ICONIC REEF GUARDIANS
Photo by Jay Clue
An Underwater Experience
You WonŹ¼t Soon Forget
The effort to put Florida Keys coral reefs on track for recovery is an enormous undertaking, requiring long-term collaboration between many partners. Iconic Reef Guardians is an opportunity for the public to lend a hand.
Harnessing the power of the recreational dive community, Iconic Reef Guardians works with BLUE STAR DIVING OPERATORS Ā and OCEAN-BASED PROPAGATION PARTNERS to educate and empower scuba divers and snorkelers to become stewards of our iconic reef sites.
Along with a virtual coral reef and restoration training element through the Tovuti online learning platform, four unique experiences provide opportunities to witness the sensitivity and resilience of the coral reef ecosystem firsthand and contribute to restoration success.
Ways to Participate
Passive Coral
Nursery Tours
Diving or snorkeling, jump into the turquoise blue waters of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and take a tour of some of the most innovative coral nurseries in the world.
Find a date on the calendar below & contact that day’s operator to book
Active Coral
Nursery Experience
Divers lend a helping hand in the care of nursery corals by completing hands-on maintenance that promotes a safe place for them to grow up.
Find a date on the calendar below & contact that day’s operator to book
Reef
Experience
Divers and snorkelers support coral growth at Mission: Iconic Reef sites by helping with maintenance and care, ensuring they thrive in a safe, healthy environment.
Dates not on calendar. Contact any shop from our ‘Participating Operators’ list to schedule
Coral Health
Experience
Divers and snorkelers help monitor coral bleaching, disease, and resilience by submitting vital data to help our scientists assess the health of the reefs.
Dates not on calendar. Contact any shop from our ‘Participating Operators’ list to schedule
November 2025
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October 27, 2025
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October 29, 2025
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October 30, 2025(1 event)
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November 1, 2025(1 event)
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Participating Operators
Click on a tile below to learn more about these participating operators.
Conch Republic Divers
Florida Keys Dive Center
Island Ventures
Pirates Cove Watersports
Amoray Dive Center
Finz Dive Center
Quiescence Diving Services
Southpoint Divers
Rainbow Reef Dive Center
Key Dives
Ocean First Key Largo
Silent World Dive Center
For any questions related to Mission: Iconic Reefsās Iconic Reef Guardians program, contact Chandler.Wright@noaa.gov