In Florida’s vibrant underwater world, few are doing more to protect and celebrate marine life than Shana Phelan.
As the owner and operator of Pura Vida Divers in Riviera Beach, Shana has turned her lifelong love of the ocean into a powerful force for conservation. Her actions, which range from studying sea turtles to mobilizing dive communities for reef cleanups, embody what it means to champion Florida’s wild places.
A Life Rooted in Marine Conservation
With degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Science from the College of Charleston, and a Master’s in Coastal Environmental Management from Duke University, Shana has long been focused on the health of marine ecosystems. Early in her career, she worked as a marine biologist at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, where she helped rescue and rehabilitate injured sea turtles. In 2005, she co-authored a Sea Turtle Trauma Response Field Guide with WIDECAST, now used across the Caribbean.
But her passion for marine life didn’t stop in the lab or rescue center… it dove deeper.
Building a Community
Through Pura Vida Divers, a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center, Shana has built more than a dive shop; she’s built a hub for ocean advocacy. From hosting reef and pier cleanups to coordinating coral restoration dives and citizen science events, her business connects everyday people to the conservation of Florida’s coral reefs, sea turtles, and coastal ecosystems.
Photos by Pura Vida Divers
Shana also serves as the Administrator for the Palm Beach County Diving Association and Diving Vice Chair for the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative. Her expertise and leadership have made her a trusted voice in local conservation planning, including her role as an appointee to the Palm Beach County Artificial Reef and Environmental Enhancement Committee.
Recognized Leadership
FWF President and CEO, Sarah Gledhill (left) and past President and CEO, Preston Robertson (right) present the Marine Conservationist of the Year Award to Shana Phelan (center). Photo by Pura Vida Divers
In 2022, Florida Wildlife Federation named Shana Phelan our Marine Conservationist of the Year, and that same year she was honored as the Seiko Sea Hero of the Month for her work in Goliath Grouper conservation.
Her commitment to Florida’s marine life is unwavering. Whether mentoring young divers, working with policymakers, or planting corals by hand, Shana embodies the spirit of conservation leadership FWF is proud to celebrate.
Dive In and Get Involved
You can join Shana and the Pura Vida team in protecting Florida’s marine ecosystems. Visit Pura Vida Divers to learn more about their conservation dives, workshops, and how you can make a splash for the sea.
