World Ocean Celebration Nearshore Reef Snorkel

Overview

On June 1, 2025, The International SeaKeepers Society partnered with Blue Scholars Initiative and ARTSail for a nearshore reef snorkel as part of the 2025 World Ocean Celebration Miami. This year’s World Ocean Celebration is an immersive 9-day event presented by Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation consisting of activities, art installations, and community engagement with the intention of celebrating and raising awareness about protecting our ocean. The snorkel was one of the first activities of the celebration, with over 30 snorkelers gathering on Miami Beach by the Sixth Street lifeguard tower to head out to “Neon Reef”, a hidden gem right offshore of Miami Beach. In order to ensure the safety and comfort of the group, SeaKeepers’ Educational Outreach Director, Toni Lohroff, and Community Engagement Associate, Lillian, joined more than 20 experienced individuals to act as snorkel guides. Each guide was paired up with two snorkelers to accompany and keep an eye on in the water, while a dozen others kept watch on paddle boards and motor vessels to line the perimeter of the snorkel area. While over the reef, snorkelers saw an array of marine life, including highlights such as spotted eagle rays, green sea turtles, nurse sharks, tons of species of fish, and some impressively sized sea whips and boulder corals! The snorkel was such an incredible way to kick off the World Ocean Celebration, and SeaKeepers is grateful for the opportunity to participate and help ensure the safety of everyone involved. The 2025 World Ocean Celebration Miami is still going on, and more information can be found at www.worldoceancelebration.miami.

Photo credit: Alex Markow and World Ocean Celebration Miami