In a world where we are becoming more and more conscious of the threats of climate change and the impact on our reefs, more knowledge is needed about how to tackle these problems and understand how we, as divers, can effect change.
TAKATA’s Coastal Ecology Program is an intensive educational program that will guide you towards a better understanding of coastal ecosystems and of the role of divers in ocean conservation. It contains the necessary tools to understand, appreciate and protect the marine environment.
No previous marine biology experience or qualifications are required for the course.
We take a systemic and multi-disciplinary approach to our subject matter, focusing our attention on a diversity of systems that are connected to the ecology of coastal biomes: biological systems, ecosystems, earth systems and social value systems. This allows us to include the human element in our understanding of ecology.
Scheduled activities include interpretation dives, a field visit to the mangrove forest, socio-environmental volunteering activities, ethics discussions and a research project presentation.
The program’s content is inspired by college and university level biology, ecology, environmental sciences and environmental sociology curricula. It consists of 35 hours of activities divided in four modules:
- Coral Biology: all you need to know about reef building corals, from the tiny polyp to reef formation.
- Tropical Coastal Ecology: contemporary models of ecosystem structure and how these apply to a variety of coastal ecosystems: reefs, mangroves and seagrass meadows.
- The Anthropocene and our Oceans: the impact of human activities on our ocean ecosystems, conservation status of reefs worldwide and conservation efforts.
- Environmental Ethics: a sociological approach to environmental value systems and exploration of a variety of environmental philosophies.
Learn to study the reef’s health and help us to find ways to reconcile the expansion of coastal villages with the preservation of the amazing region’s natural heritage. Scheduled activities include theoretical class sessions and practical diving training.
TAKATA’s Reef Monitoring Training is an intensive technical program that will prepare you for a profession in marine biology in tropical zones. With this training, you will learn about marine biology and ecology, you will be introduced to the fish, corals, benthos and megafauna of the Caribbean. During the course, you will learn to identify and monitor the species found on our reef and analyse the data that has been collected.
Our Research Center uses AGRRA methodologies for our Reef Monitoring Program, widely used in the Caribbean area. The Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment is an international collaboration of scientists, managers, and supporters aimed at improving the regional condition of reefs in the Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
The program’s content is inspired by our Research Center’s Reef Monitoring Program. It consists of 40 hours of activities (classroom and dives) divided in four modules:
- Fish & Megafauna Identification : Families of Fish Species & Importance of Fish in the Marine Ecosystem
- Coral Identification : Families of Corals, Importance, Coral Conditions (Diseases, Mortality, Bleaching)
- Benthos Identification : Types of Benthos in the Caribbean & Importance in the Marine Ecosystem
- Monitoring Training : Monitoring methods (Fish, Megafauna, Coral and Benthos), Monitoring equipment, Site selection, Transects overview, Data Analysis

The Takata Reef Ecology workshop is ideal for those who would like to learn more about our Mahahual environment and meet with our Research Center staff.
The workshop can be attended by itself or paired with a number of dive options:
- Workshop with 1 interpretation dive
- Workshop with 1 interpretation dive & 1 fun dive
- Add to a fun diving package or dive certification course such as Open Water Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver.
All rental equipment included.
The Reef Ecology workshop is offered by our Research Center and is a basic introduction into the workings of our reef systems.
In an hour-long classroom session, you will be introduced to the following:
- Coral reef formation
- Coral biology
- Associated ecosystems (seagrass, dunes, mangroves)
- Ecosystem services
- Threats facing the reef in today´s current climate
- Solutions to help the reef to survive
This is not a certification course and is available for non-divers as well as certified divers.
The PADI Coral Conservation Specialty course helps you appreciate the complexity of coral reef habitats and teaches how you can help conserve these vital systems.
As certified divers, we love to spend time in warm, clear water on a vibrant coral reef, yet many divers know little about what they’re seeing or the importance of reef ecosystems. The Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course helps you appreciate the complexity of these habitats and teaches you how you can help conserve these vital systems.
Through classroom discussions, you learn:
- How coral reefs function and the complex nature of life on a reef
- Why coral reefs are so important
- Why many coral reefs are in serious trouble
- What you can do to prevent further decline
Following our theory session, we will dive on the beautiful reefs of Mahahual, where you will view the underwater world with a fresh perspective and understanding.
Included in the course: 1 dive, all rental equipment, special Project AWARE certification card, donation to Project AWARE

Project AWARE works to unite scuba divers and water enthusiasts to make a difference. By earning the Project AWARE Specialty certification, you’ll learn how you can make a difference for ocean protection every time you dive or travel.
The Project AWARE Specialty course is an introduction to Project AWARE as a global movement for ocean protection. It focuses and expands on the 10 Tips for Divers to Protect the Ocean Planet. Through interactive discussions, you’ll learn how you can make a difference for ocean protection every time you dive or travel.
Through classroom workshops, you will:
- Be introduced to the Project AWARE movement.
- Understand the 10 Tips for Divers to Protect the Ocean Planet.
- Develop an action plan for how you can personally make a difference.
Included in the course: 1 dive, all rental equipment, special Project AWARE certification card, donation to Project AWARE.