REEF Opens Ocean Exploration Center with Free Events This June

REEF is opening its new Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo this June, marking a major step in its mission to connect people with the ocean. The space is designed to bring marine science, conservation, and education to life for all ages. Opening its door to explore the ocean without ever entering the water (well, we still encourage you to!).

Set for the weekend of June 7 and 8, the Ocean Exploration Center offers more than just architecture and exhibits. The space has been thoughtfully designed as a place for learning, community, and immersion. Attendees will find guided tours, hands-on science demonstrations, and an atmosphere that encourages even the most casual visitor to see themselves as part of the conservation story. Saturday’s events will unfold from 3 to 7 in the afternoon, with ocean-themed games, activities, and local refreshments. Sunday morning brings the launch celebration for REEF’s sixth annual Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K, where participants gather for coffee and snacks before exploring the new center at their own pace. Admission is free, and the experience promises to leave a lasting impression. More information and RSVP details can be found at www.REEF.org/oecgrandopening.

For those unable to attend in person, there is still a way to participate meaningfully. The Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K runs from June 8 to 14, inviting participants around the world to walk, run, bike, swim, or hike their way through five kilometers in honor of World Ocean Day. The event encourages flexibility, reflection, and personal connection to conservation. It’s a movement that doesn’t rely on a podium or stopwatch, but instead emphasizes community and shared values. Proceeds support REEF’s Oceans for All Fund, a program designed to expand access to diving, science, and marine education for individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Registration and details are available at www.REEF.org/5K.

For those drawn to the ocean through language and story, REEF’s Into the Blue Book Club offers yet another way to connect. The next meeting takes place on July 10 and will discuss Megalodons, Mermaids and Climate Change: Answers to Your Ocean and Atmosphere Questions by Dr. Ellen Prager and David Jones. Open to all, the virtual gathering offers a chance to explore ocean science and storytelling in conversation with others. Whether you’ve read the book cover to cover or simply want to listen in, the meeting is a warm entry point into a growing community of ocean-minded readers. More information can be found at www.REEF.org/bookclub.

REEF offers a new center, a virtual 5K, and a book club. Each invites people to engage with the ocean in their own way. In a time when conservation can feel overwhelming, REEF keeps it simple: participate, stay curious, and stay connected.

By Junior Thanong Aiamkhophueng

About the Organizations:

Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is an international marine conservation organization that implements hands-on programs to involve local communities in conservation-focused activities. REEF was founded in 1990 and is based in Key Largo, Florida, with additional staff in Illinois, California, Washington, Colorado, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Its mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life by actively engaging and inspiring the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community.