THE KEYS:
Known for wild 6-toed cats, Jimmy Buffett and flamboyant characters, Key West along with the other islands that span 120 miles from the Southern-most point of Florida, offers world-class diving, perfect for the novice and the ‘old salt’. Choose from the many wrecks to dive or the USS Vandenberg which was sunk in May of 2009 as an addition to artificial reef system. Love to take pictures? The coral formations are famous for their abundance of fish, from impressive schools of blue-striped grunts to toothy green moray eels, you will see everything. Call the shop to find out when the next trip to the Keys is!
JUPITER, FL & THE EAST COAST:
We love heading over to the East Coast to dive in the Atlantic when the visibility on the West Coast is limited but sometimes we just like to jump in the water when the Lemon Sharks are migrating in the early Spring, an invigorating and enjoyable experience. Jupiter is a fantastic way to try Drift Diving, letting the currents take you along on a relaxing visual tour. Don’t be surprised if you are floating past Loggerhead and Green turtles or being visited by a Manta Ray! Call the shop to find out when the next trip to the East Coast is!
SWIM WITH THE MANATEE! (Crystal River/Ocala):
Crystal River and Homasassa Florida offers one of the unique diving/snorkel experiences; to dive with the West Indian Manatee or “Sea Cow.” These gentle giants head into the canals fed by the warm springs when the temperature in the Gulf of Mexico drops. We regularly run trips from December through March. Sometimes the weather it too rough to finish up a student’s open water dive. That’s when we head up to one of the many freshwater springs northeast of Tampa Bay. There’s not much to see as far as fish but the water is clear and always 72 and it’s perfect if a student is trying to be certified for an upcoming dive trip. Call the shop to find out when the next trip to the Springs is!
DRY TORTUGAS:
The Dry Tortugas, 70 miles southwest of Key West, are part of the third largest barrier reef in the world. The reefs are made up of hard and soft corals, vibrant sponges and marine plants. Over 250 species of fish are found in the Dry Tortugas, and literally thousands of invertebrates and marine plants call the Dry Tortugas home. Sharks, rays and eels are frequently sighted, and the curious and charismatic Goliath Grouper is making a comeback in a big way. Call us for our next trip above a liveaboard!
