DIVE REPORT: EXPLORE THE REEFS, SANDBAR & NEST KEY BEFORE SUMMER WINDS DOWN

Instructor Kelsey Miller expresses her joy for the amazing conditions. TONY TIMPANO/Contributed

SOME CALM SEAS… FINALLY

Well, we finally experienced some calm seas this past. It seems like forever since we had the trifecta with great visibility, no current and calm seas. But it’s here. Get out there and take advantage of it. Looks like the wind will cooperate for at least the next week. 

SUMMER CONDITIONS PRIME FOR SOME WATER ADVENTURE

With this amazing summer weather, we are finally getting to experience and take advantage of what the Keys has to offer. There are so many fun ocean-opportunities that we can indulge in here. If you’re a certified diver, then go dive some amazing reefs and wrecks. This calm water makes the slightly more advanced dives much easier.  

Start your advanced class and learn how to dive deeper, navigate or drift dive. If you prefer to stay on the surface, calm seas are a snorkeler’s dream. Check out some of my favorite shallow sites, Hens and Chickens, Davis Reef and Alligator Reef. Get out to the depths and do some fishing.  

Many times high winds will keep your fishing gear in the shed. So when Posiedon smiles upon us grab that gear and get offshore or jump on one the many amazing charter boats and bring home some dinner. Speaking of dinner, how about trying your luck at lobstering? Scuba dive, free dive, or even bully netting, there are many options to harvest these tasty critters. Maybe you are the type that simply likes boat rides, sunshine and beverages. 

The world famous sandbar in Islamorada fits that bill.  Or travel over to Nest Key and let the pups swim. I’m sure you’ll encounter a few playful dolphins on the way.  Don’t let these calm seas pass you by.  Put the phone down, turn off the computer and get outside and create some memories.

I.CARE

I.CARE will be planting this weekend on Saturday out of Islamorada Dive Center. Sign up today by calling 305-664-3483.

CONSERVATION TIP

No matter what your chosen ocean activity is, please enjoy it with a conservation minded approach. Respect your ocean environment and take care of her. Leave it how you found it, or even better, cleaner.

Eric Billips is is the owner, captain and instructor at Islamorada Dive Center and Floridia Keys Dive Center. He specializes in scuba, rebreather, spearfishing and captaining in the Florida Keys