At Caribbean Reef Guardians, we believe in taking bold, immediate action to save our coral reefs. Founded by passionate scuba instructors, we are driven by the urgency to restore these vital ecosystems before it’s too late. We build coral nurseries, safeguard genetic diversity, and train local divers and communities in the art of reef restoration. Our projects blend community engagement, education, and innovative science to ensure that people and reefs can thrive together.
Who We Are
Caribbean Reef Guardians is dedicated to the restoration, protection, and preservation of the world’s second largest coral reef system, the Mesoamerican reef in the Caribbean. Across this region, the reef is in an emergency state. We need to act now to save and rebuild it!
We work with local communities, divers, and global partners to rebuild reef ecosystems that are essential to marine biodiversity and coastal resilience. Through education, innovative restoration techniques, and hands-on involvement, we aim to create sustainable change for the future of our reefs.
Our Mission
Our mission is to restore and protect the Mesoamerican Caribbean coral reef through community involvement, education, and science-backed restoration techniques. Our work eims to support a resilient ecosystem that can help the reef recover from disease and damage, and
build resiliency to withstand future destruction. By engaging with local nonprofits, researchers, businesses, and volunteers, we are building a network of Guardians dedicated to preserving coral reefs.
Our Story
Caribbean Reef Guardians was founded when two unlikely people—a French musician and a Dutch project manager living in Texas—crossed paths. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, they shared a passion for scuba diving and a love for coral reefs.
We were both scuba instructors in Roatan, Honduras, spending our days under the surface,
teaching others to discover the magic of diving and witnessing the incredible biodiversity that reef supports. But we were also seeing something more troubling—the reef was dying at an alarming rate. Every dive revealed more bleaching, disease, and destruction. The damage was heartbreaking, and the thought of doing nothing was unbearable.
Our Approach (EPIC)
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We Educate
We teach others about the critical value of our marine ecosystems. Our scuba instructors don't just teach diving—they educate divers of all levels about the importance of coral reefs, how to identify threatened colonies, and how to control invasive species and protect against coral diseases. We also develop programs to engage children, and organize science expeditions to deepen understanding and foster collaboration among experts and researchers.
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We Protect
We protect and restore coral reefs by using tools like coral banks, nurseries and artificial reef structures that help reefs grow stronger. Our onshore marine laboratory grows resilient coral colonies, preparing them to withstand ocean stress before replanting them in their natural habitat. Our restoration projects also collaborate with the local community, creating jobs centered on saving and protecting the reefs as a sustainable alternative to illegal fishing.
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We Inspire
We inspire others to become reef guardians. We take divers on journeys to witness the magic of underwater ecosystems, spreading awareness and helping visitors become lifelong advocates for marine conservation. By sharing innovations and success stories from around the world, we spark hope and show that real change is possible. With our passion, actions and contagious optimism we want to inspire you to become a Guardian yourself.
We Connect
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We connect NGOs, governments, educators, businesses, scientists, and the tourism industry to share knowledge and resources. Our strength lies in working together with diverse partners to amplify our impact. We are right on time if we act now. We can only be successful if we work together.
Join Us
Become a Caribbean Reef Guardian! Whether by volunteering your time, participating in our dives, donating funds, or purchasing merchandise, you can help us restore the reefs. We need captains, dive crews, educators, and scientists to help us rebuild and protect these beautiful ecosystems. Visit, study, teach, and get involved in our mission to save the Caribbean reefs.
Recognizing that waiting for traditional conservation methods wasn’t an option, we decided to take action. The reefs were in crisis, and we needed to step up. Caribbean Reef Guardians was born out of this shared urgency and commitment to restore one of the world’s largest and most ecologically important coral reef systems.
As divers, the reef isn’t just a workplace or a travel destination—it’s home. Watching it deteriorate feels like losing a part of ourselves. That’s why we’re dedicated to restoring these reefs, because saving them means protecting a vital part of the planet's future. This passion and determination are at the core of everything we do.