Article Author:

Suzette
Advanced Open Water

Wow, busy season has kicked in full force and we are enjoying every minute of it! We’ve had several things going on that are very exciting.

We were happy to welcome DiveHeart once again to RRDC. If you are not familiar with their work, please take a few minutes to look at their website and consider donating some time or funds to the organization. They are a group of big hearted people who help people with disabilities discover the wonders of scuba. Doug B from Diveheart wrote on our facebook page:

“Hey guys and gals! I ejoyed my recent experience with you and the Chicago Diveheart group. Your staff went way above and beyond to accommodate everyone’s needs and it is much appreciated.”

We appreciate that you came diving with us and allowed us to share in the experience. It was wonderful for everyone.

We had a visit from SeaVentures out of Atlanta, GA this past weekend, which is always a treat. It’s nice to see old friends and make new ones, which we always know will happen when their bus pulls in. We had some winds that weren’t favorable, but in the end they all got some gorgeous dives in and said they had a nice time. Their departure was preceded by a cookout, courtesy of DJ, shopped for by Gabriele and cooked by Dale. Our whole crew hopes you had a great time and we can’t wait to see you again in July!

I’m featuring a few photos in the blog this week- we had two photographers on board in the past few weeks that got some truly outstanding shots. The first was Mark Karl, a diver who joined us for some exceptional dives during his visit. The weather was amazing for him and he was able to really have fun with his camera. The other was the Painter family, who spent a few weeks with us doing various specialties and getting their son rescue certified. Both got some amazing shots. A picture says a thousand words, so check these out!

In closing, a word about the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. We are very happy to say that the FL Keys have been spared any ill effects from this disaster and we continue to operate as usual, with crystal clear waters and healthy reefs suitable for diving and snorkeling. From the Miami Herald:

“The risk of oil from the Deepwater Horizon blowout reaching the Florida Keys and South Florida anytime soon is now so remote that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has suspended its trajectory maps for the area, effectively downgrading the region to low risk.”

We of course are very happy to hear that, as our coral reef system and our waters mean so much to us all here in Key Largo. We continue to support the areas that are being impacted and will do so in the future as well. Your best source of up to date information regarding the spill is at NOAA’s website. We will post any updates as they are warranted, but we are not being effected by the spill and are enjoying some spectacular diving right now (as the pictures above certainly show!)

Article Author:

Suzette
Advanced Open Water

We had a really fun week at Rainbow Reef. As usual we had a lot of fun classes going on from Discover Scuba to Rescue class as well as a few specialties- night dive specialty and wreck specialty. Two of our instructors in training are beginning their rescue dive courses and EFR as well.

In addition to classes, we saw some amazing sights. Because I’m writing this, I have to report on my own sighting first. On a drift dive on Thursday afternoon, we spied a pod of dolphin on the reef! Talk about an absolutely astounding sight. It was a bit startling at first because it just looked like a big school of something unknown and REALLY big, but when my eyes focused and I realized what we were looking at, I was stunned. Instructor Becky and I gave chase for a short time, trying to extend our experience just a bit, but we had to turn around since we were on a drift and didn’t want to get separated. I know people who have been diving since they were old enough to strap on gear that have never seen them, so I am really amazed to have had that happen. Naturally I drove everyone crazy for the rest of the weekend repeating my thrilling tale to everyone who has ears and exaggerating it more and more with each telling, but what can I say? I do love to dive and that was just incredible. See the picture below, taken by the Blattman’s, who were out with us on that dive.

There were some other good sightings as well- Sadie and her student saw an octopus on the Benwood on Sunday morning in the daytime! She said he was changing colors and swam around for a short time, then either swam away or camouflaged so well that she couldn’t see him any longer.

The spotted eagle rays are out in full force lately as well and we are seeing large groups of them sailing around the reefs. Below is a picture taken by a customer, Mark Karl- it is honestly one of the most breathtaking underwater shots I’ve ever seen.

To top off the weekend, we had 2 full chartered boats of snorkelers from FIU and Miami Dade College- they had a fantastic time with clear seas and lots of life to look at. I know they will be back soon and several of them now want to get scuba certified. Once the feeling grabs you, it sure does grab you! The Tropical Voyager and the Tropical Adventure tied up together and they all got to snorkel together, which made for a really fun day for them. We were very happy to welcome them here. Below is a picture taken during their trip- it’s so clear and gorgeous that you can practically scan the reef from here!

So that wraps up just some of the highlights from the week and weekend. Don’t forget to find us on Facebook and friend us- we update daily with fun pictures, videos, quotes, and information about Rainbow Reef and Key Largo. Here is a direct link:
Rainbow Reef Dive Center on Facebook