Sandals Expands Coral Conservation Programs
Sandals Resorts and the Sandals Foundation have announced a major expansion of their coral reef restoration efforts across the Caribbean, with new initiatives in The Bahamas and Curaçao, further enhancing the brand’s commitment to marine conservation and sustainable tourism.
At Sandals Royal Bahamian, guests can now enroll in the Reef Rescue Diver Specialty Course, developed in collaboration with the Perry Institute for Marine Science. This course educates participants about coral reef ecosystems, the environmental threats they face, and the importance of coral nurseries. Guests will engage in two open-water dives, where they’ll help maintain coral nurseries, propagate coral, and outplant reef-ready species. For those looking for a shorter option, a single-dive Reef Rescue Experience is also available.
In Curaçao, a new coral nursery was established in 2024 in partnership with the BRANCH Coral Foundation and Sandals Royal Curaçao. The nursery features five coral trees and 400 Staghorn coral fragments. Monthly maintenance is conducted jointly by BRANCH and Sandals’ watersports team to promote coral growth. Beginning in 2026, guests at Sandals Royal Curaçao will have access to the PADI BRANCH Coral Restoration Course, a hands-on experience in coral propagation and reef rehabilitation.
Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, emphasized the importance of ocean conservation to the region’s culture and economy. “Through our ever-expanding programs, we’re inviting guests to experience the wonder beneath the waves and take part in hands-on marine conservation efforts that make a real, lasting impact,” she said.
Guests at Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia can continue participating in the Coral Nursery Transplanting Specialty Course, launched in 2018 near the iconic Pitons. This initiative has led to the annual planting of 2,000 coral fragments and includes two coral transplanting dives with a specialty certification upon completion.
In Jamaica, the Sandals Foundation oversees marine sanctuaries in Whitehouse and Boscobel, monitored by local wardens. Other environmental initiatives include turtle protection and community workshops to educate fishermen on sustainable practices.
In Grenada, Sandals supports the Grenada Coral Reef Foundation in a community-led reef restoration effort, bolstered by youth scuba programs and public education. These initiatives are designed to protect local biodiversity and involve local communities in long-term sustainability efforts.
To further support its marine conservation work, the Sandals Foundation is expanding its selection of eco-friendly merchandise at resort dive shops. Offerings now include reef-safe sunscreen and other conservation-themed items, with a portion of proceeds funding ocean protection projects.
These efforts reflect Sandals’ commitment to combining luxury travel with environmental stewardship, allowing guests to engage in purposeful travel while helping to safeguard the Caribbean’s marine ecosystems for future generations.
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