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National Geographic Live Speaker Series: Erika Woolsey— Diving the Great Barrier Reef

August 18, 2025

Diving the Great Barrier Reef

April 22, 2026
Des Moines Civic Center

Diving the Great Barrier Reef

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Beneath the turquoise waters off Australia’s coast, a natural spectacle unfolds—coral polyps release a cloud of life into the sea, signaling one of the most extraordinary mass reproduction events in the natural world. It’s a moment of beauty. And of urgency. In this immersive National Geographic Live presentation, marine biologist and explorer Dr. Erika Woolsey takes audiences beneath the waves of the Great Barrier Reef, sharing what it’s like to witness these breathtaking displays—and what they mean in a time of ecological change.

With over half the reef already lost to bleaching and climate disruption, Woolsey’s message is clear: there's still time, and there’s still wonder. As a National Geographic Explorer, Ph.D. scientist, divemaster filmmaker, and founder of The Hydrous, she combines scientific research with immersive virtual reality storytelling to foster what she calls ocean empathy—inviting people around the world to understand and care for our blue planet, no matter how far they live from the shore. 

Her immersive VR work helps audiences around the world “dive in” and experience the ocean firsthand—even from thousands of miles away. Her work spans deep dives, remote expeditions, and 360-degree underwater film production. She is currently a Visiting Scholar at Stanford’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab, where she explores how storytelling and technology can drive marine stewardship and empathy.

This captivating evening brings together science, exploration, and breathtaking visuals—making it a must-see for ocean lovers, conservationists, and curious minds of all ages. It’s a firsthand look at a living ecosystem in flux, guided by someone who has spent her life beneath the surface documenting its beauty, resilience, and fragility.

Click here to learn more. National Geographic Live Speaker Series season tickets are available now. Join Erika Woolsey for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the reef—and discover how science, storytelling, and compassion might help save it.