Miami (June 1, 2016) -- Reef Environmental Education Foundation’s REEF Fest 2016, is scheduled Sept. 29 through Oct. 2 in Key Largo, Florida.

What: REEF Fest 2016 features ocean-themed activities and education initiatives, including seminars and social events. Each day of REEF Fest offers opportunities to explore the marine environment through diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and other ocean activities. A portion of activity proceeds benefits REEF’s ocean conservation programs.

Who: Grass-roots organization REEF was founded in 1990 with support from the Nature Conservancy. Headquartered in Key Largo, REEF links the diving community with scientists, resource managers and conservationists through marine life data collection and related activities, and enlists recreational divers and marine enthusiasts to perform citizen science.

When: Festivities begin Thursday, Sept. 29, with afternoon seminars followed by a welcome party at Bayside Grille.

Friday and Saturday morning guests are invited to explore some of the Florida Keys’ best sites. Seminars will take place in the afternoon led by ocean experts, with social events scheduled in the evening. Friday night is an open house at REEF Headquarters. Saturday night’s open-air celebration dinner party will feature live music by the Scuba Cowboy, silent auctions and a three-course meal.

Where: Seminars are held at the Murray Nelson Government Center, mile marker 102 bayside.

Registration: Seminars are free, but pre-registration is recommended at www.REEF.org/REEFfest/registration. Discounted REEF Fest accommodations are available at several Key Largo hotels. For more information visit www.REEF.org/REEFFest/lodging.