Land to Sea: Colombia Coffee and Coral Excursion - May 2024

What is included:

This excursion will introduce the participants to the coffee-producing region of Santa Marta, Colombia, in addition to several days of coral conservation and exploration training. In addition to visiting places like coffee and honey farms, participants will have the chance to take part in Remote Ecologist’s coral conservation and restoration efforts in northern Colombia, along with an introduction to Santa Marta proper, the gateway for coffee cultivation in Latin America. Santa Marta is nestled between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Caribbean Sea, making for a unique opportunity to experience multiple biomes in one place.

Participants will take part in cultural activities that include a trip up the mountains for tours of organic coffee farms, along with partaking in bird watching and the chance to bathe in many of the local waterfalls. Participants will be inundated in the nature surrounding the Pearl City. Part of that experience will include an introduction to fragmentation and microfragmentation of corals, and taking a look via snorkel at the restoration area.

Tentative Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Santa Marta, Colombia. Welcome reception and a detailed workshop on coral ecology, threats facing reefs, and restoration techniques.

Day 2: Direct Conservation: Fragmentation of corals and outplanting/transplantation. Snorkeling the coral nursery in Inca Inca. Diving is available for those certified. Spend the afternoon reviewing the dive experiences and discussing further restoration techniques. Breaks in between for rest and meals. 

Day 3: Direct Conservation: Fragmentation of corals and outplanting/transplantation. Snorkeling the coral nursery in Inca Inca. Diving is available for those certified. Spend the afternoon reviewing the dive experiences and discussing further restoration techniques. Breaks in between for rest and meals.

Day 4: Day trip to Minca. Morning nature walk through active conservation areas in Minca, followed by exploration of the scenic mountain town known for its coffee plantations and waterfalls. Breaks in between for rest and meals.

Day 5: Field site snorkel excursion, followed by wrap up event and opportunity for dry tropical forest hike in Mamancana. Breaks in between for rest and meals.

Day 6: Morning review session of the expedition over breakfast, followed by departure from Santa Marta.

Cost: $2500 USD (plus taxes and fees), includes activities, transportation, hotel (Hilton Santa Marta or similar), and food. Additional activities are available. Airfare is not included. Please coordinate with the excursion coordinator on all travel into/out of the country.

Payment: $2500 USD (plus taxes and fees) due 30 days prior to trip (contact program coordinator if there is an issue). $500 deposit via Upwell Coffee Submerge Expeditions , and full payment (Also Upwell Coffee Submerge Expeditions, (Select 6 day/5 night Snorkel Expedition), additional $2000). All prices are plus taxes and fees.

Required: Passport (U.S. citizens do not need pre-approved visa), Travel Health Insurance (a provider will be recommended). If diving, proof of DAN Insurance and SCUBA certification.

Recommended: All appropriate regional travel vaccinations. 

Contact: Email info@remoteecologist.org for more information.