Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – 8th September 2025: The island’s favorite ocean-
themed gala returns for its 20th year of fundraising with an unforgettable evening
where elegance meets mystery in a masquerade-style event. On Saturday, 1st
November, the spookiest weekend of the year, the ballroom of Hotel Indigo will be
transformed into an ‘Enchanted Masquerade of the Deep.’ The Central Caribbean
Marine Institute (CCMI) invites guests to immerse themselves in the shimmering
effects of the underwater world – without getting their feet wet.

Hosted annually by CCMI, the Festival of Seas gala celebrates the beauty and
importance of our oceans while raising critical funds to support CCMI’s ongoing
efforts and allowing the team to respond to new opportunities and challenges that
may arise during the coming year.
“The Enchanted Masquerade of the Deep is more than a gala; it’s a celebration of
our connection to the sea and a reminder of the vital role we all play in protecting
it,” said Event Manager, Bree Davies. “Our guests will enjoy an extraordinary
evening while helping ensure a thriving ocean for future generations.”

A highlight of the evening will be a keynote presentation by Uli Kunz, a marine
biologist, TV presenter, photographer, and ocean explorer. From diving beneath
Arctic ice to exploring mysterious underwater ecosystems, Kunz’s stories and
imagery capture the awe of the ocean while inspiring audiences to protect it. His
talk will encourage guests to become the next generation of ocean stewards through
curiosity, science, and sustainable action.

Event Details
Saturday, 1st November 2025
6:30 – 11:30 pm
Hotel Indigo, Grand Cayman
Tickets: CI $300 ea; table of 10: CI $3000
VIP Table of 10: CI $5000 *limited availability

Tickets can be reserved by emailing [email protected]; payment can be made
via bank transfer. Alternately, tickets can be purchased online with a credit card or
via PayPal at https://donate.reefresearch.org/FOS2025. Event sponsorship
opportunities are available to help CCMI reach their fundraising goals.

Standard tickets include a three-course dinner, welcome drink, two glasses of wine
at dinner, live music, and dancing. VIP tickets include a welcome drink, seating in a
premium location, an elevated food and wine package, live music, and dancing.
Black tie or gowns in oceanic hues with subtle marine accents. Guests are invited
to don intricate masks, each reflecting the hidden wonders of the sea, from
shimmering fish scales to the delicate patterns of coral.

About the speaker:
Uli Kunz is a marine biologist, professional diver, photographer, and TV presenter. He
has worked on numerous scientific diving expeditions worldwide and is part of the
German research diving team Submaris. He is best known for his work in ocean
exploration, underwater photography, and public science communication. His
enthusiasm for the marine world makes his presentations both educational and
highly engaging.
“Why do I do all of this? Why do I take extremely expensive cameras in a metal box
into environments which do not treat electronic components well and due to their
darkness, the particles, a lack of contrast, the cold and mud are not particularly
well suited to photography?

Because as a marine ambassador, through my photos, slide shows and presentations
I can give lot of people insight into a world they do not know, and I can promote
the protection of our oceans.
Because I love the ocean.”

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About CCMI:
CCMI is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998 to protect the future of
coral reefs, envisioning a world with vibrant oceans and healthy coral reef
ecosystems. We seek to be the Caribbean’s premier marine research institute by
delivering cutting edge research, transforming conservation strategy, and
developing education programmes of excellence – discovering and promoting real
solutions to declining ocean health. Our plan is to invigorate key species and
processes that are driving reef resilience and INNOVATE ways to improve their
survival. We are TRANSFORMING conservation strategy and inspiring the CHANGE
that is needed to achieve our mission. We are PIONEERS in understanding how this works.