REEF Fest

Save the Date! October 17-20, 2024, in Key Largo, Florida

REEF Fest includes diving, snorkeling, kayak eco-tours, ocean-themed seminars, and social events. Since 2015, REEF has hosted REEF Fest each fall in the Florida Keys. Divers, snorkelers, and ocean lovers attend REEF Fest to celebrate their love of marine life and learn about the latest in conservation.  If you have any questions, please contact events@REEF.org.

Thank you to all who joined us at REEF Fest 2023!

Registration for next year's event will open in 2024. In the meantime, you can check out all the fun we had this year by viewing the REEF Fest 2023 photo album, or check out the REEF Fest 2023 seminars, which are recorded and archived on our Facebook.

Weekend ScheduleFAQsTravel Info & LocationsRegistration - Closed

Ocean SeminarsDiving, Snorkeling, KayakingSocial EventsConservation Activities

SponsorsSilent Auction and Raffle

REEF Fest 2023 Schedule

Wednesday, October 18
Morning & afternoon -- no scheduled events
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 19
Morning -- Diving with Quiescence Diving Services
4:00-7:00 pm -- Open House at REEF Campus (98300 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037)

Friday, October 20
Morning -- Diving, Snorkeling, and Kayaking with REEF Fest partners
2:00 pm -- Doors open for pre-seminar socializing, coffee/tea, and light snacks at Murray Nelson Government Center (102050 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037)
2:30-5:00 pm -- Ocean Seminars
5:00-6:30 pm -- REEF Fest Happy Hour Social
6:30-7:30 pm -- Ocean Seminar

Saturday, October 21
Morning -- Diving, Snorkeling, and Kayaking with REEF Fest partners
2:00 pm -- Doors open for pre-seminar socializing, coffee/tea, and light snacks at Murray Nelson Government Center (102050 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037)
2:30-4:00 pm -- Ocean Seminars
5:00-9:00 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 22
9:30 am -- Coffee and pastries at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - meet outside visitors center (102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
10:00 am -- Walking Tour at Pennekamp
Please see the Conservation Activities page for more ideas and suggestions for self-guided activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I participate in REEF Fest?

All are invited to attend REEF Fest. Most events are free, but pre-registration is requested. Online registration is coming soon. When completing your online registration form, you may also choose to purchase tickets to the 'For the Love of the Sea' Celebration and/or book spaces for diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.

REEF Marine Conservation Intern Alumni who attend REEF Fest will receive a complimentary ticket to For the Love of the Sea Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 21. Are you a former REEF Marine Conservation Intern interested in attending REEF Fest? If so, please register online and contact David Ehlert at david@REEF.org to request your ticket to For the Love of the Sea.

What is the cancellation policy for purchases, including diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and 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 cancellation or no shows. All dive, snorkel and kayak trips are subject to change based on weather and other conditions. You will receive a full refund for the dive cost if the operator cancels that day's trip, however, we are not able to offer refunds for REEF Fest diving/snorkeling or kayaking under any other circumstance. There are no refunds for For the Love of the Sea tickets unless the event does not take place.

What if I need rental gear for diving?

Please contact the dive shop to make arrangements for rental gear. All costs for rental gear will be paid directly to the dive shop. Tanks and weights are included in the cost of the dive trip and do not need to be reserved in advance. 

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.

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

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 Campus) and Palm Beach (PBI - 133 miles to REEF Campus) 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 Campus: 98300 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Murray Nelson Government Center: 102050 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Florida Bay Outfitters: 104050 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Pirates Cove Watersports: 103800 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 (Located in: Reefhouse Resort & Marina
Quiescence Diving Services: 103680 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: 102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5) Key Largo, FL 33037