Coralpalooza to Combine Diving in Two Keys Regions and Land-Based Fun
KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — In recognition of World Oceans Day promoting ocean preservation, Key Largo’s Coral Restoration Foundation is to host its annual Coralpalooza Saturday through Saturday, June 1-8. Events include diving in Key Largo and Key West and two land-based celebrations in Key Largo.
One of the world’s largest coral restoration efforts, Coralpalooza helps raise awareness about the importance of preserving and conserving the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, which parallels the Florida Keys. It is planned each year around World Oceans Day, commemorated internationally on June 8.
Hundreds of recreational divers from across the United States are to join the effort to care for coral Thursday through Saturday, June 6-8. Hands-on dive activities include helping CRF staff and interns in underwater coral nurseries.
Although the 2024 dive days are sold out, Coralpalooza offers exciting free-admission land events that are open to the public.
Land-based events in the Keys begin with a Sips and Science gathering set for 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at the CRF Exploration Center, 5 Seagate Blvd. in Key Largo. Attendees can enjoy complimentary beer, wine and other beverages while listening to speakers discuss the science of saving coral reefs.
To mark World Oceans Day itself on June 8, CRF is to host an unforgettable day of fun, learning and making a difference for coral reefs at a land-based extravaganza at the CRF Exploration Center.
Set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., activities are to include hands-on reef outplanting demonstrations; virtual reality dives that enable participants to immerse themselves in a virtual coral reef without getting wet; create-your-own-reef art activities; multiple hands-on learning stations and fun photo ops.
Divers interested in participating in Coralpalooza’s dive activities next year can register to receive a first-alert email shortly before the 2025 registration opens.
Event information: coralrestoration.org/coralpalooza-2024, facebook.com/
Hands-on dive activities during this year's Coralpalooza include helping CRF staff and interns in underwater coral nurseries. Photos courtesy of CRF
Hundreds of divers are to join the effort to care for coral.
On June 5, the public is invited to enjoy complimentary wine, beer and other beverages while listening to speakers discuss the science of saving coral reefs
The June 8 family-friendly land-based extravaganza at CRF's Coral Exploration center includes hands-on art activities, virtual reality scuba experiences and more.