Ken and Julie Wolf, the owners of Orlando Dive and Snorkel, moved from the Tampa area to the Florida Keys 15 years ago, and learned to scuba there. It was love at first site of the beauty of the oceans. They left their jobs and started working in the scuba industry full time. They advanced in their training and brought their knowledge of the diving world & business to Orlando (not a typical dive destination, & land locked). Ken and…
Every Friday morning, the team at Captain Slate’s Atlantis Dive Center sets out with a group of visitors to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for Captain Slate’s world famous “Creature Feature” adventure dive. For nearly 25 years, Slate has been feeding barracuda, moray eel and nurse sharks in the protected reefs of Key Largo and teaching divers to appreciate these creatures instead of fear them. “It is educational to take first time divers out for the feeds. We touch…
Looking for a taste of Florida's history, wildlife and natural beauty? Have you ever seen an alligator in it's own natural environment? Have you ever been face to face with a real Florida Panther? Sawgrass Recreational Park brings it all to you in one exciting visit. The park offers airboat tours, historical displays and the complete natural Florida experience. Located just west of Broward County, in the heart of the Florida Everglades, Sawgrass Park is easily accessible and the perfect…
One gorgeous Florida day spent with Captain Don Draper and his family will resonate for a lifetime. It was obvious from the start; Don Draper has a passion, a passion for life. A passion especially for life in the ocean! “My first ocean excursion was when I was just 2 weeks old, so I've been told. I don't remember learning how to swim. I grew up at the Jersey shore in the water and around our boats. I had wonderful…
"Journey to the Dolphin Playgrounds, snorkel coral reefs and explore the backcountry of Key West." At Wild about Dolphins, you can experience the natural world of the wild dolphins of the Florida Keys. Don't worry about your towels, sunscreen, snorkel gear or drinks, just get your bathing suit and get down to Key West and see the dolphins as you have never seen them before as Captain Sheri Sullenger takes you to see the dolphins in their home. My wife…
If you are traveling to the Florida Keys, you may want to stop in Florida City on your way. Florida City has plenty to offer, like some of the best hiking, biking, and roads to the Everglades National Park. The city is close to Biscayne National Parks, and Homestead Marina. Florida City has many options for unique local food and fantastic shopping. I had the special opportunity to be hosted by a special lady in Florida City. Owhnn (pronounced Owen)…
In 1983 the Florida Keys Dive Center opened due to the vision of Tom and Pam Timmerman. Their vision was to create a snorkel and dive center that operated with professionalism while providing a fun family atmosphere with an emphasis on dive education. Today, 20 years later, that vision is still alive and every day families are learning to dive and snorkel while enjoying hours of family fun. Just south of mile marker 90 in the Florida Keys lies Tom…
I recently had one of the most exciting adventures of my life. The afternoon started with a plan to drift lazily down the Loxahatchee River taking pictures of wildlife, as I would be blanketed by the shade from the 500-year-old Cypress trees. That plan was suddenly exchanged with an adventurous kayaking trip that I would never forget. Canoeing and kayaking on the "Wild and Scenic" Loxahatchee River is day full of adventure and beauty that is a must do for…
Morning came. It was a beautiful sunny September day with calm waters in Ft. Lauderdale. This would be the morning of my first Kayak race. I was a little nervous due to the fact that I’m a novice. The race was sponsored by Full Moon Kayak Co., an outfitter, and the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF), located on the intra coastal waterway of Fort Lauderdale. Colleen, the owner of Full Moon Kayak Co., was a gracious host and explained…
If you've never been to Daytona Beach, Florida before, you may be wondering what it's like. Most people think of Daytona as "that place where the NASCAR races happen," or "where spring breakers go to drink and be annoying." But Daytona Beach is a lovely destination that has much to offer any traveler. Whether you're someone who just wants to spread your towel on the beach for a week and catch some rays, or catch some fish out in the…