The legendary French oceanographer and conservationist Jacques-Yves Cousteau put it best when he said, “You will only protect what you love.” Anyone who has snorkeled, scuba dived or road-tripped through The Florida Keys has seen firsthand what makes this island chain worth protecting.
From reef restoration projects within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to endangered Key deer on Big Pine Key, along with manatees, sea turtles and countless other marine species, the Keys inspire awe and a desire to protect them for future generations.
If you’re wondering how to be a steward of The Florida Keys on your next trip through Florida’s beloved island chain, mark your calendar for these conservation-based dive events happening throughout 2026.
Kristin PaterakisThe I.CARE Trash Derby and Shoreline Cleanup is one of the biggest events
of the year.
I.CARE Trash Derby & Shoreline Cleanup
When: April 30 - May 3, 2026
Where: Throughout The Florida Keys
There’s no shortage of ways to get out on the water and volunteer during the annual I.CARE Trash Derby, a long weekend of underwater and topside debris removal held in late April. Divers can register with their own boat teams or join local participating dive shops for a FREE two-tank dive trip to help clean sites from Key Largo to Key West.
For non-divers and those who prefer to stay dry, land and shoreline cleanup divisions are also available (you can even paddle out on a kayak or SUP to gather debris). Prizes are awarded based on the average pounds of trash collected per person. Last year, more than 36,000 pounds of marine debris were removed from Florida Keys waters and shorelines.
Islamorada-based nonprofit I.CARE wraps up the derby with a festival at Founders Park featuring live music, prizes, craft beer and food trucks.
Activities occurred within NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary under permit and with FWC authorization.
Coral Restoration Foundation™Coral Restoration Foundation mobilizes thousands of ocean lovers and scuba divers to take action to restore our planet’s disappearing coral reefs through Coralpalooza.
Coralpalooza
When: June 4 – 6, 2026
Where: Key Largo and throughout The Florida Keys
With five coral nurseries throughout The Florida Keys, from Key Largo to Key West, the Coral Restoration Foundation first launched Coralpalooza in 2015 as a local reef restoration event.
Held in recognition of World Oceans Day every year, the event has grown to attract hundreds of certified divers who arrive to help clean and outplant staghorn and elkhorn fragments at nurseries and on reefs in the shallow, turquoise waters of the island chain.
Snorkelers and nondivers who want to get involved with the Coralpalooza community can volunteer for reef health monitoring and conduct experiments, surveys and trash cleanups. The event usually culminates in land-based celebrations, so be sure to check the Coral Restoration Foundation website for 2026 registration details as they’re released.
Oceanside MediaBy attending the Mote Reef Revival Fest, you can get an up-close look at their resilience-focused coral restoration efforts.
Mote Reef Revival Fest
When: November 2026
Where: Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, Islamorada
With three research campuses in The Florida Keys, Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory is committed to resilience-focused coral restoration efforts in the island chain. Held at Mote’s Islamorada Coral Nursery at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, the annual Mote Reef Revival Fest is free and open to the public. Visitors can get an up-close look at coral restoration science in a festive atmosphere complete with food trucks, craft beer and interactive Junior Coral Scientist stations for the kids.
Kuba Naum, Courtesy of REEFREEF’s 17th annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby is a must-attend event for 2026.
Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival
When: April 23 - 26, 2026
Where: Key Largo, FL
Native to the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, invasive lionfish have no natural predators on Florida Keys reefs, and they wreak havoc on native species. Each year, the Reef Environmental Education Foundation’s Florida Keys Lionfish Derby aims to remove as many as possible.
Volunteer freedivers and scuba divers spearfish from sunup to sundown on Friday and Saturday, with prizes awarded for the most, largest and smallest lionfish collected. The event concludes with a family-friendly festival on Sunday, with an awards ceremony for teams and presentations on how to safely score, filet and prepare lionfish. During the 2025 event, 1,618 lionfish were removed from South Florida reefs!
REEFSpend the mornings at REEF Fest diving, snorkeling, or on eco tours, hosted by trusted REEF Fest Experience Partners.
REEF Fest
When: Oct. 15-18, 2026
Where: Key Largo, FL
Ocean exploration and conservation seminars, happy hour social gatherings, snorkeling and diving outings and an open house at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center are among the experiences that draw visitors to attend the annual REEF Fest in Key Largo.
Most events are free but require advance registration. For those unable to attend in person, seminars are livestreamed on REEF’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
For more events in The Florida Keys visit visitfloridakeys.com or call toll-free 1-800-FLA-KEYS.
