Blue Planet DC

This June 11–14, DC DOX Festival returns to Washington, DC for its fourth edition, bringing together 100+ new documentaries—including a powerful slate of films exploring our relationship to the natural world. From fragile ecosystems and disappearing landscapes to communities on the front lines of change, these stories capture the beauty, urgency, and complexity of life on Earth.

🎬 Screenings + filmmaker Q&As
📍 Downtown Washington, DC: Regal Gallery Place, Eaton Cinema, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company + more
🗓 June 11–14
🎟 $17

Featured films include:

✨ SUPER NATURE: A global love letter to the planet, shot on Super 8, celebrating connection across human and nonhuman worlds.
✨ THE LAST FIRST: WINTER K2: A gripping portrait of mountaineers risking everything to attempt the first winter summit of K2.
✨ TIME AND WATER: An Icelandic writer reflects on vanishing glaciers, memory, and what we stand to lose.
✨ DAUGHTERS OF THE FOREST: Two Indigenous mycologists in Mexico reimagine their future in a changing world.
✨ THE LAKE: Scientists race to prevent an environmental disaster in Utah.
✨ TO HOLD A MOUNTAIN: A mother and daughter defend their ancestral land from militarization.
✨ THE SIEGE OF PARADISE: Overtourism threatens the fragile balance of Cinque Terre.
✨ HARVEST: A farming family faces uncertainty as climate and economic pressures mount.
✨ THE ENDLESS FRONTIER: Scientists confront the future of research—and what’s at stake for all of us.

…plus a dynamic lineup of shorts across four programs.

Join us in experiencing bold nonfiction storytelling that asks how we live with—and protect—the world around us.

https://dcdoxfest.com/

Free event alert! Purpose Guides Institute is hosting a live Zoom conversation with Craig Foster, the naturalist behind the Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher. Along with Rachael Duffy, he’ll be exploring what it means to connect deeply with the natural world.

Saturday, May 30th, 2026
9:00-10:30am PT / 12:00-1:30pm ET / 6:00-7:30pm CET
FREE (attend live or watch the recording)

Register: www.purposeguides.org/my-octopus-teacher

Don't miss this!

On May 30th, I'll be in conversation with Craig Foster about wildness, true belonging, and what becomes possible, individually, for our species, and for the world, when we remember we are nature? This is a rare opportunity to sit with one of the most compelling voices on wildness, belonging, and our relationship within the web of life.

Free. Open to all.
Saturday 30 May
9am PT / 12pm ET / 6pm CET
Online via Zoom
Register: https://www.purposeguides.org/my-octopus-teacher

Dive Mode: FULLY ACTIVATED!

Huge congratulations to all of our newest PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue, AWARE Foundation and Specialty divers who crushed their training over this Memorial Day weekend!

You didn't just earn a certification card; you gained a passport to 70% of our planet. As divers, we are the frontline ambassadors for our oceans. Whether you're just learning to breathe underwater, mastering navigation, or perfecting your buoyancy to keep those delicate coral reefs safe, you are making a difference!

What’s Next on Your Dive Journey?
Don't let those fins gather dust! The ultimate badge of honor for a recreational diver is the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating, a level achieved by fewer than 2% of divers worldwide.

If you want to sharpen your skills, dive deeper into ocean conservation, and become the best buddy in the water, we’ve made it easier (and more affordable) than ever.

Passport to Mastery Program
Our Passport to Mastery program is your customized roadmap to reaching the apex of recreational diving. By bundling your upcoming courses, you’ll unlock major savings while building the confidence to explore the world’s most incredible dive sites.

👉 Ready to level up your skills and save? Click here to build your Passport to Mastery and take the next step today! https://blueplanetdc.com/courses/padi-master-scuba-diver

Huge news for global ocean conservation!

Papua New Guinea has just announced plans to establish the largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in its history. Spanning roughly 200,000 km²—an area the size of the United Kingdom—the Western Manus Marine Protected Area will safeguard a critical "marine highway" of coral reefs, underwater ridges, and deep-sea canyons from industrial fishing and destructive human activity.

This landmark move not only brings PNG closer to the global goal of protecting 30% of our oceans by 2030, but it also proves that environmental sustainability can support local economies. Data shows that large-scale MPAs actually boost neighboring tuna catch rates by 12% to 18% due to the ecosystem "spillover" effect.

A massive win for biodiversity, climate resilience, and local communities. 🌊💙

Read the full story via Oceanographic Magazine: https://oceanographicmagazine.com/news/papua-new-guinea-announces-largest-mpa-in-its-history/

Scientists discover over 1,100 new marine species in landmark Ocean Census

The Ocean Census has officially announced the discovery of over 1,100 new marine species in a single year! From deep-sea "Ghost Sharks" that predate the dinosaurs to tiny worms living in "glass castles," these findings prove how little we still know about our own oceans (an estimated 90% of marine species remain undiscovered).

This isn't just about cool creatures; it's a critical race against time to gather the data needed to protect our planet's greatest superpower. Take a look!

https://oceancensus.org/press-release-scientists-discover-over-1100-new-marine-species-in-landmark-ocean-census/

It’s time to shell-ebrate because today is World Turtle Day!

Did you know turtles and tortoises have been roaming the Earth for over 220 million years? They really shared the planet with dinosaurs!

Whether they are gliding through the ocean or taking it slow on land, these incredible creatures are vital to our ecosystems. Unfortunately, many species are facing major threats from habitat loss and pollution.

Photos:
Jonas Furberg
diver

Ready for the ultimate diving freedom?

Join us for an unforgettable week in Bonaire, the shore diving capital of the world! Known for its crystal-clear water, beautiful reefs, and massive schools of fish, this island is a true diver’s paradise.

What’s waiting for you:
7 nights at Buddy Dive Resort
9 boat dives + UNLIMITED shore diving
Your own rental truck per condo to explore the island
Nitrox included for certified divers (Not certified? We can help!)

Whether you're a beginner looking to gain confidence or a seasoned pro hunting for macro life, Bonaire has it all.

https://blueplanetdc.wetravel.com/trips/bonaire-shore-diving-paradise-blue-planet-scuba-2503978071?source=widget_trips -this-trip

BIG congratulations to our newest group of divers!

These rockstars absolutely crushed the pool portion of their PADI Open Water Course last weekend. The hard part is done, and now the real adventure begins as they head to open water! Swipe through to see them in action

Did you know that less than 2% of divers ever reach the ultimate rating in recreational diving?

Whether you just finished your first pool session like this crew, or you’re already certified and looking for your next challenge, we want to help you get there. Meet Blue Planet’s Passport to Mastery!

This isn't just a collection of classes; it’s a structured, guided pathway where you join a cohort of fellow ocean lovers to fast-track your skills, build ultimate self-confidence in your own gear, and practice serious ocean stewardship.

It is never too early to start training like a master. Click the link in our bio to find your track and secure your spot in our next quarterly cohort!

🔗 blueplanetdc.com/courses/padi-master-scuba-diver

We're donning our gear and headed to touch water.

The shop will be closed Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25.

We'll be back on Tuesday, May 26th, ready to get you back in the water for a course, a trip, or just for fun with Dive Club!

We hope you have a lovely and safe long weekend.