REEF Environmental Education Foundation Program with Silent World

Silent World Dive Center is excited to partner with REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) to offer a guided snorkel program in Key Largo focused on fish identification and citizen science.

This program is designed for snorkelers of all experience levels—including families, students, older adults, and anyone who enjoys being on the surface. Participants learn how to identify common reef and mangrove fish species while snorkeling and contribute meaningful data to REEF’s Volunteer Fish Survey Project.

During the snorkel, participants will be taught how to observe fish in their natural habitats, including coral reefs and mangrove environments. Surveys can be completed entirely from the surface, with shallow surface dives. Fish may be recorded anywhere in the water column—from the surface to the bottom—making this program accessible and flexible for a wide range of comfort levels.

The REEF interns will cover fish identification techniques, observation tips, and survey methods. Since fish often look different when viewed from above, participants are encouraged to slow down, watch behavior, and look for key identifying features. Using a small underwater camera can be helpful for later identification, but is not required.

By the end of the program, snorkelers will have the skills and confidence to identify reef fish and submit surveys to REEF, contributing valuable data that helps scientists track fish populations and monitor the health of our oceans.

Join us and turn your snorkel adventure into a meaningful conservation experience in the Florida Keys.