​To counter the degradation and bleaching of tropical coral reefs along Brazil’s northeastern coast, the Biofábrica Coral Restoration Project has developed and implemented its own coral restoration methodology. In a collaborative positive impact initiative involving researchers, community members, tourists, and over 400 volunteers, the project has cultivated and reintroduced over 10 thousand coral colonies of resilient species onto the reef at Porto de Galinhas. Healthy and colorful coral reefs provide habitat for a variety of fish and crustaceans, which feed communities and attract tourists – a valuable source of local income. Biofábrica de Corais invites tourists, interested in learning about coral reefs, to lend a helping hand in restoring the coral reef.

This participative excursion, suited for everyone above 8 years old, starts with a short lecture on the biology, diversity and importance of coral at the project’s headquarters, after which visitors head to the beach and board a ‘jangada’, a traditional raft with a sail. Skimming across the crystal-clear waters, the raft takes visitors to the project’s floating laboratory. Here, cultivated fragments of coral are prepared for introduction onto a submersed coral farm – where the colonies grow for several months, until they are ready for formal implantation onto the reef. After a snack, visitors snorkel (equipment, including life vest included) from the floating laboratory, across the reef to the submerged coral farm, and are invited to help remove algae from the growing coral buds, before returning to shore.

Recommended: Hat or cap, swimming gear, UV protected shirt, water bottle, for those with long hair, an elastic/rubber band to tie it down.