Supporting the Rebel Reef
We still don’t know why Tela’s reefs are so healthy — but we’re working fast to find out.
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Nestled in the vibrant waters of the Caribbean lies a hidden gem of biodiversity and ecological health — the coral reef of Tela, Honduras.

In an era where the majority of coral reefs are experiencing degradation and decline, Tela’s reefs are a rare example of resilience and hope.

Home to a dozen critically endangered coral species including magnificent elkhorn coral thickets, rich populations of long spined sea urchins, and astonishingly low incidences of disease or bleaching, Tela’s reefs demonstrate nature’s ability to thrive amid challenges.
That’s why we call it the Rebel Reef.
What We Do

Tela Coral News

Beneath the Surface

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Expedition Reports
August 2024 Expedition: Talking Coral in Agua Chiquita
November 19, 2024
On our previous trips to Tela, we’ve loved getting to know many of the amazing people who work in the tourism industry in the resort town. Among them are Maria Leonard and Yamilet Caballero, who are the visionaries behind the boutique hotel Los Olingos. This hotel is the only property where you can stay in the Jeanette Kawas National Park...
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Expedition Reports
August 2024 Expedition: Plankton at Night
November 6, 2024
Our goal for our August 2024 expedition was to start to understand coral spawning in Tela because it’s critical to any conservation effort. Please see our other August 2024 Expedition posts for more on our planning and lessons. Based on information we’d gleaned from other parts of the Caribbean, we estimated that the elkhorn corals would spawn two days after...
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Expedition Reports
August 2024 Expedition: Mind-blowing Squid Ink
November 6, 2024
Our goal for our August 2024 expedition was to start to understand coral spawning in Tela because it’s critical to any conservation effort. Please see our other August 2024 Expedition posts for more on our planning and lessons. As we spent more nights in the water monitoring the coral for signs of spawning, we fell into patterns. Some people peered...
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👋 Hi! I want to introduce you to one of the loves of my life.

This is Casita, and she’s my favorite coral 🪸 in the entire world. She gained her name because she’s as big as a garden shed, or tiny house. We estimate 80 feet across, 25 feet tall, and a couple hundred years old. Dr. Judith Lang visited her and estimated that she’d started growing in Tela before Christopher Columbus landed in Honduras 🇭🇳

She’s an O.Fav (Orbicella faveolata), or “mountainous star coral” that grows by encrusting. Her layers are impressive, hiding entire little reef worlds 🐠 in their nooks.

Once common throughout the Caribbean, OFavs are now listed as 🚨 “endangered” by the IUCN. In Tela, Casita and her sisters have all grown to an impressive size – perhaps because of their sheltered locations and perhaps because of some of the as-yet undiscovered magic of Tela Bay’s corals.

To know her is to love her, and I hope that you all get to meet her one day! 💕

- @tiffmakeswaves

📽️ editor: @brynnerardin

#ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela

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👋 Hi! I want to introduce you to one of the loves of my life. This is Casita, and she’s my favorite coral 🪸 in the entire world. She gained her name because she’s as big as a garden shed, or tiny house. We estimate 80 feet across, 25 feet tall, and a couple hundred years old. Dr. Judith Lang visited her and estimated that she’d started growing in Tela before Christopher Columbus landed in Honduras 🇭🇳 She’s an O.Fav (Orbicella faveolata), or “mountainous star coral” that grows by encrusting. Her layers are impressive, hiding entire little reef worlds 🐠 in their nooks. Once common throughout the Caribbean, OFavs are now listed as 🚨 “endangered” by the IUCN. In Tela, Casita and her sisters have all grown to an impressive size – perhaps because of their sheltered locations and perhaps because of some of the as-yet undiscovered magic of Tela Bay’s corals. To know her is to love her, and I hope that you all get to meet her one day! 💕 - @tiffmakeswaves 📽️ editor: @brynnerardin #ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela

👋 Hi! I want to introduce you to one of the loves of my life.

This is Casita, and she’s my favorite coral 🪸 in the entire world. She gained her name because she’s as big as a garden shed, or tiny house. We estimate 80 feet across, 25 feet tall, and a couple hundred years old. Dr. Judith Lang visited her and estimated that she’d started growing in Tela before Christopher Columbus landed in Honduras 🇭🇳

She’s an O.Fav (Orbicella faveolata), or “mountainous star coral” that grows by encrusting. Her layers are impressive, hiding entire little reef worlds 🐠 in their nooks.

Once common throughout the Caribbean, OFavs are now listed as 🚨 “endangered” by the IUCN. In Tela, Casita and her sisters have all grown to an impressive size – perhaps because of their sheltered locations and perhaps because of some of the as-yet undiscovered magic of Tela Bay’s corals.

To know her is to love her, and I hope that you all get to meet her one day! 💕

- @tiffmakeswaves

📽️ editor: @brynnerardin

#ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela ...

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Porites as far as the eye can see!

Also referred to as finger coral or hump coral, porites is a genus of stony coral that is characterized by a finger-like morphology. These corals are found in reefs throughout the world including that of #TheRebelReef.

Porites species form some of the largest coral colonies in the world, ranging up to 8 meters in height. These extremely large colonies take an immense amount of time to form since this type of coral has an extremely slow growth rate (about 1 mm per year).

Sightings of porites are always something we enjoy while exploring #TheRebelReef, especially when it comes to a healthy colony like this one.

What other corals do you want to learn more about? Let us know in the comment section below!

📽️: @thecoralqween

#ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela

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Porites as far as the eye can see! Also referred to as finger coral or hump coral, porites is a genus of stony coral that is characterized by a finger-like morphology. These corals are found in reefs throughout the world including that of #TheRebelReef. Porites species form some of the largest coral colonies in the world, ranging up to 8 meters in height. These extremely large colonies take an immense amount of time to form since this type of coral has an extremely slow growth rate (about 1 mm per year). Sightings of porites are always something we enjoy while exploring #TheRebelReef, especially when it comes to a healthy colony like this one. What other corals do you want to learn more about? Let us know in the comment section below! 📽️: @thecoralqween #ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela

Porites as far as the eye can see!

Also referred to as finger coral or hump coral, porites is a genus of stony coral that is characterized by a finger-like morphology. These corals are found in reefs throughout the world including that of #TheRebelReef.

Porites species form some of the largest coral colonies in the world, ranging up to 8 meters in height. These extremely large colonies take an immense amount of time to form since this type of coral has an extremely slow growth rate (about 1 mm per year).

Sightings of porites are always something we enjoy while exploring #TheRebelReef, especially when it comes to a healthy colony like this one.

What other corals do you want to learn more about? Let us know in the comment section below!

📽️: @thecoralqween

#ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela ...

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It comes as no surprise that the Tela Coral team are all huge coral nerds and subsequently major supporters of #TheRebelReef but we want to hear from YOU.

Why do you support, love, and/or care about #TheRebelReef? Comment down below!

#ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela

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It comes as no surprise that the Tela Coral team are all huge coral nerds and subsequently major supporters of #TheRebelReef but we want to hear from YOU. Why do you support, love, and/or care about #TheRebelReef? Comment down below! #ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela

It comes as no surprise that the Tela Coral team are all huge coral nerds and subsequently major supporters of #TheRebelReef but we want to hear from YOU.

Why do you support, love, and/or care about #TheRebelReef? Comment down below!

#ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela ...

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Wanting to visit #TheRebelReef but don’t have your SCUBA certification? Have no fear… @tela_marine is here!

Tela Marine offers an enchanting glimpse into the underwater world. This charming (and free to the public) aquarium features a variety of marine species, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Caribbean Sea as well as #TheRebelReef.

To get in all you need to do is watch a short 8 minute video which talks about the importance of coral reefs. With over 2,500+ visitors a month @tela_marine is inspiring the next generation of ocean heroes, and we’re excited to help in whatever ways we can!

Be sure to swing by on your next trip to Tela.

📽️: @thecoralqween

#ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela

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Open
Wanting to visit #TheRebelReef but don’t have your SCUBA certification? Have no fear… @tela_marine is here! Tela Marine offers an enchanting glimpse into the underwater world. This charming (and free to the public) aquarium features a variety of marine species, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Caribbean Sea as well as #TheRebelReef. To get in all you need to do is watch a short 8 minute video which talks about the importance of coral reefs. With over 2,500+ visitors a month @tela_marine is inspiring the next generation of ocean heroes, and we’re excited to help in whatever ways we can! Be sure to swing by on your next trip to Tela. 📽️: @thecoralqween #ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela

Wanting to visit #TheRebelReef but don’t have your SCUBA certification? Have no fear… @tela_marine is here!

Tela Marine offers an enchanting glimpse into the underwater world. This charming (and free to the public) aquarium features a variety of marine species, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Caribbean Sea as well as #TheRebelReef.

To get in all you need to do is watch a short 8 minute video which talks about the importance of coral reefs. With over 2,500+ visitors a month @tela_marine is inspiring the next generation of ocean heroes, and we’re excited to help in whatever ways we can!

Be sure to swing by on your next trip to Tela.

📽️: @thecoralqween

#ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela ...

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Murky yet magical ✨

There are many wonders to be found on #TheRebelReef but one of our favorites is that of the elkhorn coral (Acropora Palmata) thickets.

These colonies are found in just 10 to 15 feet of water and often with conditions in which other corals would struggle to survive - but yet they are THRIVING!

This site serves as reminder of not only the magic that can be found while diving on #TheRebelReef but the hope we all feel for the future of corals both in Tela and around the world.

Have you ever gotten the chance to see elkhorn coral in the wild? Let us know where in the comment section!

📽️: @thecoralqween

#ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela

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Open
Murky yet magical ✨ There are many wonders to be found on #TheRebelReef but one of our favorites is that of the elkhorn coral (Acropora Palmata) thickets. These colonies are found in just 10 to 15 feet of water and often with conditions in which other corals would struggle to survive - but yet they are THRIVING! This site serves as reminder of not only the magic that can be found while diving on #TheRebelReef but the hope we all feel for the future of corals both in Tela and around the world. Have you ever gotten the chance to see elkhorn coral in the wild? Let us know where in the comment section! 📽️: @thecoralqween #ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela

Murky yet magical ✨

There are many wonders to be found on #TheRebelReef but one of our favorites is that of the elkhorn coral (Acropora Palmata) thickets.

These colonies are found in just 10 to 15 feet of water and often with conditions in which other corals would struggle to survive - but yet they are THRIVING!

This site serves as reminder of not only the magic that can be found while diving on #TheRebelReef but the hope we all feel for the future of corals both in Tela and around the world.

Have you ever gotten the chance to see elkhorn coral in the wild? Let us know where in the comment section!

📽️: @thecoralqween

#ExploraHonduras #VisitHonduras #Coral #CoralReefs #Ocean #OceanConservation #CoralRestoration #ReefRestoration #OceanClimateAction #WINGS #WINGSWomenOfDiscovery #WINGSFlag #WomenInScience #WomenInStem #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensLeadership #SheInspiresMe #Exploration #Honduras #tela ...

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