You're Invited to
REEF Fest
October 19-22, 2023 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 everyone who attended REEF Fest 2022! Registration for next year's event will open in 2023. Stay tuned for updates, and in the meantime, you can check out this photo album from REEF Fest 2022, hosted on Oct. 13-16. You can also check out the recordings of our 2022 seminars on the REEF Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Weekend ScheduleFAQsLocations and Maps
Ocean SeminarsDiving, Snorkeling, KayakingSocial EventsConservation Activities
SponsorsSilent Auction and Raffle
REEF Fest 2022 Schedule
Wednesday, October 12
Morning & afternoon -- no scheduled events
5-7 pm -- Sustainers Gathering - Invitation Only - More details will be emailed to Sustainers
Thursday, October 13
Morning -- Diving and Snorkeling with REEF Fest partners
5-7 pm -- Open House at REEF Campus (98300 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037)
Friday, October 14
Morning -- Diving, Snorkeling, and Kayaking with REEF Fest partners
2 pm -- Doors open for pre-seminar socializing, coffee/tea, and light snacks at Murray Nelson Government Center (102050 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037)
2:30-3:30 pm -- Ocean Seminar: Goliath Grouper: Tales of a giant Florida icon presented by Dr. Chris Stallings
4-5 pm -- Ocean Seminar: Cultivating Climate Resilience with Citizen Science presented by Dr. Andrea Grover
5-6:30 pm -- REEF Fest Happy Hour Social
6:30-7:30 pm -- Ocean Seminar: Solving the Evolutionary Mystery of the Clownfish-Sea Anemone Symbiosis with the Help of Citizen Science presented by Dr. Ben Titus
Saturday, October 15
Morning -- Diving, Snorkeling, and Kayaking with REEF Fest partners
2 pm -- Doors open for pre-seminar socializing, coffee/tea, and light snacks at Murray Nelson Government Center (102050 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037)
2:00-2:30 pm -- The World Beneath book signing with Dr. Richard Smith
2:30-3:45 pm -- Ocean Seminar: Wonders of the Ocean: The World Beneath presented by Dr. Richard Smith
5-9 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 16
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 am -- Butterfly Garden 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. 15. 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 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.
