Coral Restoration Expedition in Kenya
Dates: 16th – 27th November 2026
8 days of Diving | One Lasting Impact | Suitable for experienced divers
Join A Rocha Kenya’s 3rd annual coral gardening expedition and become part of one of East Africa’s marine conservation efforts. Spend eight unforgettable days diving alongside marine scientists, restoring damaged coral reefs, and exploring the extraordinary biodiversity of Watamu Marine National Park.
With only 8 participants, this is an intimate expedition designed for experienced divers who want their travels to leave a positive impact.
No commitment required. We’ll connect you with the expedition team to answer your questions and guide you through the booking process.
Why this expedition matters
Since 2024, A Rocha Kenya has been restoring damaged reefs in Watamu through coral gardening—a hands-on conservation approach that helps reefs recover and supports marine biodiversity for generations to come. For this expedition, A Rocha Kenya has partnered with Turtle Dive & Watersports Center Watamu to combine its ongoing conservation work with professional dive operations, giving participants a unique opportunity to contribute directly to an active reef restoration program.
Throughout the expedition, you’ll work alongside local marine scientists who lead the restoration program year-round, while diving with experienced local professionals who know Watamu’s reefs intimately. Together, they’ll share their expertise and guide you through meaningful, hands-on conservation work.
What You’ll Do:
Every day combines incredible diving with meaningful conservation work that helps protect these ecosystems for future generations.
Over the course of the expedition, you’ll complete two dives each day while contributing directly to reef restoration
You will join the team for 2 dives a day for 8 days (no conservation dives on the weekend) with different activities planned for each day including:-
- Reef Ecology
- Coral Identification
- Searching for Corals of Opportunity (naturally broken coral fragments)
- Planting Coral fragments
- Weeding macroalgae
- Cleaning Nursery tables
Who is this expedition for?
This expedition is ideal if you:
- Are certified to Ocean Diver level (or equivalent) with 20+ logged dives. Precise buoyancy control is essential, allowing you to work safely and responsibly around sensitive coral restoration sites.
- Want your travels to contribute to meaningful conservation
- Love marine life and underwater photography
- Enjoy learning from scientists and conservation professionals
- Want to connect with a small group of like-minded travellers
Your Impact
- Restore damaged coral reefs
- Expand coral nurseries
- Improve habitat for reef fish and other marine life
- Support local conservation efforts that continue long after the expedition ends
Expedition Details
Dates:
16th November to 27th November
(8 Days of Diving – 2 dives a day)
Price:
With Dive Equipment Hire:
£1,540 / €1,790 / $2,060 / Ksh 266,650
With Own Dive Kit:
£1,370 / €1,590 / $1,830 / Ksh 236,800
Whats Included:
- FB Accommodation (shared)
- 16 guided conservation dives over 8 diving days
- Marine Park Fees
- Project contribution
Whats not included:
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Dive / travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Visa Fees
Limited spaces
To ensure meaningful participation and close guidance from the conservation team, this expedition is limited to just 8 participants. Once places are filled, registrations will close.
FAQs
Do I need to be an experienced diver?
Yes, Precise buoyancy control is essential, allowing you to work safely and responsibly around sensitive coral restoration sites. We ask that divers are certified to Ocean Diver level (or equivalent) with 20+ logged dives.
Is equipment provided?
Yes, if you need any equipment, it will be available for rent from the local dive shop. If you have your own equipment and would like to use it, you are welcome to. Rates are listed with and without gear rental.
Can I travel alone?
Absolutely! Watamu is a fantastic destination for solo travellers. Many participants join the expedition on their own, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded divers and conservation enthusiasts throughout the trip.
The expedition team is friendly and welcoming, and they’ll be happy to help if you need anything during your stay, ensuring you feel comfortable and supported from the moment you arrive.
Is Travel Insurance required?
Yes, travel insurance is required to travel in Kenya as of July 2026. It is best to find one that will also cover SCUBA diving.
How much conservation work is involved?
On each of the eight diving days, you will join the scientists for two dives per day, taking part in a different conservation activity on each dive or day. This hands-on experience gives you the opportunity to learn how the team works to restore and monitor the coral reefs in the area.
The conservation dives take place in the mornings. Afternoons are free for you to relax, explore Watamu, or spend time learning more about the team’s work and ongoing research.
There is also a weekend break during the expedition, giving you time to rest, enjoy the beach, or book an optional safari or other local activities.
What else is there to do in my free time?
You’ll be located near the beach, so you can swim, relax on the sand, or simply enjoy the ocean views.
Other activities are available at an additional cost and are not included in the expedition rate. These include booking a sunset dhow cruise on Mida Creek to enjoy the spectacular scenery as the sun goes down. When the tides are right, you can float down the creek that winds through the mangrove forest—a unique and peaceful experience. Visiting Watamu village to sample delicious local coastal cuisine, or, booking a safari to one of Kenya’s incredible national parks on the weekend.
If you’re interested in any of these activities, simply mention it in your booking inquiry and I can connect you with a trusted local tour operator.
What happens after I submit an inquiry?
Once you submit the inquiry form, we’ll connect you directly with the conservation organization running the expedition. They’ll answer any questions you have, confirm availability, and guide you through the booking process. Submitting an inquiry does not commit you to a booking. If you’d like to get in touch, you can complete the form by clicking the “Inquire Now” button below
Contact: info@vidasili.com