About This Trip
- Learn coral reef monitoring and fish identification techniques from local biologists.
- Snorkel and explore the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve and learn about its importance to the local community.
- Spend a morning sailing and snorkeling the beautiful west coast of Puerto Rico.
- Help local conservationists search for nesting turtles at night.
- Stay in the small surf town of Rincón and learn about coral restoration efforts.
This immersive, weeklong coral reef volunteer vacation will sharpen your reef fish ID skills and get you familiar with field techniques that scientists use to evaluate the health of coral reefs. Working as a coral reef volunteer alongside local biologists, you will explore the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve and support their efforts to monitor the health of the reserve.
There will be opportunities to learn about local sea turtle nesting populations, to help monitor coral reef restoration sites, and to document coral diseases in nearshore and offshore reef sites. In between these activities you will meet local conservationists and biologists and have a chance to participate in a local cooking class, all while staying in the seaside surf town of Rincón.
Notes on Coral Reef Volunteer Program Costs
Conservation Impact
Established in 1969, Oceanic Society stands as the oldest nonprofit organization in America committed to ocean conservation. We are trailblazers in the realm of "eco travel," crafting expeditions that not only align with our charitable mission but also actively support marine research and conservation efforts globally. On this trip, your participation also aids coral reef research and conservation in Puerto Rico led by our partners at Isla Mar. Moreover, with every booking made, we take pride in sponsoring the removal of 200 lbs. of plastic waste from the ocean. Dive deeper into our innovative travel approach here.
Dates & Prices
Jul 27-Aug 3, 2025
Book this TripItinerary
B, L, D indicates the meals provided each day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Day 1: Arrive Aguadilla, Puerto Rico transfer to Rincon
Arrive at Rafael Hernández International Airport (BQN) and take a taxi to group lodging in Rincon. Evening group dinner and briefing with local research partners. (D)
Day 2-3: Coral Reef Biology and Ecology
The morning will begin with a briefing on the history of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve followed by an exploratory snorkel to get an overview of the area. After lunch, we will hear a lecture about coral reef biology and ecology including threats to coral reefs which will set the stage for the week’s in-water activities. The following day will include in-water training on how to monitor coral reef health and search for the presence of coral diseases within the reserve for our morning adventure. In the afternoon we will enjoy a casual hike along the northern tip of Rincon to see past historical and geological history of Puerto Rico and a visit to the iconic lighthouse. (B,L,D)
Kids will join us in the water or have the option to explore the tide pools of the reserve with our guide. For the afternoon, kids will be engaged learning about our oceans in a hands-on activity and will also hike the jungle trails of our tropical classroom.
Day 4: Fish ID
In the morning, we will explore the reserve via snorkeling to record data on fish abundance. We will practice fish ID skills and learn some new techniques to tell Caribbean fish apart from each other. In the afternoon, we'll have a lecture to introduce Caribbean reef fish identification followed by a group beach-cleanup at a local beach where we will document the different types of trash that we find to report to nationwide recording efforts In the evening, we will assist a volunteer sea turtle conservation group in walking the beach to search for nesting turtles.(B,L,D).
Kids will join us in the water or have the option to explore the tide pools of the reserve with our guide. For the afternoon, kids will be engaged learning about fish by exploring our preserved specimen collection.
Day 5: Sailing in Rincon
In the morning, we will take a chartered sailboat to some of Rincon’s outer reefs to explore differences between near-shore reserve corals and those beyond the boundaries. We will search for the presence of disease and bleaching, recording notes on our underwater paper. The afternoon will be free to relax at the beach, swim at the marina, or explore any of the nearby shops and restaurants. In the evening, we will head back into the water for an optional night snorkel of the reserve to the underwater world after dark! (B,L,D)
Day 6: Shacks Beach Snorkeling
In the morning we will head up north to the town of Isabela. We will snorkel at an iconic location with a very different underwater landscape than the reserve. We will observe and document the differences in coral diversity, taking note of any major coral diseases. In the afternoon, we will stop at the Aguadilla lighthouse ruins before returning to Rincon. In the evening, we'll head to the Rincón Art Walk in the town's central plaza to see local arts and crafts and listen to music. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Waterfall Hike
In the morning and early afternoon, we'll hike to a secluded waterfall and enjoy a relaxing lunch there among the jungle. The afternoon will be filled with some free time for exploring the town and after dinner we’ll head out to a local drink spot for a traditional favorite served in a coconut (with or without rum, your choice)! (B,L,D)
Day 8: Depart for Home or Old San Juan
We’ll have breakfast together before we part ways. Transfer by taxi to Rafael Hernández International Airport (BQN) to fly home - or if staying on we can help you arrange transport from Rincon if needed, to your next destination. (B)
Accommodations
In Rincón we will stay in a two-family home, where each level has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a kitchen, living room, wifi, satellite TV and A/C. Each level has: 1 master bedroom with a queen bed and attached bathroom, 2 rooms that can be made up with 1 king bed or 2 twin beds. These two rooms have a shared bathroom. There is also an enclosed outdoor shower. The accommodation is walking distance to the marine reserve and located in a quiet, residential neighborhood.
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
