Ocean lovers who enjoy diving, snorkeling and kayaking eco-tours can explore and learn about the latest in Florida Keys marine conservation during the annual REEF Fest from Oct. 19-22, in Key Largo.
Ocean conservation, education initiatives and demonstrating positive impacts of citizen science in the Florida Keys and around the world are at the core of the nonprofit Reef Environmental Education Foundation’s mission.
The four-day festival features a full slate of social events, ocean-themed seminars, coral reef dives, snorkeling excursions with REEF fish surveyors to share helpful fish species knowledge and guided kayak eco-tours with Keys operators to search for wading birds and nearshore marine life.
REEF Fest events kick off Oct. 19, with morning dive and snorkel trips with area operators. From 4 to 7 p.m. at the REEF Campus, MM 98.3 in the Florida Keys Overseas Highway median, attendees can participate in an open house gathering for conservationists to meet and mingle, enjoy wine and craft beer, tour the interpretive center or walk a native plants trail.
Participants can again join morning dive, snorkel or kayak trips. Dedicated boat charters are reserved for the Oct. 19-21 dive and snorkel excursions. A REEF representative will be onboard with fish identification and survey materials.
For paddlers, guided three-hour kayak tours can be booked the mornings of Oct. 20-21. Tours include all rental equipment, a lesson on paddling techniques, snacks and water, and guide.
On the afternoons of Oct. 20-21, marine conservation programs are scheduled at the Murray Nelson Government and Cultural Center, MM 102 bayside. Sessions will begin each afternoon at 2:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Registration is requested.
An Oct. 20 social hour is planned for 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The festival includes “For the Love of the Sea,” an open-air celebration with dinner, drinks and a Keys sunset over the waters of Florida Bay on Oct. 21. The event, from 5 to 9 p.m., will be held at a waterfront venue next to Quiescence Diving Services, MM 103.6 on Key Largo’s Blackwater Sound. The limited-seating dinner event will feature passed appetizers, culinary stations, open bar and a large silent auction. Tickets are $95 per person and can be purchased during registration.
On Sunday, Oct. 22, attendees can join in a guided nature tour at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Coffee and pastries will be served before the tour. More information is at reef.org/reeffest
