Coral Spawn Diving Adventure:
Tela, HondurasExperience & Support the Rebel Reef!
DATES
July 28-Augst 2, 2026
DURATION
4 Nights / 5 Days
GROUP SIZE
10 Spaces Available
Diving Certification
Strongly Suggested
Experience the Magic of the Rebel Reef
Embark on an unforgettable AdZENture to the Rebel Reef in Tela, Honduras with the extraordinary non-profit, Tela Coral! This unique experience occurs a day or two after the summer's full moon and you'll have the opportunity to learn from and dive with coral experts – Juli Berwald, Antal Börcsök, and Christian Carias.
Both day and night dives are offered! But you'll also have the opportunity to explore beyond the waves to experience the depths and rich culture of Honduras, as well as add-ons that include a stay in the magical mangroves of Jeanette Kawas National Park. Immerse yourself in the allure of Honduras with our all-inclusive retreat, where small group experiences offer unique insights into local customs and pristine nature.
Coral Spawn Diving
Experience the once-a-year magic of coral spawning—a reverse snowstorm as coral eggs float upward to the surface. Dive with scientists and local experts of the Rebel Reef during this extraordinary natural phenomenon timed with the full moon.
The Rebel Reef
Discover one of the Caribbean's healthiest coral reefs defying climate change and disease. Led by coral expert Dr. Juli Berwald, learn why this reef thrives while others struggle. Your trip includes a $400 donation directly supporting Tela Coral's conservation efforts.
Jungle & Mangrove Paradise
Stay in a unique treehouse property with ocean views in the heart of Tela. Explore Jeanette Kawas National Park with the tallest mangroves in Central America, home to 330 bird species, and experience Honduras's vibrant culture and welcoming community.
Gallery
Understanding the Coral Spawn Experience
🪸 What is a Spawn Trip?
Coral are animals that reproduce once a year in response to the changes in the moon and the sun. For most corals that means they spawn a few hours after sunset, one or two days after the full moon when the water becomes hot in the summer. The experience feels like being in a reverse snowstorm, because coral eggs float and drift upward to the surface.
Important to know: While we time our trip to try our best to align with the spawn, the corals have their own calendar that we still don't know exactly, so spawning is not guaranteed. This uncertainty is part of the magic—we're observing nature on its own schedule!
Dive with Scientists
You will be diving with scientists and local experts of the Rebel Reef. Tela Coral founder, Dr. Juli Berwald, will be leading the research team alongside Antal Börcsök and Christian Carias, providing expert insights into this remarkable ecosystem.
Expert-Led Dives
Antal Börcsök, owner of Tela Marine and co-manager of the Marine Protected Area, will work with guests before, during and after the dives to provide context and share the process of the Rebel Reef's discovery and the evolution of the mission to study this special reef.
Night Dive Experience
Experience the magic of night diving in the Caribbean. As darkness falls, the reef transforms—nocturnal creatures emerge and bioluminescence illuminates the water. This is when the coral spawning typically occurs, creating an otherworldly underwater snowstorm.
TelaMarine Aquarium Tour
Get an up-close look at the Rebel Reef's marine life at the TelaMarine Aquarium. Learn about the unique species that call this healthy reef home and understand the research being conducted to protect this exceptional ecosystem.
Punta Sal Island Excursion
Explore the pristine beauty of Punta Sal Island, part of Jeanette Kawas National Park. White sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical forest make this protected paradise a highlight beyond the diving.
Honduran Culture & Community
Discover Tela's fascinating history and welcoming, vibrant community. Experience authentic Honduran hospitality, local cuisine, and the rich cultural heritage of this historic coastal town where conservation meets tradition.
🪸 Your Impact: Conservation & Research
A portion of your retreat costs ($400 per person) will go directly to preserve and protect this special place, the coral reef and its surroundings. Your contribution supports Tela Coral's critical scientific research to understand why the Rebel Reef remains so healthy while other Caribbean reefs struggle, and funds new exhibits at the aquarium to educate future generations about coral conservation.
What's Included & What's Extra
✓ What's Included
- 4 nights accommodation in unique treehouse property with ocean views
- Airport & retreat transportation from San Pedro Sula (SAP)
- All meals and snacks from welcome dinner to farewell breakfast
- $400 donation to Tela Coral to study and protect the Rebel Reef
- Local beers or wine at dinner
- Spawn scuba diving excursion to the Rebel Reef
- 1 night dive experience
- Scientific presentation of Rebel Reef with Juli Berwald and Antal Börcsök
- TelaMarine Aquarium tour
- Punta Sal Island tour
- AdZENtures welcome kit
- All equipment, taxes & fees
✗ Not Included
- Flights to/from San Pedro Sula Airport (SAP)
- Travel insurance (international medical coverage required)
- Personal purchases & souvenirs
- Additional alcohol beyond meals
- Additional dives
- Birdwatching experience
- Massage services
- Accommodation upgrade to oceanfront villa
- Mangrove excursion
- Jeannette Kawas excursion
- Overnight stay in Plantation Villas
- Additional gratuity for hosts, guides & instructors (optional)
🪸 Conservation & Scientific Research with Dr. Juli Berwald
Led by ocean scientist and author Dr. Juli Berwald, dive with coral experts to witness the once-a-year coral spawning phenomenon. Learn why the Rebel Reef thrives while other Caribbean reefs struggle with disease and climate change. Your trip directly supports Tela Coral's critical research through a $400 donation included in your retreat cost, funding science and new aquarium exhibits to protect this exceptional ecosystem.
💰 Payment Plans Available
We offer flexible payment options to make your coral spawn adventure accessible. $750 non-refundable deposit required to secure your spot. Starting from $2,350 per person.
Your Home in Tela, Honduras
Our Coral Spawn AdZENture offers a unique, locally-owned accommodation for your stay in Tela. Enjoy a beautiful, boutique treehouse hotel in the heart of Tela, just minutes from the beach. This isn't your typical hotel—it's an immersive jungle experience where you'll wake up to ocean views and the sounds of tropical birds.
The treehouse property blends seamlessly with the surrounding jungle canopy while providing all the comforts you need after a day of diving and exploring. Each room offers a unique perspective of Tela's natural beauty, creating the perfect base for your coral spawn adventure.
🌳 Enchanting Treehouse Hotel
Boutique jungle experience with ocean views and tropical bird sounds to wake you each morning.
🏖️ Oceanfront Villa Upgrade
Optional beachfront luxury with stunning water views, direct beach access, and enhanced privacy.
🌿 Magical Mangrove Resort
Highly recommended add-on: Jeanette Kawas National Park with tallest mangroves in Central America.
Accommodation Options
Shared Room
$2,350
Occupancy: Shared accommodation with shared bathroom
✓ Available
Private Room
$2,550
Occupancy: Your own room with private bathroom
✓ Available
🌿 Magical Mangrove Resort (Highly Recommended Add-On)
For guests who can't get enough of Tela, we highly suggest spending a few nights at the most enchanting mangrove resort. Venture into the mangroves at our favorite plantation accommodation in Jeanette Kawas National Park—home to the tallest mangroves in Central America and 330 species of birds. Experience scenic boat rides through towering mangroves, unique fruit trees and organic farm, fresh water pool surrounded by pristine nature, and world-class birdwatching opportunities.
Meet Your Passionate Host
Juli Berwald, Ph.D.
Juli Berwald, Ph.D., is an ocean scientist and science writer. After falling off the academic path, she traveled the world studying jellyfish and coral reefs for her books Spineless: The Science of Jellyfish and the Art of Growing a Backbone, and Life on the Rocks: Building a Future for Coral Reefs, which was a finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize.
Following the publication of her book about coral, Antal Borcsok reached out to her and said, "Come see my reef; it's stunning." Juli was skeptical because coral reefs in the Caribbean are suffering from disease and climate change. But when she visited she was blown away by the reef's unique beauty and exceptional health.
During Juli's last visit to Tela, the equivalent of the EPA of Honduras and the town of Tela named her Embajadora de los Arrecifes, or Ambassador to the Reef. This trip includes a donation to the non-profit, which will be used to fund critical science to understand why the coral are so healthy and new exhibits at the aquarium.
🇭🇳 Local Partners
🤝
Antal, Christian & Isis
We work closely with passionate Honduran marine experts who bring the Rebel Reef to life with their knowledge, expertise, and genuine love for Tela's unique ecosystem. Antal Börcsök (Co-Manager, Marine Protected Area), Christian Carias (Coral Expert), and Isis (Local Guide) provide expert insights and create an unforgettable diving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following airport transfers are included in the price of the retreat:
For ARRIVAL: We will have one shuttle from San Pedro Sula on pickup day. Shuttle departs Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport @ 3pm.
For DEPARTURE: We will have one shuttle from your final accommodation to San Pedro Sula. Shuttle will ARRIVE at the airport @ 12pm.
For ARRIVAL: We will have one shuttle from San Pedro Sula on pickup day. Shuttle departs Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport @ 3pm.
For DEPARTURE: We will have one shuttle from your final accommodation to San Pedro Sula. Shuttle will ARRIVE at the airport @ 12pm.
Upon booking your trip, you will receive a Welcome Email with a link to our trip's information page. On that page there is a Travel Guide with important information, including a packing list and important contact information. The information page will require a few forms to be filled out to help us better curate this AdZENture to each guest's specifications and preferences.
Your Honduras Diving AdZENture includes all meals, those prepared at our accommodations as well as meals out at restaurants. We ARE able to accommodate most dietary restrictions on this AdZENture as long as it's noted on the Guest Form. If you do not eat seafood or are following a vegan diet, please reach out before booking to ensure we can accommodate your requests.
Please note: if you choose to select a specific diet, special meals will be prepared just for you and that is what you will be served. Changes may not be possible on short notice.
Please note: if you choose to select a specific diet, special meals will be prepared just for you and that is what you will be served. Changes may not be possible on short notice.
An itinerary will be provided to you in the weeks leading up to your AdZENture. Please note, on this very special trip, timing is very important. We have to allow flexibility in order to time the dives properly in accordance with the tides and the spawn. Guests will be informed and notified of all activities well in advance with as much notice and accuracy as possible.
We have accommodation options for this AdZENture: Private room with private bathroom, Shared room and shared bathroom when booking for 2, and option to upgrade to an oceanfront villa.
This Coral Spawn AdZENture is recommended for certified divers. We will have the opportunity to participate in other activities outside of diving in addition to or instead of the dives based on guest preferences.
EVERY single experience is optional. AdZENtures chose the experiences on this retreat based on firsthand experience and the unique value each holds for guests. Guests are able to 'choose your own AdZENture' by opting out of any experience.
If you are planning to participate in the dives, YES!
If you are coming to Honduras for the spawn but are interested in other activities, No! You do not have to have your diving certification. Please be sure to mention this when booking so we can make the proper arrangements to ensure a fabulous trip for all guests!
If you are coming to Honduras for the spawn but are interested in other activities, No! You do not have to have your diving certification. Please be sure to mention this when booking so we can make the proper arrangements to ensure a fabulous trip for all guests!
Yes, we will provide a few local cervezas that can be enjoyed with dinners and for various experiences. If guests choose to buy their own or more alcohol throughout their AdZENture, they are welcome to do so. Guests are required to be respectful to all other guests, hosts and staff at all times and are expected to be mindful of their personal alcohol consumption.
International medical coverage is required! Travel insurance is strongly suggested to protect your investment. If guests are unable to join the retreat, travel insurance will often issue a refund when purchased within 7 days of the original retreat payment. We advise that all guests book travel insurance within a week of submitting your deposit for your AdZENture in order to protect your investment!
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