Sanctuary Guardians: Protect & Preserve the Florida Keys
The Sanctuary Guardians program, led by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, empowers businesses, locals, and visitors to champion regenerative tourism in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
By joining in these efforts, you will:
- Adopt sustainable practices that protect this vibrant ecosystem.
- Support conservation efforts that safeguard marine life and habitats.
- Inspire others by leading the way in responsible tourism.
Whether you’re a business embracing eco-friendly operations, or an individual passionate about preserving paradise, your actions make a difference.
Ready to be a part of the solution? Become a Sanctuary Guardian by joining this program today!
Photo Credit: Tiffany Duong
What is Regenerative Tourism
It’s not just about preserving paradise – it’s about helping it thrive for current and future generations to come.
Photo Credit: Tiffany Duong
Protecting the Heart of the Florida Keys
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary shelters an extraordinary mosaic of habitats – from vibrant coral reefs to seemingly endless expanses of seagrass – that sustain the region’s remarkable wildlife and habitats and create unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike. These precious ecosystems face daily threats. Sanctuary Guardians work to actively reduce these risks and ensure the long-term preservation of these ecosystems.
As a Sanctuary Guardian, you are invited to take part in a variety of opportunities such as:
- Removing marine debris from beaches, nearby reefs and mangroves shorelines
- Caring for coral fragments (both on land and underwater) and returning them to active restoration sites
- Boosting a healthy local ecosystem by:
- Helping to grow and care for endangered mangroves
- Supporting research by taking part in fish counts
- Removing invasive lionfish
Check out the calendar below to see all upcoming opportunities!
Photo Credit: Tiffany Duong
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- 8Passive Coral Nursery Experience with Quiescence Diving ServicesJoin Quiescence Diving Services for an Iconic Reef Guardians trip to the Coral Restoration Foundation’s Tavernier Coral Nursery. During this half-day morning trip, you will be led on a tour of the coral nursery by a trained Iconic Reef Guardians dive professional and passively observe these innovative underwater , ...
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- 11Passive Coral Nursery Experience with Conch Republic DiversJoin Conch Republic Divers for an Iconic Reef Guardians trip to the Coral Restoration Foundation’s Tavernier Coral Nursery. During this half-day morning trip, you will be led on a tour of the coral nursery by a trained Iconic Reef Guardians dive professional and passively observe these innovative underwater locat , ...Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys dive with Amoray Dive CenterAll DayJoin Amoray Dive Center in Key Largo for a Goal: Clean Seas dive trip to remove marine debris from a reef or wreck in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. During this half-day trip, you will be guided by a trained Goal: Clean Seas dive professional and actively participate in locating and safely removing marine , ...
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- 16Passive Coral Nursery Experience with Rainbow Reef Dive CenterJoin Rainbow Reef Dive Center for an Iconic Reef Guardians trip to the Coral Restoration Foundation’s Tavernier Coral Nursery. During this half-day morning trip, you will be led on a tour of the coral nursery by a trained Iconic Reef Guardians dive professional and passively observe these innovative underwater lo , ...
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- 18Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys dive with Amoray Dive CenterAll DayJoin Amoray Dive Center in Key Largo for a Goal: Clean Seas dive trip to remove marine debris from a reef or wreck in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. During this half-day trip, you will be guided by a trained Goal: Clean Seas dive professional and actively participate in locating and safely removing marine , ...Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys dive with Key DivesAll DayJoin Key Dives in Islamorada for a Goal: Clean Seas dive trip to remove marine debris from a reef or wreck in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. During this half-day trip, you will be guided by a trained Goal: Clean Seas dive professional and actively participate in locating and safely removing marine debris f , ...
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- 23Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys dive with Rainbow Reef Dive CenterAll DayJoin Rainbow Reef Dive Center in Key Largo for a Goal: Clean Seas dive trip to remove marine debris from a reef or wreck in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. During this half-day trip, you will be guided by a trained Goal: Clean Seas dive professional and actively participate in locating and safely removing m , ...
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- 25Passive Coral Nursery Experience with Pirates Cove WatersportsJoin Pirates Cove Water Sports for an Iconic Reef Guardians trip to the Coral Restoration Foundation’s Tavernier Coral Nursery. During this half-day morning trip, you will be led on a tour of the coral nursery by a trained Iconic Reef Guardians dive professional and passively observe these innovative underwater l , ...
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- 29Passive Coral Nursery Experience with Florida Keys Dive CenterJoin Florida Keys Dive Center for an Iconic Reef Guardians trip to the Coral Restoration Foundation’s Tavernier Coral Nursery. During this half-day morning trip, you will be led on a tour of the coral nursery by a trained Iconic Reef Guardians dive professional and passively observe these innovative underwater lo , ...
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- 31Passive Coral Nursery Experience with Island VenturesJoin Island Ventures for an Iconic Reef Guardians trip to the Coral Restoration Foundation’s Tavernier Coral Nursery. During this half-day morning trip, you will be led on a tour of the coral nursery by a trained Iconic Reef Guardians dive professional and passively observe these innovative underwater locations , ...
- 1Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys dive with Amoray Dive CenterAll DayJoin Amoray Dive Center in Key Largo for a Goal: Clean Seas dive trip to remove marine debris from a reef or wreck in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. During this half-day trip, you will be guided by a trained Goal: Clean Seas dive professional and actively participate in locating and safely removing marine , ...Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys dive with Key DivesAll DayJoin Key Dives in Islamorada for a Goal: Clean Seas dive trip to remove marine debris from a reef or wreck in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. During this half-day trip, you will be guided by a trained Goal: Clean Seas dive professional and actively participate in locating and safely removing marine debris f , ...
Why Sanctuaries Matter—And Why YOU Should Care
As a Business, you can:
- Protect the place you call home—invest in the environment that sustains your community and operations.
- Lead by example—inspire others by championing local conservation efforts.
- Expand your customer base—today’s travelers and customers prioritize sustainability. Stand out as an eco-conscious choice.
- Drive meaningful change—be part of a movement that makes a lasting difference.
As an Individual, you can:
- Learn by doing—gain hands-on experience in conservation and wildlife protection.
- Become a voice for nature—advocate for sanctuaries and spread awareness.
- Try something extraordinary—swap the ordinary for unforgettable, purpose-driven experiences.
- Travel with impact—turn your vacation into a force for good.
Join us in protecting these vital spaces—for nature, for the future, and for all of us.
Photo Credit: Tiffany Duong
Your Journey Begins Here
Becoming a Sanctuary Guardian starts with our easy, accessible and completely free online training. Designed for flexibility, this platform adapts perfectly whether you’re learning from your computer or smartphone. We’ve carefully tailored the experience with separate courses for individuals and businesses – so eco-conscious travelers can prepare for meaningful visits, while forward-thinking companies gain tools to attract sustainability-minded clients and implement regenerative practices.
This isn’t just training; it’s your first step toward making a real difference in protecting the Florida Keys.
Photo Credit: Tiffany Duong
Dive Deeper Into the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's Conservation Work
The Sanctuary Guardians program is just one piece of our larger mission. Discover how our two key initiatives are making waves in marine conservation within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary:
- Iconic Reef Guardians: Join the effort to restore and protect Florida’s Coral Reef. Learn more here.
- Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys: Be part of the solution to marine debris and plastic pollution. Learn more here.
Each program offers unique ways to get involved and amplify your impact. Which will you explore first?
Photo Credit: Tiffany Duong
