Sandals Resorts Leads The Way in Underwater Exploration and Conservation, Celebrates World Oceans Day with Caribbean Initiatives

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is a beacon for underwater exploration, conservation, and now research. Honoring the ecosystems that envelop the nine islands it calls home, SRI marks World Oceans Day with updates on ocean preservation efforts in the Caribbean.

Observed every year on June 8th, World Oceans Day 2024, an initiative by the United Nations, calls to ‘awaken new depths’ — fostering ocean exploration, collaboration, commitment, and more, echoing the Caribbean all-inclusive resort company’s dedication to ocean care.

Welcoming Aquanaut Fabien Cousteau and PROTEUS™ Scientists to Sandals Royal Curaçao

The Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, renowned for its vibrant fringing reef system and rich marine life, is a prime diving destination. Soon, it will host the “International Space Station of the Ocean” – PROTEUS™, spearheaded by the celebrated aquanaut Fabien Cousteau and the Proteus Ocean Group. As the world’s most advanced underwater habitat, PROTEUS™ aims to drive innovation in the blue economy, enhance ocean storytelling, and facilitate research to tackle global challenges. This state-of-the-art modular station will be accessible to public, corporate, academic, non-profit sectors, and private individuals.

Sandals Royal Curaçao, situated just a few nautical miles from the proposed site, recently hosted Cousteau and the PROTEUS™ team of scientists. They visited one of their potential locations to gather critical data for the project’s advancement. The expedition, supported by Sandals’ PADI-certified scuba diving program and watersports experts, was led by Corporate Director of Watersports Michael Clarke, who guided the group aboard one of Sandals’ custom-designed Newton dive boats.

“Virtually everything you love and cherish about the beach, including the feel-good aspects of walking by the shoreline, is because of the ocean. Healthy oceans mean a healthy future, and we’re grateful for partners like Sandals who share our passion for taking action to improve them,” said Cousteau.

During the exploratory dive, the PROTEUS™ team of scientists installed an array of sensors to monitor variables such as temperature, water quality, and the acoustic environment. This effort is part of building a comprehensive network to support and benefit Curaçao’s coral reefs. Alongside this, PROTEUS™ launched a pilot community science program, where experienced recreational divers joined the PROTEUS™ science team to assist with underwater research. This initiative paves the way for future opportunities to involve non-experts in the research and science on PROTEUS™, advancing solutions to some of Earth’s most pressing challenges.

“Understanding our ocean is critical to achieving a healthy ocean,” Cousteau adds.

Future Goals: Empowering Kids to Protect the Ocean

Launched in 2022 ahead of the opening of Sandals Royal Curaçao, the Future Goals program has provided local primary schools with nearly four dozen colorful soccer goals made from recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets pulled from the sea. This initiative, a collaboration between Sandals Resorts, the Sandals Foundation, and AFC Ajax, aims to inspire children to be sustainability-minded through their love for soccer, complemented by an academic program focused on life skills. Since its inception, the program has repurposed 3,858 pounds of plastic and 2,045 square feet of fishing nets into 46 soccer goals and counting.

To celebrate another successful academic year, 180 students from 14 schools in Curaçao participated in the Future Goals: Art Challenge. They crafted unique art pieces from PolyEthylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles, caps, and packing materials, and presented their creations to a distinguished panel of judges. The winning photos and artwork will be showcased on billboards across the island starting on World Oceans Day, inspiring local communities to join the movement.

Celebrating 10 Years of Women’s Dive Day: Jamaican Sun and Sea Festivities

In partnership with PADI, Sandals Resorts is celebrating 10 years of Women’s Dive Day with a special multi-day event at Sandals Ochi in Jamaica, from July 18-22. The event will feature specialty dives, curated programming, and on-resort activities, welcoming female divers of all levels to experience Sandals’ award-winning all-inclusive dive program. The itinerary includes an all-women panel on Women’s Dive Day, July 20, a beach cleanup, and various other sea-related celebrations. For more information, visit Sandals.com/womens-dive-weekend/.

The Caribbean’s Premier All-Inclusive Diving Program: A Deep Commitment to the Ocean

Year-round, guests at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts play a crucial role in the mission to keep the ocean healthy and beautiful, ensuring sea life thrives and local communities prosper. Through projects organized by the Sandals Foundation in partnership with local Caribbean groups, guests positively impact their vacation destinations. Best of all, guests can enjoy unlimited scuba diving during their stay, using state-of-the-art equipment with PADI-certified instructors and dive masters leading the way.

“From the privilege of immersing travelers in the unique wonders of Caribbean life under the sea to preserving these fragile ecosystems for generations to come, we take a truly holistic approach to this amazing sport to create experiences that are not only memorable but impactful,” said Michael Clarke, Corporate Director of Watersports at Sandals Resorts International.  

Coral restoration dives, lionfish hunting certifications, and educational courses are available at select resorts, offering scuba divers the chance to protect and care for the environments they cherish. This year, the Sandals Foundation celebrates 15 years of fostering environmental and ocean awareness, having engaged over 82,000 volunteers since its inception in 2009.