Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) invites divers, snorkelers and ocean lovers of all ages to REEF Fest 2026, taking place Oct. 15-18 in Key Largo
A Florida Keys tradition since 2015, this annual celebration brings free ocean conservation seminars, engaging social gatherings and plenty of opportunities to explore the marine life of the Florida Keys. Registration is now open at REEF.org/REEFfest.
Most REEF Fest events are free to attend, but pre-registration is requested for planning purposes. Seminars and the welcome reception and happy hour social take place at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center, 98380 Overseas Highway in Key Largo.
Ocean seminars
Free educational seminars will be held Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17, at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center. This year’s lineup features scientists, naturalists and conservation experts, with additional speakers to be announced. Confirmed presentations include:
● Aisha Rickli-Rahman, conservation biologist who will explore how forensic science is used to investigate wildlife crime and protect marine and aquatic animals.
● Jennifer Rehage, Ph.D., associate professor at the Institute of Water and Environment at Florida International University, who will take audiences into the diverse fish communities of the Everglades and South Florida.
● Kai Lopez, coral reef scientist with Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, who will introduce audiences to the reef fishes of the Florida Keys and the niches they occupy, drawing on 25 years of snorkeling, diving and fishing in the Keys.
● REEF scientists who will share the latest from REEF’s citizen science and marine conservation programs.
Seminars are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is requested. For those who cannot attend in person, seminars will be livestreamed on REEF’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. For full talk summaries and speaker bios, visit REEF.org/REEFfest/seminars.
Socials and celebrations
- Thursday, Oct. 15 – Welcome reception: Kick off REEF Fest at the REEF Campus, mingle with fellow conservationists and explore the Ocean Exploration Center. Free and open to the public.
- Friday, Oct. 16 – Happy hour social: Unwind with food and drinks at the REEF Campus between seminars, followed by an evening presentation. Free and open to the public.
- Saturday, Oct. 17 – For the Love of the Sea Celebration: A festive waterfront evening from 5–8:30 p.m. featuring dinner, an open bar with local craft beer, wine and signature cocktails, a silent auction benefiting REEF’s marine conservation programs and a sunset over Florida Bay. Held at a bayside property next to Quiescence Diving Services, 103674 Overseas Highway in Key Largo. Tickets are $125 per person. Tickets can be purchased during online registration at www.REEF.org/REEFfest.
- Sunday, Oct. 18 – Conservation activities: The weekend wraps up with hands-on conservation activities in the Florida Keys. Details to be announced.
Diving and snorkeling: Explore the Florida Keys your way
REEF Fest is a perfect opportunity to experience the marine environments of the Florida Keys. Throughout the weekend, attendees can dive and snorkel with REEF Fest experience partners, offering everything from reef tours to fish survey dives. Please note that, unlike in past years, these excursions are booked directly with the dive and snorkel operators rather than through REEF. A full list of REEF Fest experience and hospitality partners is available at www.REEF.org/REEFfest/experiences.
“REEF Fest is our favorite time of year — a chance to bring our community together to celebrate the ocean, learn from world-class scientists and experience the Florida Keys firsthand. Whether you join us for a seminar, a social event or a dive, there’s something here for everyone who loves the sea,” said Martha Klitzkie, co-executive director for REEF.
For the full schedule and to register, visit www.REEF.org/REEFfest. Questions can be directed to events@REEF.org or 305-852-0030.
