https://reefsunknown.org/home daily 1.0 2026-06-21 https://reefsunknown.org/about daily 0.75 2026-07-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/06066c8e-8ff2-4c09-9fb3-4194e1f9a6e7/RU--06.jpg ABOUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/8b305122-9070-4413-9eda-95f28bda323f/RU--03.jpg ABOUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/f5c73808-d22b-453b-a237-ddbc996ea894/RU--09.jpg ABOUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/97da37d4-e3c9-4f20-ab64-6d4c63d10bf8/RU--02.jpeg ABOUT The RV Makaira ## | RV Makaira is a 42’ Renaissance Prowler power cat with four 300HP outboard engines. She was named after the blue marlin, Makaira nigricans, for her speed, agility, and power. Makaira was acquired specifically for offshore dive operations. She is a stable platform through wind and waves, large enough to comfortably hold a team of 4-6 technical divers, and travels at speeds of 40-50 mph. The large, open forward and aft deck areas could also hold up to 12 people, ROVs, or other equipment. From her base in the USVI, she can complete working day trips to the USVI (including St. Croix), the BVI, and eastern Puerto Rico. Further locations could be feasible with overnight stays and additional logistics considerations. Reefs Unknown has a contract with Makaira Charters that allows priority use of RV Makaira at a daily rate for our projects. She is otherwise available for public charter, which covers the costs of ownership, and any profits are passed back to Reefs Unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/b091d6c5-f783-4edc-a818-dc91b81f01e7/RU--03.jpeg ABOUT The RV Makaira ## | RV Makaira is a 42’ Renaissance Prowler power cat with four 300HP outboard engines. She was named after the blue marlin, Makaira nigricans, for her speed, agility, and power. Makaira was acquired specifically for offshore dive operations. She is a stable platform through wind and waves, large enough to comfortably hold a team of 4-6 technical divers, and travels at speeds of 40-50 mph. The large, open forward and aft deck areas could also hold up to 12 people, ROVs, or other equipment. From her base in the USVI, she can complete working day trips to the USVI (including St. Croix), the BVI, and eastern Puerto Rico. Further locations could be feasible with overnight stays and additional logistics considerations. Reefs Unknown has a contract with Makaira Charters that allows priority use of RV Makaira at a daily rate for our projects. She is otherwise available for public charter, which covers the costs of ownership, and any profits are passed back to Reefs Unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/57d6a652-1a6a-4cf5-afe7-2afbd1bf37f8/RU--06.jpeg ABOUT The RV Makaira ## | RV Makaira is a 42’ Renaissance Prowler power cat with four 300HP outboard engines. She was named after the blue marlin, Makaira nigricans, for her speed, agility, and power. Makaira was acquired specifically for offshore dive operations. She is a stable platform through wind and waves, large enough to comfortably hold a team of 4-6 technical divers, and travels at speeds of 40-50 mph. The large, open forward and aft deck areas could also hold up to 12 people, ROVs, or other equipment. From her base in the USVI, she can complete working day trips to the USVI (including St. Croix), the BVI, and eastern Puerto Rico. Further locations could be feasible with overnight stays and additional logistics considerations. Reefs Unknown has a contract with Makaira Charters that allows priority use of RV Makaira at a daily rate for our projects. She is otherwise available for public charter, which covers the costs of ownership, and any profits are passed back to Reefs Unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/6f4620f8-caec-466b-8ab1-ec4d1d9b0cf2/RU--09.jpeg ABOUT The RV Makaira ## | RV Makaira is a 42’ Renaissance Prowler power cat with four 300HP outboard engines. She was named after the blue marlin, Makaira nigricans, for her speed, agility, and power. Makaira was acquired specifically for offshore dive operations. She is a stable platform through wind and waves, large enough to comfortably hold a team of 4-6 technical divers, and travels at speeds of 40-50 mph. The large, open forward and aft deck areas could also hold up to 12 people, ROVs, or other equipment. From her base in the USVI, she can complete working day trips to the USVI (including St. Croix), the BVI, and eastern Puerto Rico. Further locations could be feasible with overnight stays and additional logistics considerations. Reefs Unknown has a contract with Makaira Charters that allows priority use of RV Makaira at a daily rate for our projects. She is otherwise available for public charter, which covers the costs of ownership, and any profits are passed back to Reefs Unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/38b80071-71b0-47f3-8bf7-eac63709f011/viktor-sarah-Reefs-Unknown.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/b66c0def-f89d-4c17-9520-6f4c6262bcf0/Viktor-hammerheads-Galapagos-Reefs-Unknown.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/37891c42-c6aa-46b4-87b0-591aa4640cce/Sarah-rebreather-mesophotic-Reefs-Unknown.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/084abeff-eca0-49db-9bc1-9627c05b544f/Kristin+Rasmussen.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/31d52769-4b8e-4d28-ba2f-0a3d724b9def/Andy+Hemmert.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/b79ff836-a0d5-4c51-9bdf-2ea188144720/Sara+Dent.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/da96f845-39b7-44c4-bae9-895fb57fca97/TylerSmith+Headshot.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/d0d45d48-bb86-4bc4-b4a5-0275ec494a15/Ariana+Huffmyer.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/aa847b70-2e30-4d6b-961a-74747bd2a818/Marilyn+Brandt.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/2866f8dc-bf5e-422a-a9be-9416759ed242/Daniel+Holstein.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/084abeff-eca0-49db-9bc1-9627c05b544f/Kristin+Rasmussen.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/c138cb6b-9d93-43a2-a3e6-fbe172162db8/Andy+Hemmert.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/b79ff836-a0d5-4c51-9bdf-2ea188144720/Sara+Dent.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/da96f845-39b7-44c4-bae9-895fb57fca97/TylerSmith+Headshot.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/d0d45d48-bb86-4bc4-b4a5-0275ec494a15/Ariana+Huffmyer.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/aa847b70-2e30-4d6b-961a-74747bd2a818/Marilyn+Brandt.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/2866f8dc-bf5e-422a-a9be-9416759ed242/Daniel+Holstein.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/9f841905-0dae-4c53-980e-f38c88406219/Viktor-Brandtneris-Ginsburgs-Fringe-Reefs-Unknown.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/1776628272436-7SCV3ABLJZXF7VT8VWAN/RU-Filler-01.jpeg ABOUT - Crown-of-thorns-starfish-closeup-Reefs-Unknown A close-up of the spikes on a crown-of-thorns starfish on a coral reef off the Pacific coast of Panama. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/1776628271758-MHDHHBQ48T2MQ3OB8LSU/RU-Filler-02.jpeg ABOUT - Secretary-blenny-Reefs-Unknown A secretary blenny, Acanthemblemaria Maria, poking out of its den in a Porites lobata colony on a coral reef off the Pacific coast of Panama. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/1776628283752-B3U9KWFJSDSXDDQO6KGW/RU-Filler-03.jpeg ABOUT - Crown-of-thorns-Pocillopora-Reefs-Unknown The arm of a crown-of-thorns starfish extends towards its prey, a Pocillopora damicornis colony, on a coral reef off the Pacific coast of Panama. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/1776628284366-GQM2XKBBYFAN744EDERV/RU-Filler-04.jpeg ABOUT - Jagger-Beach-Reefs-Unknown A panga anchored off Jagger Beach, a pristine white beach with flat blue water in the Gulf of Chiriqui on the Pacific coast of Panama. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/1776628297710-7975TRKW27TVT80XUV1D/RU-Filler-05.jpeg ABOUT - Cycloseris-Galapagos-Reefs-Unknown Cycloseris (previously Diaseris) polyps on a coral reef in the Galápagos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/1776628295223-45TPUWCG6B2QOYFI6045/RU-Filler-06.jpeg ABOUT - Sea-lion-Devils-Crown-Galapagos-Reefs-Unknown A sea lion plays with a scuba diver on a coral reef near Devil’s Crown in the Galápagos. https://reefsunknown.org/research daily 0.75 2026-07-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/8d091850-255e-4925-bf4d-7b631d5e8c80/RU--07.jpeg RESEARCH https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/e7df5f29-eb2c-4a64-8aa5-c5879b39a687/RU--10.jpeg RESEARCH https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/c649cf33-5433-44df-ace7-b695bbd27c72/+.jpeg RESEARCH https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/bb0d58d9-01e1-4601-b5b6-e9ea2e21bce1/RU--02.jpeg RESEARCH https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/922719c6-d328-44d7-a1f8-8994a866337b/RU--04.jpeg RESEARCH https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/1777309227898-TO3TBIGSRIOVH45HATDV/RR_redlogo_kc_final.png RESEARCH - Reef Response Logo A circle with a black ring around the outside saying Reef Response, US Virgin Islands. Inside is a red circle with a black branching coral and fish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/bcf7f4da-8ccc-4819-9b06-df79b26c9c68/US-NationalParkService-Logo.svg.png RESEARCH - National Park Service Logo An arrowhead shape with a mountain, tree, and bison, with the words National Park Service over them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/1777836282130-MNABU6DADZL618VF66D4/SeascapeLabLogo_FishBack_flat.png.webp RESEARCH - Seascape Ecology Lab A light blue outline of a fish with the words Seascape Ecology Lab. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/1777309204907-TMSYYP2JDJRNME172V61/UVI_logo_300_rgb_2x.png RESEARCH - University of the Virgin Islands Logo A rounded square with a silver border saying University of the Virgin Islands 1962. Inside there is a globe with green island shapes under a palm tree with a book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/54fd2cd4-701e-4112-923a-40c546233779/noaa_digital_logo-2022.png RESEARCH - National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration logo A circle with an abstract white shape that resembles a bird separating dark blue above and light blue below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/1777309342766-CYGYQSUIP4737PVSX614/HLSCCLogo.png RESEARCH - H Lavity Stoutt Community College Logo HLSCC with a wave of yellow and green above, and the full name H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/efb6d046-3028-4bcf-8c9d-b9b737bb1001/%C6%92.CMES+Logo.png RESEARCH - Center for Marine and Environmental Studies Logo A circle with a dark blue ring and white text saying The Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, The University of the Virgin Islands. Inside is a simple scene with palm trees on a mountainous island above an underwater fish and coral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/1777836239174-ZBE8OJTAVLZOTA1RQF6O/Darwin+Logo+Black-01.png RESEARCH - Darwin Initiative Logo A line drawing of a finch on a branch over the words Darwin Initiative. https://reefsunknown.org/get-involved daily 0.75 2026-06-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/34a238ae-6891-4be7-be62-318ffe38f0cd/RU-Filler-16.jpeg GET INVOLVED Let's Make Plans | Have a coral reef research question but need some help with execution in deeper water? We specialize in boat and dive support and logistics planning. We are located in the US Virgin Islands but are experienced in planning and executing expeditions to other regions, including Bermuda, Bonaire, and Pacific Panamá. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/cec25645-dedb-4d25-892c-73d4487ff983/RU-Filler-17.jpeg GET INVOLVED Let's Make Plans | Have a coral reef research question but need some help with execution in deeper water? We specialize in boat and dive support and logistics planning. We are located in the US Virgin Islands but are experienced in planning and executing expeditions to other regions, including Bermuda, Bonaire, and Pacific Panamá. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/7bab88f0-56b2-47b0-91ab-e83a0374669b/RU--10.jpeg GET INVOLVED Let's Make Plans | Have a coral reef research question but need some help with execution in deeper water? We specialize in boat and dive support and logistics planning. We are located in the US Virgin Islands but are experienced in planning and executing expeditions to other regions, including Bermuda, Bonaire, and Pacific Panamá. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/922719c6-d328-44d7-a1f8-8994a866337b/RU--04.jpeg GET INVOLVED Let's Make Plans | Have a coral reef research question but need some help with execution in deeper water? We specialize in boat and dive support and logistics planning. We are located in the US Virgin Islands but are experienced in planning and executing expeditions to other regions, including Bermuda, Bonaire, and Pacific Panamá. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/c0baa9f2-483b-464d-aaa2-4aa2cb1dfa42/RU-Filler-07.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/20478a66-169d-4c9a-9f59-b0ac8cb8d120/RU-Filler-15.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/b99b6eb8-3949-4027-99c9-0b959213da05/Lionfish-mesophotic-coral-Reefs-Unknown.jpg https://reefsunknown.org/contact daily 0.75 2026-07-08 https://reefsunknown.org/donate daily 0.75 2026-06-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/c5de7df6-1f66-4190-a6e2-f3de5a57f6c4/RU-01.png DONATE Your Donations Matter | We are deeply passionate about this work, driven by the respect we have for the amazing ecosystems we have studied. With a donation, you can help us in our mission to explore, educate, and conserve, for the future of our planet and ourselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/e7df5f29-eb2c-4a64-8aa5-c5879b39a687/RU--10.jpeg DONATE How It Helps | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien vitae pellentesque sem placerat. In id cursus mi pretium tellus duis convallis. Tempus leo eu aenean sed diam urna tempor. Pulvinar vivamus fringilla lacus nec metus bibendum egestas. Iaculis massa nisl malesuada lacinia integer nunc posuere. Ut hendrerit semper vel class aptent taciti sociosqu. Ad litora torquent per conubia nostra inceptos himenaeos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/3a582629-7f7c-411f-b03b-68f3fb09825e/RU-Filler-04.jpeg DONATE Where It Goes | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien vitae pellentesque sem placerat. In id cursus mi pretium tellus duis convallis. Tempus leo eu aenean sed diam urna tempor. Pulvinar vivamus fringilla lacus nec metus bibendum egestas. Iaculis massa nisl malesuada lacinia integer nunc posuere. Ut hendrerit semper vel class aptent taciti sociosqu. Ad litora torquent per conubia nostra inceptos himenaeos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/03d4ab66-1df0-4e06-bad5-298152510eb3/Ricordea-closeup-Reefs-Unknown.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69e52071ea588912a653ddde/8d091850-255e-4925-bf4d-7b631d5e8c80/Lionfish-mesophotic-reef-Reefs-Unknown.jpeg