Protecting Coral, One Dive at a Time.

RumPowered® Research Sets Sail in the Turks & Caicos 

Turks & Caicos Explorer II: June 28 to July 5, 2025  

Sun-soaked decks, vibrant coral gardens, and a boatload of passionate divers made the latest RumPowered® Research Expedition aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer II one for the books. This Turks & Caicos Reef Fund trip wasn’t just a liveaboard holiday, it was a hands-on marine science adventure, powered by purpose. 

A Week of Discovery 

Underwater, divers didn’t just observe; they contributed. Throughout the week, TC Reef Fund’s participants were immersed in coral reef science: learning to identify coral species, spotting signs of disease, monitoring fish populations, and even administering treatments to support struggling colonies.  By combining education with action, each diver played a hands-on role in building reef resilience —and became part of the solution, one dive at a time. 

One of the most inspiring moments for the group came during the visit to the coral nursery at ‘The Dome’ near Northwest Point. Every diver on board assisted by cleaning coral ladders, re-tying support structures, and relocating healthy fragments. In doing this work, divers give fragile corals a better chance to thrive. 

Please feel free to share the images and be sure to credit Patricia Guardiola Slattery/TC Reef Fund in all posts or publications. Tag: @explorerventures, @amoredimare_uw and @tcreef_fund so we can follow along and share.

Why This Matters

While the RumPowered® Research trip was filled with vibrant marine life and inspiring teamwork, it also highlighted just how vital this kind of conservation work has become. 

Dives off East Caicos offered a real-time glimpse into the pressures facing coral ecosystems-underscoring the need for continued reef monitoring, restoration, and protection in a rapidly changing ocean. 

This kind of in-water, community-based work is essential to reef conservation. With scientists stretched thin, trained citizen divers help fill critical gaps in monitoring, early detection of disease, and direct intervention. And the impact doesn’t end with the trip-divers return home more informed, more engaged, and better equipped to advocate for reef protection in their communities and wherever they dive. That’s how local action becomes a force for global change.  

Dive Green: Sustainability That Shows 

This expedition was also an example of Explorer Ventures Fleet’s Dive Green promise in action. As part of our ongoing commitment to ocean conservation, the Fleet supports local nonprofits like the TC Reef Fund to actively support reef health, restoration and research. 

From educating guests on Green Fins best practices and using reef-safe products, to logging survey data and helping to maintain coral nurseries, every aspect of trip reflected our environmental values. Everyone aboard left not only with incredible dive memories, but with new skills and knowledge they’ll carry into every future dive. 

Learn more about Dive Green – Our Sustainability Promise 

Join us in Supporting Reef Conservation 

Coral conservation in Turks & Caicos wouldn’t be possible without the leadership and expertise of the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund. Their ongoing work in coral restoration, community education, and ocean stewardship continues to make a real impact in the Islands and beyond. We’re proud to support their mission and invite you to do the same. 

Learn more or contribute to TC Reef’s efforts at tcreef.org.

See past RumPowered® expeditions and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when the next conservation opportunity will set sail