Diving into Voluntourism

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