Diver’s Paradise
At a glance
Grantee
Diver’s Paradise
Where
Key Biscayne, Miami, United States
Program
Marine Habitat Restoration
Grant
2025 Community Grant
Follow
Grantee spotlight · United States · 2025
Miami’s next reef keepers are still in school
Picture Miami’s reefs in ten years, looked after by people who first dived them as students. People who know how to survey a reef, why debris matters, and how to bring others along.
Diver’s Paradise has trained divers from Key Biscayne for more than 40 years, and since 2020 has certified 497 young people aged 10 to 17. Students for Coral Preservation takes that further. Over six months, young people join monthly conservation dives at six reef sites, pairing classroom sessions on reef ecology, restoration and climate with time in the water.
They earn PADI certifications along the way and finish as youth ambassadors, sharing what they’ve learned with their peers. Between programs, the dive center keeps up monthly reef monitoring and debris dives, and looks after the Neptune Memorial Reef.
“We need to be more than casual observers, making certain others learn about the important balance between our lives on land and the intricate ocean ecosystem.”
Michael Casey, Managing Director and PADI Course Director, Diver’s Paradise
What the grant supports
Learn to dive
PADI certifications for every participant, opening diving to young people who might not otherwise get the chance.
Look after the reef
Reef monitoring, species ID, debris removal and reef resiliency surveys across six Miami-Dade reef sites, plus BleachWatch observer training.
Pass it on
Participants become youth ambassadors, presenting what they’ve learned to their peers.
Photos and video: Nola Schoder
Watch
PADI AWARE community grants of up to US$10,000 go to PADI Dive Centers and community-based non-profits with an operating budget under US$1 million. Projects are judged on conservation need and community support, and the next round opens in 2027. The next local project is waiting on you.
