Kimpton Angler’s South Beach “Rescue-a-Reef” excursion returns this spring, making it possible for eco-conscious travelers to experience and learn about reef rescue alongside those doing the work.
Providing an immersive, first-hand look at coral reef restoration and its importance to ocean life and the environment, Kimpton Angler’s Hotel and the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science have teamed once again to provide Miami visitors with a rare opportunity to see science at work.
Available to guests of Kimpton Angler’s, the half-day outing on Key Biscayne includes a private charter by Deco Divers to the hotel’s adopted Angler’s Reef site which the hotel works in partnership with UM to monitor and maintain. Guests have the option to ride-along, snorkel, or dive at depths of approximately 25 feet to reach the adopted reef site.
To learn about the important role coral reefs play in our oceans, guests can have a team from the University of Miami Coral Restoration Lab join the outing and provide an interactive on-board lesson on reef restoration. Other add-ons include a chef-curated boxed lunch, and transfers to and from the nearby marina.
Ideal for families, friends and corporate teams seeking a shared learning adventure, Kimpton Angler’s reef rescue experience is available for groups of two to 10. Kimpton Angler’s front desk team will assist in arranging the four-hour guided excursions which departs from South Beach Marina, conveniently located near the hotel.
Kimpton Angler’s Rescue-a-Reef excursion includes the charter with licensed captain and crew with rates starting at $1,495 (Mondays through Thursdays) and $1,995 (Fridays through Sundays). Pricing does not include equipment rentals; the cost of a certified dive partner which is required for those diving; and taxes and gratuities. Interactive reef restoration experience with the University of Miami team is available for an additional $200, with advance two-week notice required. Pricing for boxed lunches and transfers provided at time of booking. To learn more, or inquire about booking an excursion, visit https://www.anglershotelmiami.
“Our heritage as a haven for true anglers ties us inextricably to the ocean that surrounds us while igniting a spirit of discovery,” said Fernando Rivera, General Manager, Kimpton Angler’s South Beach. “Our desire to make Angler’s a place of discovery for our guests drew us to join University of Miami as part of their citizen science effort and share this important work and the beauty of our oceans with our guests.”
University of Miami team provides on-board lesson on coral reef restoration
Background: Hurricanes, above-normal heat patterns, pollution, and disease have caused the loss of coral reefs at an alarming rate. Restoring reef populations helps rebuild natural habitats for an abundance of marine organisms, while protecting coastlines and coastal communities from storm surge and flooding.
Kimpton Angler’s first teamed with UM Coral Restoration Lab and Rescue a Reef program in 2018 to assist in re-establishing the area’s coral reef population by adopting a coral reef site located at 25.659617° -80.097550° off the shores of Miami Beach.
With funding provided by Kimpton Angler’s South Beach, the Angler’s Reef restoration site was first populated over a two-month period beginning in February 2018 with 300 staghorn corals and two underwater “trees” installed at the nearby Key Biscayne underwater nursery. Each “tree” held approximately 120 coral fragments which helped to naturally propagate hundreds of additional fragments and restore the reef.
Now six years old, Angler’s Reef continues to thrive despite impacts from recent weather events. The care and maintenance of Angler’s Reef is made possible by Kimpton Angler’s and provided by the University of Miami Coral Restoration team which makes annual visits to the site to replace and restore damaged coral as needed.
To learn more about Kimpton Angler’s Rescue a Reef experience, visit https://www.
