WORLD OCEAN CELEBRATION 2026
In partnership with Blue Scholars Initiative, presented by Surfing ‘s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, May 30-June 8, 2026
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There is a magnificent reef right off South Beach. It was nearly destroyed in the 1950s (dredged as fill for "beach re-nourishing"). Now, 70 years later, while other reefs are bleaching, this reef is thriving and needs our protection. This video tells part of its story and our efforts to protect it and protect those who want to explore it!
Miami, You Blew Us Away!
As we re-live the epic 2026 World Ocean Celebration Miami, our hearts (and photo galleries) are absolutely full. From May 30 through June 8, we danced, swam, talked, learned, and stood side-by-side on the sand. Whether you joined us for a guided snorkel or a deep-dive panel discussion, the vibe was the same: pure hope, camaraderie, and a shared love for our blue planet.
This year, our 6th anniversary, marked WOC's largest network to date, bringing together more than 70 partner and sponsor organizations across ocean science, conservation, education, the arts, and local business, the most of any year since the event began. WOC continues to position Miami at the intersection of public life and ocean policy, where celebration becomes a starting point for protection.
Throughout the festival, we rallied hard for the Miami Beach Neon Reef—an incredible nearshore ecosystem right in our backyard (see video above). Thanks to our amazing partners at the Urban Paradise Guild, we turned up the volume on why this reef matters for Miami’s future. The best part? 863 people (as of July 13) signed our petition! That is a massive wave of community support that local leaders can't ignore. (Want more of the backstory? Check out the recent Miami Herald op-ed written by Adam Steckley and me on why the Neon Reef is vital to Miami Beach’s future!).
Another core memory? June 4th's Ocean Music Night at the Miami Beach Bandshell. Miami Beach Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt took the stage to present us with an official city proclamation!
"The City of Miami Beach proudly recognizes the social, educational, and environmental impact generated by the World Ocean Celebration, and applauds the efforts of all those involved.” It was a beautiful reminder of what happens when artists, scientists, and public leaders team up.
Another 2026 WOC outcome: What does Ocean Stewardship look like?
Since 2021, the World Ocean Celebration has been a collaborative journey with our communities, partners and sponsors to redefine ocean stewardship. What does it take to be a better ocean protector? Check out the video below to see how our community is answering that very question!
Produced during the 2026 World Ocean Celebration, this video celebrates the countless ways each of us can help protect and restore our ocean.
ART at the 2026 WOC:
Since the inception of the World Ocean Celebration in 2021, art has been a critical element of our mission, serving as a powerful bridge between marine conservation and community engagement. Every year, we invite one visionary artist to design our signature Ocean Flags, which are proudly displayed along the beach and across many different venues throughout the festival. To date, this initiative has commissioned 6 to 7 unique Ocean Flags each year, building a stunning, growing collection of 37 Ocean Flags that bring the vibrant message of ocean advocacy to life. In 2026 Jenna Efrein created The Black Sea Devil, an immersive flag installation inspired by the deep-sea anglerfish — a creature as mesmerizing as it is fearsome. With its vast, tooth-lined mouth and glowing bioluminescent lure, the anglerfish embodies the ocean’s strange beauty and raw power. This work transforms that ferocity into a source of awe, curiosity, and ecological reflection, inviting viewers to step inside the mythic presence of the deep sea.
GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH
As part of the ongoing public outreach for the World Ocean Celebration, artist Jenna Efrein began leading a series of workshops in March 2026 with students from three youth-focused organizations serving Overtown, Allapattah, and nearby communities: Breakthrough Miami, Overtown Youth Center, and The Motivational Edge. Using fishing line and large sewing needles, participants transformed collected plastic bags into quilt-like swatches that expanded her ongoing installation, Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Through this hands-on process, students engaged directly with the urgent issue of plastic pollution and its impact on our oceans. This expanded installation was installed inside the YoungArts Jewel Box for the WOC Launch Party as well as on the beach at 81st Street during the Beach Activation day.
These are photos from the workshops led by Efrein leading up to the 2026 World Ocean Celebration:
Jenna Efrein sculptures from the Vessels series made with recycled glass exhibited at the Launch Party
OCEAN FREQUENCIES:
Featured at the YoungArts (@youngarts) Jewel Box during the WOC Launch party and the Miami Beach Bandshell (@miamibeachbandshell) for the Ocean Music Night, Ocean Frequencies is the outcome of an international video art open call, launched by ARTSail in March 2026, that brought together four selected works by @crosslucid, @lunaethera7337, @valerio_o_0, and @frankensoundz, in collaboration with @algoritmi_official and @statodellartefestival.
The works were exhibited alongside installations by @jennaefrein as part of @worldoceancelebration.miami
Click HERE for more information and HERE to watch a short video.
From left to right, upper to lower row: Sacred Water, Valerio Calsolaro (1-2); Tidal Transmission, Crosslucid (3); Lower row: Tidal Transmission, Crosslucid (4) Press Start to Save the Ocean , Lunaethera (5); Light Wave, Roly Skander (6).
FESTIVAL PROGRAM:
Saturday, May 30, 8-10AM: Guardians of the Reef Guided Snorkel, Hollywood, FL. This inspiring, education-forward excursion, in partnership with ORAI (Ocean Rescue Alliance International) invited participants to explore Hollywood Beach’s artificial reef trail alongside trained guides and ocean stewards, encountering vibrant marine life while learning how to actively protect it. The program blended exploration with impact - highlighting citizen science and the vital role each of us plays in preserving our coastal waters.
Saturday, May 30, 7-11PM: Launch Party at YoungArts Jewel Box: 160 guests celebrated the opening of the 2026 World Ocean Celebration at our official Launch Party hosted at the iconic YoungArts Jewel Box—an evening of art, music, community, and ocean inspiration. DJ Jacob Kranz made us dance to an unforgettable soundtrack for the Celebration’s kickoff while guests savored delicious food donated by Rice Kitchen. Attendees gathered among creatives, ocean advocates, and community leaders for a vibrant night that set the tone for a week of connection, culture, and action in support of our blue planet.
Sunday, May 31, 8-11AM: Guided snorkel to Neon Reef and REEFLINE. Led by knowledgeable local guides, this immersive adventure invited 90+ participants and guides to explore Miami Beach’s evolving underwater landscapes - where art, ecology, and marine life intersect. We swam above the vibrant Neon Reef and along the visionary REEFLINE, encountering tropical fish, coral habitats, and a dynamic installation while learning about ocean conservation and coastal resilience. In partnership with Urban Paradise Guild and the REEFLINE.
Monday, June 1, 8:30AM-1PM, Boca Chita Cleanup: 22 volunteers joined us for an impactful day of service set within the stunning surroundings of Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park. Volunteers traveled by boat to this iconic island to help remove 67 lbs. of marine debris, protect sensitive habitats, and preserve one of South Florida’s most cherished coastal ecosystems. In partnership with Biscayne National Park Institute and Florida National Parks Association.
Tuesday, June 2, 5:30-7:30PM, Dune Restoration: Taking place along the dune near 5th Street Beach, this volunteer event gathered 40+ participants to help rebuild and stabilize vital dune systems that protect against erosion, support native plant life, and provide habitat for coastal wildlife. In partnership with Surfrider Foundation, Miami Chapter.
Wednesday, June 3, 7-9PM, Ocean Story Slam: This curated event brought together 95 attendees and seven selected storytellers who took the stage at the Miami Beach Regional Library Auditorium to share true stories inspired by their personal connections to the sea—ranging from humorous to deeply moving. In partnership with Miami Dade Public Library System; The Traveling Ranger; Biscayne National Park Institute and Florida National Parks Association.
Thursday, June 4, 7-10PM, Ocean Music Night at the Miami Beach Bandshell: 150+ ocean and music lovers gathered for an unforgettable night of live music and coastal energy. Headlined by Mishka and Blak Diamond Band, with a special opening performance by Emilia Garth & Birdsong, this vibrant concert brought together soulful sounds and island vibes in celebration of our connection to the sea. The night was marked by the attendance of Commissioner Tanja K. Bhatt who officially read the Proclamation released by the City of Miami Beach to honor the World Ocean Celebration. In partnership with the Rhythm Foundation; Miami Beach Bandshell; and Urban Paradise Guild.
Friday June 5, 7:30-8:30AM, Sunrise Sound Healing: 50+ guests welcomed the day with intention at the Sunrise Sound Healing, a serene and restorative experience. As the sun rose over the Atlantic in Miami Beach, participants were guided through a meditative journey of sound and breath, using crystal bowls and gentle vibrations to promote relaxation, clarity, and connection to the natural world. In partnership with South Beach Sound Healing Orchestra.
Friday, June 5, 7-9:30PM, Sheroes of the Ocean Panel: University of Miami, Storer Auditorium. 80 + guests celebrated some of the most inspiring women in ocean advocacy brought together to share stories of courage, science, and leadership. This panel highlighted the vital role women play in safeguarding our blue planet, offering powerful insight into how gender, leadership, and entrepreneurship intersect. In partnership with the University of Miami Climate Resilience Institute and Sheroes of the Ocean.
Saturday, June 6, 8AM-12PM,, Beach Activation Day: a morning of ocean celebration and community connection for the first time held at the beach at 81st Street saw a robust lineup of family-friendly activities designed to inspire a deeper appreciation for our blue planet. From a 1-mile swim, to swimming lessons, flowing through beachside yoga and a ceremonial paddle-out, there was something for everyone. Beyond the waves, participants engaged in hands-on conservation efforts like a beach cleanup or explored immersive art installations and live performances that highlighted the intersection of creativity and environmental stewardship. In partnership with 21 local non-profits, see full list HERE. Attendees: 400+
This year we were overwhelmed by the amount of families who attended with young children and the type of activities the kids were able to engage with.
Saturday June 6, 5-8:30PM, International Ocean Film Festival took place at the Rosenstiel School Auditorium in Virginia Key. After a cocktail reception at SALT restaurant, the night transitioned into a screening of curated ocean-themed films from the San Francisco-based festival. The evening concluded with a conversation with Jackeline Bonilla, of Urban Paradise Guild, and Mikki McComb-Kobza, of Ocean First Institute. In partnership with: International Ocean Film Foundation, Urban Paradise Guild, Ocean First Institute, SALT Waterfront Restaurant. Attendees: 100+
Sunday June 7, 7:30-9:00AM, Open water swim with Dolphins & Rainbows: 130+ between experienced and new to open water swimmers showed up to start their Sunday morning in the ocean. We dove into the Atlantic from the 1st Street Beach alongside the Dolphins & Rainbows Swim Group - a welcoming, safety-focused community of capable swimmers who cherish the ocean. It was a morning in the sea sharing in a collective experience rooted in wellness, friendship, and ocean stewardship. In partnership with the Dolphins & Rainbows.
Closing Day, Monday June 8, 7-10PM, Sea-to-Table dinner: we celebrated the official World Ocean Day 2026, with an unforgettable culinary experience at the Sea-to-Table Dinner at Watr Restaurant. Set against sweeping ocean views, this thoughtfully curated dinner celebrated the connection between healthy oceans and sustainable cuisine, featuring fresh, responsibly sourced seafood and locally inspired ingredients. 13 guests gathered for an evening of elevated dining, storytelling, and community, highlighting the importance of ocean-friendly food systems and the role we all play in protecting marine ecosystems through what we eat. In partnership with the 1 Hotel South Beach.
