Join us for REEF Fest! October 16-19, 2025 in Key Largo, Florida
REEF Fest 2025 registration is now open! We hope you will join us for the 10th anniversary of this event. If you haven't attended REEF Fest before and are curious, check out the photo album from REEF Fest 2024 here. You can also view recordings of past REEF Fest seminars on YouTube.
REEF has hosted REEF Fest ocean-themed seminars and social events in the Florida Keys each fall since 2015. Divers, snorkelers, and ocean lovers attend REEF Fest to celebrate their love of marine life and learn about the latest in conservation -- with plenty of time for Florida Keys adventures that bring those lessons to life! If you have any questions, please contact events@REEF.org.
Registration Open!
Weekend ScheduleFAQsTravel Info & Locations
Ocean SeminarsSocial EventsFlorida Keys Activities
Sponsors
REEF Fest 2025 Schedule
Wednesday, October 15
12:00-5:00 pm -- Ocean Exploration Center open
5:00-7:00 pm -- REEF Sustainers Gathering - Invitation Only - More details will be emailed to Sustainers (Click here for info about becoming a REEF Sustainer)
Thursday, October 16
12:00-5:00 pm -- Ocean Exploration Center open
5:00-7:00 pm -- Open House at REEF Ocean Exploration Center (98380 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037)
Friday, October 17
10:00-2:00 pm -- Ocean Exploration Center open
2:00-5:00 pm -- Ocean Seminars at the Ocean Exploration Center - Pre-seminar social at 2:00 pm, first seminar to begin at 2:30 pm
5:00-6:00 pm -- REEF Fest Happy Hour Social at the REEF Campus
6:00-7:00 pm -- Evening Ocean Seminar at the Ocean Exploration Center
Saturday, October 18
10:00-2:00 pm -- Ocean Exploration Center open
2:00-4:00 pm -- Ocean Seminars at the Ocean Exploration Center - Pre-seminar social at 2:00 pm, first seminar to begin at 2:30 pm
5:00-8:30 pm -- For the Love of the Sea Celebration at bayside property next to Quiescence Diving Services (103674 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037)
Sunday, October 19
Time TBA -- Walking Tour at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - Meet outside visitors center (102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I participate in REEF Fest? How much does it cost?
Everyone is invited to attend REEF Fest! Most events are free, but we kindly ask that you pre-register for planning purposes. Online registration is now open. When completing your online registration form, you may also choose to purchase tickets to the 'For the Love of the Sea' Celebration. We hope everyone joins us for this memorable evening at a beautiful bayside venue. Tickets are limited, so if you haven’t secured your space yet, we hope you’ll join us. Early bird ticket prices are $95 and include dinner, drinks, and a lot of fun. Ticket prices increase to $125 on 8/15/25.
Where does REEF Fest take place?
REEF Fest activities are primarily focused around the REEF Campus, located at 98380 Overseas Hwy in Key Largo, Florida. Visit the Maps and Directions section for more information. New this year - all seminars will be held at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center. There will not be any REEF Fest activities at the Murray Nelson Government Center.
How can I book morning eco-excursions to go diving, snorkeling, or kayaking?
Diving, snorkeling, and/or kayaking should be booked directly with operators (**note that this is different than past years where REEF Fest attendees booked spaces with REEF, please contact the vendors directly this year**). There is so much to do and see in the Florida Keys! Visit www.REEF.org/explorethekeys and start planning your visit.
What is the cancellation policy for those who purchase For the Love of the Sea tickets?
Due to the nature of REEF Fest and the large number of guests who attend, no refunds are available for For the Love of the Sea tickets unless the event does not take place. Eco-excursions (diving, snorkeling, kayaking) are not booked through REEF and are at the discretion of the operator; please refer to your dive, snorkel, or kayak tour operator's cancellation policy for more information.
I purchased tickets to For The Love of the Sea Celebration. When will I receive my tickets?
There are no physical tickets for the event. Your name will be on the list at the door.
I am a REEF Marine Conservation Intern Alumni, can I attend?
REEF is proud to welcome back many of our past interns during REEF Fest weekend, and are please to offer a complimentary ticket to For the Love of the Sea Celebration. If you have plans to attend, please contact Mead Krowka at mead@REEF.org to request your ticket to For the Love of the Sea.
Can I view the seminars virtually?
For those who are not able to attend in person, REEF Fest seminars will be livestreamed on the REEF Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Still have questions?
You may contact us by emailing events@REEF.org or calling the REEF office at 305-852-0030.
Travel Information, Event Locations, and Map
Where does REEF Fest take place?
REEF Fest is centered around the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida, which is located at 98380 Overseas Highway (Mile Marker 98). The Saturday night party For the Love of the Sea takes place at a seaside location just adjacent to Quiescence Diving Services (MM 103.6).
How do I get to Key Largo?
If you are flying, the closest airport is Miami (MIA - 63 miles to REEF Campus), but Ft. Lauderdale (FLL - 91 miles to REEF) and Palm Beach (PBI - 133 miles to REEF) are also options. There is not much in the way of public transportation or ride share services in Key Largo, so a rental car is recommended.
Where should I stay?
We do not have room blocks or partner hotels for REEF Fest. There are many lodging options in the area, from big hotels, to sailboat stays! To find the right place for you, we recommend you check out listings and reviews on Trip Advisor, Google, Airbnb, VRBO, etc. Locations in the Florida Keys are generally noted by mile marker (MM) along Highway 1. All of the REEF Fest activities take place in Key Largo, between MM104 and MM98.
Important Addresses
REEF Ocean Exploration Center and REEF Campus: 98380 Overseas Hwy (MM 98.3), Key Largo, FL 33037
Bayside For the Love of the Sea property for Saturday night: 103674 Overseas Hwy (MM 103.6), Key Largo, FL 33037
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for Sunday walk: 102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5) Key Largo, FL 33037