Santa Marta Reef Check

Our most accessible destination to train you in coral reef monitoring

Our very first and largest Reef Check expedition so far, and first coral reefs surveyed by our Reef Check EcoDivers.  It is still an intense educational experience in citizen science to increase the number of qualified people to collect information on the condition of Colombia´s coral reefs. The diversity of habitats in the Santa Marta, Taganga and the Tayrona National Park areas is a great opportunity to become a coral reef citizen scientist.

If you are already a Reef Check EcoDiver, the Santa Marta Reef Check is your opportunity to put into practice your knowledge and skills for monitoring coral health.

In the Santa Marta Reef Check you will be certified as Reef Check EcoDiver

If this is your first time attending a Reef Check expedition and you have more than 25 logged dives,  you will receive training to become a  Reef Check EcoDiver . You will live a true citizen science experience lead by scientists, where you will learn to identify the great diversity of fish, corals, and substrate found in the Caribbean. This course allows you to complete your field training to receive the internationally recognized Reef Check EcoDiver certification. This could also be your first step into our Responsible Diving System and its Meaningful Diving Universe, a minimum set of concepts and skills which we believe you need to start helping build resilient coral reefs.

You must complete and pass the knowledge component before joining this field program. Sign up for the Discover Reef Check or Reef Check EcoDiver e-learning programs today! 

Are you already a Reef Check EcoDiver?

Congratulations! You can start assisting us in the monitoring of the health of Santa Marta´s and some coral reefs of the Tayrona Park where diving is allowed. As a certified EcoDiver, you will carry out at least three (3) coral reef survey dives, thus increasing the number of reef sites evaluated during the event. Finally, the monitoring carried out will assist in updating the information on the health condition of the island’s reefs and in identifying priority sites for the implementation of restoration actions that are being carried out in the Archipelago. Looking to get certified as a Reef Check EcoDiver Trainer? The Reef Checks surveys completed on this expedition will help you qualify for your Reef Check trainer course as well as continue your meaningful diving development as a responsible diver!

As a Reef Check expedition team member in this expedition you can expect to:

See, experience or learn how we assess the health of a Caribbean coral reef while you enjoy an incredible ecosystem with large brain corals, vase sponges, and much more.

Monitor coral reefs under the leadership and guidance of experienced coral reef scientists, and assist with updating national and international databases (e.g. INVEMAR, Reef Check) with information on the condition of surveyed coral reefs.

Participate in other socio-ecological activities to experience how the local community lives and is protecting its ecosystem.

Meet more people like you who are committed to improving their diving experience and making of their passion an opportunity to leave a legacy.

Learn About the Reef Check EcoDiver Program

*Only for the Discover Reef Check Snorkel 1-day option.