to a world-famous underwater sculpture park and has plenty of land-based activities to enjoy during surface intervals, including hiking, visiting beautiful Grand Anse Beach, river tubing and touring historic sites.
REEF's fourth Field Survey to Fiji is sure to be a fantastic 10 days of diving, camaraderie, surveying, and fun! Central Fiji is known as a hotspot for diving, due to a combination of unique characteristics, including nutrient-rich runoff, deep-ocean upwelling, tidal and wind-driven currents and numerous barrier islands to offer protection. The South Pacific is a highly diverse region with massive schools of pelagics such as Bigeye Trevally, Scad, and Barracuda; Gray Reef and Whitetip Reef Sharks, and unusual creatures like the Leaf Scorpionfish and Hairy Ghost Pipefish.
REEF continues to expand the Volunteer Fish Survey Project throughout the Central Indo-Pacific (CIP) reigon with our first-ever Field Survey to Thailand! Known as the "Land of Smiles", Thailand is only 8 degrees north of the Equator and is home to some of the most species-rich waters and reefs in the world. Our special 10-day charter aboard the Thailand Aggressor is not available during any other time of year. The boat will follow its North Andaman Sea itinerary, with chances to dive sites in areas such as the famous Richelieu Rock and Similan Islands.
REEF's first Field Survey to the Philippines was in April 2016, and we loved the area so much we have decided to return! Surveyors on our 2016 trip recorded an astounding 885 species throughout the two-week trip, including some previously unidentified fish! REEF surveyors joining the second Field Survey to the Philippines will be treated to an educational adventure led by REEF Board of Trustees members, Ned and Anna DeLoach, who are known for their engaging stories and talks on fish behavior.
Aloha! From wrasses to butterflyfish, discover the many endemic marine species of Hawaii while diving the volcanic underwater reef topography around the Big Island, including favorite sites such as Au Au Crater, Amphitheater, and Turtle Pinnacle. A fantastic backdrop of lava flows will provide a picturesque landscape for surface intervals aboard the comfortable Kona Aggressor II liveaboard.
Join REEF's annual Field Survey Trip to Cozumel for a wonderful week of camaraderie, diving and citizen science! Enjoy the fabulous drift diving in warm, clear waters that have been protected as a marine park for nearly 20 years. The dive staff at Chili Charters are avid REEF supporters and are always eager to help surveyors discover new fish! Many great fish finds await, including the endemic Splendid Toadfish, found only in this area.
In 2017, REEF is offering an Invasive Lionfish Research Trip, once again in partnership with the fabulous Go West Diving and Kura Hulanda Lodge. |
Home to eight of the most species-rich sites in REEF’s Caribbean database, the reefs of Bonaire are legendary among underwater naturalists. Participants will enjoy a fun-filled week of up to 12 boat dives on a spacious dive boat, as well as unlimited shore diving throughout Bonaire's marine park. |
REEF's Field Survey to the Turks and Caicos Islands is a great spring getaway and offers the chance for both beginning and advanced surveyors to advance their fish identification skills in a beautiful tropical setting. Ports of Call Resort is newly renovated with modern rooms and a luxurious pool area, just steps away from a dock leading to the gorgeous white sand of Grace Bay. Dive Provo is known for excellent service and concierge diving. |