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, which includes ocean seminars, socials, and opportunities to explore 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. To learn more and see the full schedule, visit www.REEF.org/REEFfest.
REEF Fest is returning to Key Largo this October 16-19, 2025, and one of the most anticipated parts of the weekend is the free seminar series, now hosted in the brand-new REEF Ocean Exploration Center. These engaging talks feature marine scientists, conservationists, and underwater explorers who will share more about their work and storytelling. This year’s presentations take place on Friday, Oct. 17 and Saturday, Oct. 18. All seminars are free and open to the public, and will be live-streamed and recorded for later viewing.
Join REEF’s upcoming Field Survey Trip to Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen), Cuba, on June 27-July 4, 2026! This protected marine park is one of the Caribbean’s most pristine ecosystems, where divers regularly encounter large snapper, grouper, and sharks among vibrant, healthy coral reefs. Surveyors will also have the rare opportunity to spot the dazzling Golden Fairy Basslet while contributing valuable data to REEF’s marine conservation efforts.
Educators - are you looking to elevate your next field trip? Invite a REEF marine scientist to virtually join your group for a Q&A! REEF’s Virtual Field Trips (available for grades 3 to high school) include a scientist visit, in which a REEF staff member meets virtually with your class to provide an interactive session for your students or club. Virtual Field Trips are free and include a variety of resources such as handouts and worksheets to ensure that your lessons meet educational standards.
Welcome to our quarterly REEF Campus update, featuring a seasonal snapshot of what’s happening at the Ocean Exploration Center and REEF Campus in Key Largo. From community events and educational programs to behind-the-scenes updates and visitor highlights, this quarterly feature brings you closer to the heart of REEF.
We are excited to welcome our Fall 2025 Marine Education & Conservation Interns to REEF! They will assist with education, outreach, events, and more at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo. Since 1993, more than 150 young adults have interned with REEF and transitioned into careers all over the world, in the marine conservation field and beyond. Please join us in welcoming Sammy, Rebecca, Stacie, and Harrison (pictured from L-R). Here's some more about them:
Submissions for the 2025 REEF Discover the Sea Underwater Photography Contest are now open! All ocean photographers are invited to submit their favorite photos. It’s free to enter, and you may submit up to three photos per person in each of the following categories:
Our online programs are free and open to all! Check out what's coming up, and view the entire schedule of Fishinars and other online programs, as well as 200+ recorded Fishinars here.
Introducing our September Fish of the Month, the Ornate Wrasse, Thalassoma pavo!
Survey Regions: Ornate Wrasses are found throughout the Mediterranean Sea and northeast Atlantic Ocean, including islands like the Azores and Canary Islands. Click here to see a distribution report for this species in the REEF database.
