Diving into the Unexpected: Tela Expedition Recap
Following whales is our typical (albeit incredible) pastime, but from July 28 to August 2, 2026, The Seabirds Foundation dove into something a little different: coral reefs. Our focus shifted to coral spawning and one particularly rebellious reef. Excitement and anticipation were high as our team traveled from around the globe to converge on the shores of Tela Bay, Honduras. With AdZENtures as our trusted guide to all things fun, we jumped right in!
We arrived with hopes of witnessing and documenting a coral spawning event that had not yet been scientifically recorded in the area. In a natural collaboration, The Seabirds and Tela Coral set out to establish acoustic baselines surrounding this remarkable event while also contributing valuable data to ongoing science and conservation efforts in Tela. But field science rarely “behaves,” an especially fitting reality for The Rebel Reef. Before long, we were facing a broken hydrophone and corals that simply refused to spawn (despite the longing stares of exceptionally eager divers!). Our plans had to adapt in real time. We pivoted efforts, pressed forward, and the ocean answered beautifully.
One of the moments we had most anticipated was diving The Rebel Reef itself, and it exceeded all expectations. Descending into the waters off Punta Sal felt like entering a time capsule… a thriving Elkhorn (Acropora palmata) coral reef stretching as far as the eye could see, seemingly frozen in time and blissfully unaware of the dire condition of so many coral reefs elsewhere in the world. Swimming through that vibrant ecosystem felt like going back in time - I imagined this was what my grandfather might have seen while diving the coasts of Cuba and the Florida Keys so many years ago. He was an avid diver and passed down his love of the ocean to our family. My mask filled with tears; it was one of those experiences that stays with you forever. And somehow, that was only the beginning.
The expedition went full throttle into opportunities we never could have expected, including conducting a groundbreaking Elkhorn coral translocation project, contributing to a significant mitigation effort from anchor damage, and uncovering fascinating salinity observations that could open doors to meaningful future research. We also had the opportunity to investigate an unexplored archaeological site and recover remarkable artifacts, creating yet another avenue for future study and collaboration.
The adventures were just as captivating on land as they were underwater. Our visit to Tela Marine aquarium gave us a powerful glimpse into its value for both the people of Tela and the broader Honduran community. Overflowing with education, living marine exhibits, and a wildly fun virtual reality diving experience, Tela Marine gives visitors a chance to see and feel the magic of Tela’s reefs without ever having to wrestle with a wetsuit!
Then, there was no better ending to an amazing week than sharing delicious sushi and drinks at SushiWa while watching Tela’s premier screening of The Rebel Reef alongside the film’s cast, producers, family, and friends. It was pure joy!
Photo Credit: Vinh Pham
Yet even that is only a hint of what this expedition ultimately represented. This was an experience I will carry with me forever, but more importantly, one I hope will become far more than a cherished memory. In many ways, this trip felt like the beginning of something much bigger—preserving the beauty and magic of Tela’s marine ecosystem while building something equally meaningful in the collaborations and friendships brought together by Tela’s extraordinary community.
Fueled by salty adventures, captivating science, and a bit of whimsical Jack Sparrow energy, I leave Tela feeling inspired, hopeful, and excited for what comes next.
xx, Cristie
Relevant Expedition Information:
- Date: 2026 July 28 - Aug 2
- Name: Spawning Adzenture
- Location: Tela, Honduras
- Partner(s): Tela Coral, Adzentures
- Vessel: various, run by Tela Marine
