Content starts here
CLOSE ×

Search

Diving into Voluntourism

Image (1) Diver.jpg for post 1622

This summer my boyfriend and I vacationed in the Florida Keys and spent an afternoon snorkeling at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. Although I've only previous snorkeled in Mexico a few times, this was by far the best of my snorkeling adventures. The amount of fish that swam around me was impressive and I can't forget the feeling of dread that rushed through my body when we saw a Nurse Shark napping on the ocean floor. But it was the colorful coral that captivated me the most. I was mesmerized by the fish darting in and out of the coral crevices, eating, hiding and playing.

We loved the beauty and relaxed atmosphere of the Keys and neither of us can wait to visit again. I recently came across THIS awesome "voluntourism" opportunity at the park designed specifically for divers. I'm not a diver, but urge anyone who is, and hasn't visited this State Park, to check it out. The event is from October 19-21 and if I could dive I'd be there in a breath. Any divers out there interested in planting corals for reef restoration ?

I'm reading more and more about people taking vacations and doing good while on them. I'm interested in taking one and have been searching THIS SITE to get started. Have you ever taken a "voluntourism" trip? If so, share your story with us.
Photo courtesy of: Barefeet Rentals

Search AARP Blogs

Related Posts
October 27, 2015 05:58 PM
Lexi Jadoff, 31, is a driven, ambitious Washington, D.C., consultant with a unique way of de-stressing. She volunteers with The Reading Connection (TRC), a nonprofit that promotes reading for at-risk families. Jadoff is among the Read-Aloud volunteers who read each week with children at shelters…
September 17, 2015 02:29 PM
Some people take a fitness class before heading to work. Others jog a mile or two. Jennifer Kenealy, 45, gets her morning workout by hauling boxes of children’s books to schools, recreation centers, youth-focused nonprofit organizations and other sites. These are spots where children of low-income…
September 08, 2015 11:10 AM
Men in tuxedos and women in sparkly jackets mingle in the Green Room of the Little Theater of Alexandria (LTA) in Virginia. A pianist in the far corner plays show tunes on a baby grand piano while a small group sings “Hello, Dolly.” Other guests sip wine and nibble on artistically presented hors…