REEF Fest 2026
About this event
REEF Fest is the Reef Environmental Education Foundation’s annual gathering in Key Largo for divers, snorkellers and anyone interested in the ocean. It combines free conservation seminars, social evenings and diving and snorkelling in the Florida Keys. Most events are free, but pre-registration is requested for planning purposes.
The seminars run on 16 and 17 October at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center and are livestreamed on REEF’s Facebook page and YouTube channel for anyone who cannot attend. Diving and snorkelling excursions with REEF Fest Experience Partners, from reef tours to fish survey dives, run through the weekend. Unlike previous years, these are booked directly with the operators rather than through REEF.
What to expect
- Kai Lopez, Coral Reef Scientist with Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, on the reef fishes of the Florida Keys and the niches they occupy
- Conservation biologist Aisha Rickli-Rahman on how forensic science is used to investigate wildlife crime
- Jennifer Rehage, PhD, of Florida International University’s Institute of Water and Environment, on the fish communities of the Everglades and South Florida
- REEF scientists presenting updates from REEF’s citizen science and conservation programmes; more speakers to be announced
- Free Welcome Reception on 15 October and Happy Hour Social with an evening presentation on 16 October
- For the Love of the Sea Celebration on 17 October, a waterfront evening with dinner, open bar and a silent auction supporting REEF’s conservation programmes; $125 per person
- Hands-on conservation activities on 18 October, details to be announced
Date and time
15 to 18 October 2026
The only published time is the For the Love of the Sea Celebration, Saturday 17 October, 5:00 to 8:30 pm ET, held at a bayside property next to Quiescence Diving Services, 103674 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo.
Location and format
REEF Ocean Exploration Center, 98380 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, FL 33037, USA
Cost
Most events free with pre-registration. For the Love of the Sea Celebration $125 per person.
Registration