Ocean Lovers Can Dive, Snorkel, Kayak and Learn Oct. 17-20 at Florida Keys’ REEF Fest

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Ocean lovers who enjoy diving, snorkeling and kayaking eco-tours can explore and learn about the latest in Florida Keys marine conservation Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 17-20, during the annual REEF Fest in Key Largo.

Ocean conservation, education initiatives and demonstrating positive impacts of citizen science in the Florida Keys and around the world are at the core of the mission for the nonprofit Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF). 

The four-day festival features social events, ocean-themed seminars, coral reef dives, snorkeling excursions with REEF fish surveyors to share helpful fish species knowledge, and guided kayak eco-tours to search for wading birds and nearshore marine life. 

REEF Fest events kick off Thursday, Oct. 17, with morning dive and snorkel trips with area operators. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the REEF Campus, mile marker 98.3 in the Florida Keys Overseas Highway median, attendees can participate in an open-house gathering to meet and mingle, enjoy wine and craft beer, tour the interpretive center and walk a native plants trail.

Friday and Saturday, participants can again join morning dive, snorkel or kayak trips. Dedicated boat charters with Pirates Cove Watersports and Quiescence Diving Services are available for the Thursday, Friday and Saturday dive and snorkel excursions. A REEF representative is to be onboard with fish identification and survey materials. For paddlers, guided three-hour kayak tours with Florida Bay Outfitters can be booked Friday and Saturday mornings. Tours include all rental equipment, a lesson on paddling techniques, snacks, water and guide. Visit REEF.org/REEFfest/diving. 

Friday and Saturday afternoons, marine conservation seminars are scheduled at the Murray Nelson Government and Cultural Center, mile marker 102 bayside. Sessions are to begin each afternoon at 2:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. There is also an evening session at 6 p.m. Friday. Registration is requested. Visit REEF.org/REEFfest/registration. 

A 5-6 p.m. Friday social hour is planned as well. 

Seminars are to cover topics that include ways citizen scientists are contributing to marine conservation, how upside-down jellyfish serve as bioindicators, underwater photographer Stephen Frink’s look back at his five decades of diving experience in Key Largo, and the Diving With a Purpose organization’s work to restore coral ecosystems and document maritime history. 

At Saturday night’s “For the Love of the Sea” open-air celebration, festivalgoers can connect with friends for dinner, drinks and a Keys sunset over Florida Bay. The 5-8:30 p.m. festivities are to be held at a waterfront venue next to Quiescence Diving Services, mile marker 103.6 on Key Largo's Blackwater Sound. 

The limited-seating dinner event is to feature passed appetizers, culinary stations, an open bar and a large silent auction. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets to “For the Love of the Sea” in advance on the registration page. The $95 price per person increases to $105 after Sept. 27. 

REEF Fest is to conclude Sunday, Oct. 20, with a guided nature tour at Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Coffee and pastries are to be served before the tour. Visit REEF.org/REEFfest/conservation. 

Event information: REEF.org/REEFfest or 305-852-0030