Advanced Restoration Expedition

This is our most hands-on conservation experience. A full week dedicated to coral restoration, where each dive day supports active nursery maintenance, microfragmentation, and reef outplanting on the Andros Barrier Reef, the third largest barrier reef in the world.

Work alongside the Small Hope Bay Foundation team and marine conservation professionals on restoration techniques rarely experienced by visiting divers. Help collect coral fragments from underwater nurseries, learn propagation methods, and contribute directly to outplanting efforts on active restoration sites surrounded by thriving marine life.

Your stay is all-inclusive at Small Hope Bay Lodge, with beachfront cabins, family-style meals, beverages, and your PADI Reef Rescue Diver certification included. This is purposeful diving at its most immersive, personal, and impactful.

Your Team and Training

Small Hope Bay Foundation

Established on Andros Island, Small Hope Bay Foundation was created to protect local marine ecosystems and support meaningful community initiatives through conservation, education, and hands-on action. Our work is rooted in the belief that healthy reefs and healthy communities go hand in hand.

Based alongside Small Hope Bay Lodge, the Foundation operates within one of the Caribbean’s most extraordinary natural environments, home to the Andros Barrier Reef, blue holes, mangroves, and rich marine biodiversity. This setting becomes both classroom and field site throughout the week.

Our approach is personal, practical, and impact-driven. You won’t simply hear about conservation efforts, you’ll take part in them alongside the people working to protect Andros every day.

Your Team and Training (Continued)…

Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS)

Small Hope Bay Foundation is proud to collaborate with the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation, reef restoration, and marine research across The Bahamas and wider Caribbean. Their science-driven work has helped advance coral recovery efforts throughout the region.

Through this partnership, participants gain access to proven restoration methods, expert guidance, and the opportunity to contribute to projects built on years of research and field experience. It’s a unique connection between local action on Andros and broader regional impact for Caribbean reefs.

PADI Reef Rescue Diver Specialty

Every participant will have the opportunity to earn the PADI Reef Rescue Diver Specialty during the expedition. This is not a classroom-based course, but an immersive learning experience built around real conservation work in the water.

You’ll gain practical insight into coral reef ecology, restoration methods, nursery maintenance, fragment preparation, and outplanting techniques while supporting active projects in the field.

By the end of the week, you’ll leave with a globally recognized certification and hands-on experience contributing to reef recovery in one of the most unique marine environments in the Caribbean.

Expedition Highlights

Full Conservation Focus

Every dive day is built around active reef restoration. From nursery maintenance to coral propagation and outplanting, this is a hands-on experience with real purpose from start to finish.

Hands-On Field Experience

Work alongside the Small Hope Bay Foundation team and marine conservation partners while learning practical restoration techniques rarely available to visiting divers.

PADI Certification

Earn your PADI Reef Rescue Diver Specialty while participating in meaningful conservation work on active restoration sites.

All-Inclusive Stay

Beachfront accommodation, meals, beverages, and daily activities are all included, so you can focus fully on the experience.

Small Group Mentorship

With limited spaces available, participants benefit from a more personal experience, close guidance, and direct connection with the team leading the work.

Prerequisites

Open Water certification (or equivalent), minimum 20 logged dives, must have dived within the last 3 years. Minimum age 12+. All divers must carry valid dive insurance and travel insurance.

Your Expedition Itinerary

Day 01 – May 7

Arrival & Expedition Briefing

Settle into your beachfront cabin at Small Hope Bay Lodge. Evening briefing from the PIMS team on the week’s restoration objectives.

Day 02 – May 8

Refresh & Reef Orientation

Refresher dive on the barrier reef. Afternoon orientation at the coral nursery site.

Day 03 – May 9

Nursery & Fragmentation

Full restoration day. Coral nursery maintenance and fragmentation techniques. Learn propagation methods from PIMS specialists.

Day 04 – May 10

Outplanting Day

Collect nursery-grown corals and outplant them onto designated restoration sites on the reef.

Day 05 – May 11

Advanced Restoration

Advanced outplanting techniques and microfragmentation work. Complete Reef Rescue Diver certification requirements.

Day 06 – May 12

Explore & Farewell

Free day to explore Andros Island, relax at the lodge, or snorkel. Farewell evening.

Day 07 – May 13

Departure

Breakfast at the lodge followed by transfers and onward travel.

4 dive days, 3 dives per day. 12 dives total. Subject to weather and sea conditions.

Your Base Camp in Andros

The Island Experience

Between dives and conservation work, unwind on quiet beaches, explore by kayak, or simply enjoy the slower rhythm of island life. Evenings are relaxed and social, a time to share stories, reflect on the day, and connect with the group.

Andros Island

Andros is the largest island in The Bahamas and one of its most extraordinary natural treasures. Home to the world’s third largest barrier reef, vast mangrove ecosystems, inland blue holes, and remarkable biodiversity, it offers an experience far beyond the typical Caribbean destination.

Its wild beauty and quiet atmosphere make it the perfect setting for a week of exploration, learning, and purpose-driven travel.

Small Hope Bay Lodge

Your home for the week is Small Hope Bay Lodge, one of the Caribbean’s original dive resorts, welcoming guests since 1960. Rustic beachfront cabins sit just steps from the ocean, with meals, beverages, and activities included.

Warm hospitality, a laid-back atmosphere, and direct access to the sea make it the ideal base for this expedition.

Visit Website

Itinerary and activities may adjust depending on weather, sea conditions, and project priorities. Flexibility is part of the adventure

Inquire About This Expedition

Interested in the Small Hope Bay Advanced Expedition?
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