April 2025 Scuba Diving Industry™ Magazine

TRAVEL continued tles are named after Francis and Eleanor, and recently tagged turtles are available for adoption. Dive Tours: Divers can make two-tank tours, con- ▪ ducted in inner, outer, and atoll locations along the Mesoamerican Reef System (SAM), the world’s sec- ond-largest barrier reef. Coral Reef Restoration: Fragments of Hope is a local ▪ community-based organization that partners with The Turtle Inn to focus on the restoration of coral reef habitats and their sustainable management. Inspiration Center: Helps pay therapists every month ▪ for kids with special needs. Placencia Humane Society: Offers free spay and neuter ▪ programs, a mobile vet clinic, and vaccination pro- grams. ROMP Global: The Range of Motion Project is ded- ▪ icated to ensuring access to high-quality prosthetic care and rehabilitation services for Belizeans who can’t af- ford one. The Brando (Tetiaroa, French Polynesia) – One of the world's most iconic private island luxury retreats boasts powder white beaches, azure tropical waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Fulfilling Marlon Brando’s vision of a “university of the sea,” this resort is at the forefront of innovative ocean re- search, focusing on the health and sus- tainability of Tetiaroa’s marine ecosystem. Sustainability projects include: Studying Shark Populations: For ▪ the past decade, the Tetiaroa Reef Shark Project has studied the lagoon’s shark population to better understand its ecology and behavior. Monitoring Green Turtles: Te Mana O Te Moana, an ▪ environmental organization that has protected green sea turtles nesting on the atoll’s beaches for 17 years, focuses on the impact of climate change on female tur- tles. Innovative Cooling: The Brando harnesses deep-sea ▪ water rather than using harmful hydrofluorocarbons to naturally cool its tropical villas with its innovative Sea Water Air Conditioning system. Turtle Inn Tagging, Belize. Credit: Rachel Graham Mar Alliance

Coulibri Ridge (Soufrière, Dominica) provides a 14-suite resort perched atop a mountain ridge, powered by 100% re- newable energy and using only captured rainwater. Near the Soufrière-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve, guests can enjoy un- forgettable underwater experiences that support marine con- servation efforts at the island’s finest diving and snorkeling spots. Sustainability projects include: An Exclusive Sperm Whale Encounter: Led by ▪ renowned photographer, environmental activist, and frequent contributor here, Amos Nachoum, this tour offers once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling experiences along- side families of sperm whales, some reaching up to 55 feet in their natural habitat. The Coulibri Ridge Dive Package: Available year- ▪ round, this tour combines world-class dives with lux- ury accommodations and includes gourmet meals, a coral conservation tour, and a donation to the Soufrière Marine Reserve Coral Restoration Project. Coral Restoration Project: Coulibri Ridge's REZDM ▪ organization is actively involved in the Soufrière-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve through the purchase of a ded- icated boat and the employment of staff for the daily survey and treatment of the reserve's coral.

SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge (Bahía Drake, Costa Rica) – This se- cluded rainforest retreat is set amidst 450,000 acres of pristine wilderness, lined by two kilometers of beaches and the largest reef systems on Costa Rica’s Pacific Ocean. In an area once described as “the most biologically intense place on earth,” this boat-only access lodge pro- vides an immersive experience in nature.

Sustainability projects include: Strategic Partnerships: NGO partners like Innoceana ▪ boost conservation efforts with immersive, hands-on activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling expedi- tions involving data collection and animal identifica- tion, truly impacting marine conservation. Community Engagement: The property provides ther- ▪ apeutic nature experiences for individuals with disabil- ities, curates events to bridge the gap between guests and nearby communities, supports infrastructure proj-

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