Sandals Just Expanded Its Coral Restoration Programs Across the Caribbean
Sandals Resorts is expanding its coral restoration programs across the Caribbean, introducing new guest experiences in The Bahamas and Curaçao to mark World Ocean Month.
The company’s philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, is building on existing initiatives in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Grenada, aiming to provide guests with direct participation in reef conservation activities at select resorts.
New Programs in The Bahamas and Curaçao
At Sandals Royal Bahamian, a new Reef Rescue Diver Specialty Course has been launched in partnership with the Perry Institute for Marine Science and the Reef Rescue Network. The program includes online theory modules and two open-water dives where participants maintain coral nurseries, propagate coral fragments, and assist with outplanting. A shorter, single-dive version of the course is also available.
In Curaçao, Sandals has partnered with the BRANCH Coral Foundation to establish a coral nursery featuring five coral trees and 400 staghorn coral fragments. The nursery is expected to open to guests in 2026, with a full PADI Coral Restoration Course in development.
Ongoing Reef Work in Saint Lucia, Jamaica, and Grenada
In Saint Lucia, guests at Sandals Grande Saint Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, and Sandals Halcyon can participate in a coral transplanting specialty course developed with CLEAR Caribbean. The program includes two dives at a nursery site near the Pitons and a specialty certification. It also functions as a vocational qualification through a local training institute.
In Jamaica, the Sandals Foundation oversees marine sanctuaries in Whitehouse and Boscobel, supports turtle conservation and educational workshops, and funds additional coral trees in Negril.
In Grenada, the Foundation works with the Grenada Coral Reef Foundation to support BIOROCK reef restoration, youth scuba initiatives, and public education programs.
Supporting Ocean Health on Land
Sandals is also commemorating the third anniversary of its Future Goals initiative in Curaçao, which transforms plastic waste and fishing nets into soccer goals for local schools. The program has recycled over 1.4 million plastic bottles and 282 square meters of nets into equipment for more than 60 schools.
As part of this year’s World Oceans Day observance, participating schools will take part in a clean-up challenge across the island.
A Regional Commitment to Conservation
According to the Sandals Foundation, more than 37,000 coral fragments have been outplanted across the Caribbean to date through regional partnerships with marine scientists and conservation groups.
The expanded initiatives aim to deepen guest engagement in reef protection while reinforcing the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems surrounding Sandals properties.
It’s the latest in a growing movement to improve coral reef restoration in the Caribbean, one that largely began on the island of Bonaire, where the movement continues to strengthen.
Caitlin Sullivan began her career with Caribbean Journal as Arts and Culture editor before shifting to travel full time. She writes frequently on the Caribbean cruise industry, flight networks and broader travel news. Her most frequent Caribbean destination? Nassau.
