We’ve talked about exercising extra caution, both on the water and off, due to the influx of tourists partaking in lobster mini-season last week. This week, add to your boating attentiveness the presence of commercial lobster trap gear. August 1, the commercial lobstermen splashed their fresh gear for the eight-month recreational and commercial lobster season … Read more
Located a mile south of Indian Key Historic State Park is the San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park. This park holds the distinction as the only underwater archaeological state park in the Florida Park Service. The San Pedro, a 287-ton ship, was one of a fleet of 21 ships that left Havana in 1733 … Read more
The 2018 Florida spiny lobster season opens with the two-day recreational sport season July 25 and 26, followed by the regular commercial and recreational lobster season, which starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31. Planning on catching some of these tasty crustaceans? Here is what you need to know before you go. No one … Read more
South Florida’s coral reef is one of the longest and most heavily visited in the world. Excited crowds head out to this gorgeous, but sensitive, living structure in increasingly greater numbers. How lucky we are to have such a breathtaking natural area on our doorstep. But like so many things, good fortune is tinged with … Read more
Snorkeling at Alligator Reef Lighthouse Islamorada
If you are familiar with the Florida Keys’ marine world, you’ve probably had an experience with Florida Keys Sharks. When you see a shark, the excitement of your experience is often elevated. Sharks have inspired fear and respect via movies, books and even “Shark Week.” It is important to dispel the myths of vengeful man-eaters … Read more
The following is a sample of some of the Florida Keys Summer Camps. Marathon sailing Summer sailing in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor will begin with the first two week session beginning June 13 – June 24. Each session will consist of 10 three hour classes in either the morning (9am –Noon) or afternoon (1‐4pm). Younger sailors (5‐8 … Read more
A quick edit of a recent dive in the keys. This location is called Molasses Reef. It is the most visited dive site in the US. Also, it has been protected for a very long time, so the coral and fish seem to thrive here. Video shot on GoPro hero 4 in Protune mode with … Read more
It’s that time of year — when Florida residents flock to the land of Hemingway, hammocks and sunset celebrations – the Florida Keys. The 110-mile highway to Key West is peppered with attractions, restaurants and shops to explore, but you’ll need a place to stay and there are many good options. Here are a few … Read more
Successful is too small of a word to describe the second annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day Festival May 14-15. In Pensacola alone, 8,089 lionfish were removed in only two days at the Gulf Coast Lionfish Coalition Tournament. More than 7,000 people (more than double last year’s numbers) attended the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation … Read more
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary supports one of the most diverse assemblages of underwater plants and animals in North America. Here are simple ways you can have a fantastic time enjoying the Florida Keys while still Protecting the Reef. Protecting the Reef – Keep your distance. Maintaining a safe distance from corals and other organisms … Read more
Caribbean Reef Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays and Goliath Groupers on Looe Key reef.
The commercial harvest of the Florida Keys’ most lucrative sea creature Florida Lobster was up this year, but the price fishermen were paid was way down, they said. The recreational and commercial harvest of spiny lobster will close at midnight Thursday, March 31. The commercial harvest is expected to be about 5.9 million pounds, up about … Read more
Reef Environmental Education Foundation is a Key Largo based organization that works at conserving marine environments worldwide through fish counts, lionfish derbies and other research projects it regularly conducts on the water. Since its inception in 1990, it has amassed an army of roughly 60,000 volunteers. Each year, to honor the countless hours dedicated by … Read more
Anytime you snorkel or dive in the Florida Keys Ecosystem, you are almost guaranteed to see sponges. These unique creatures live just about everywhere: they live on the bottom in the seagrass beds, they attach to red mangrove roots and they grow on rocky areas at the coral reefs. They are even found living on … Read more
Why go For the holiday-maker looking to get off the beaten track a little bit and hoping to experience something unique and laid back, the Florida Keys is a perfect escape. The Keys comprise 110 miles of islands in south Florida including Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys and the … Read more
The Lower Florida Keys have some well-known destinations. Lying between the Middle Florida Keys and Key West, with Big Pine Key’s Key Deer and Bahia Honda State Park’s beaches as well as one of the top diving spots, Looe Key, will keep visitors busy and happy. There are also many historic locations to satisfy any … Read more
ScubaCentral takes a trip Key Largo Diving. Dive sites -USS Spiegle Grove, Molasses Reef, Snapper Ledge. Fire Coral Caves, USCGC Duane
The Middle Florida Keys are an often overlooked destination. Lying between the Upper Florida Keys where you will find the Diving & Fishing Capitals of Key Largo and Islamorada and the Lower Florida Keys with Big Pine Key’s Key Deer and world famous Key West, the Middle Florida Keys is sometimes referred to as the Heart … Read more