#FFF 29: Staghorn Coral, the reef’s fast-growing architect
Staghorn Coral (Acropora cervicornis) is one of the most iconic reef-building corals in South Florida. With its branching, antler-like structure, it creates complex habitats for countless marine species. Spotting Staghorn Coral in the wild is a rare and thrilling experience for divers. Once…
How to Navigate Underwater Like a Pro
Underwater navigation is one of the most underrated skills in scuba diving. Sure, floating weightlessly and watching marine life is magical—but if you don’t know where you are or how to get back, that magic can quickly turn into stress.…
#FFF 28: Cocoa Damselfish, the reef’s bold little defender
The Cocoa Damselfish is a small but assertive resident of South Florida’s coral reefs. Often mistaken for its close relative, the Beaugregory, the Cocoa Damselfish stands out with its more muted coloration and intense territorial behavior. While juveniles are strikingly…
Exploring South Florida’s Wreck Dives: A Guide to Adventure and Safety
South Florida is a diver’s paradise, and if you’re into wreck diving, it’s practically a dream come true. From sunken ships teeming with marine life to purpose-sunk artificial reefs designed for exploration, the region offers some of the most accessible…
#FFF 27: Graysby, the reef’s ambush specialist
The Graysby (Cephalopholis cruentatus) is a type of grouper that’s easy to overlook—until you realize it’s watching you. With its mottled reddish-brown body and stealthy demeanor, it’s a master of ambush and camouflage. We cannot find any reasons why it’s called a…
Scuba Diving Safety Tips for First-Timers
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge—literally—and explore the underwater world. Congratulations! Scuba diving is one of the most exhilarating and eye-opening experiences you can have. From swimming alongside sea turtles to floating weightlessly over coral reefs, it’s a whole…
#FFF 26: Spanish Hogfish, the reef’s flashy opportunist
The Spanish Hogfish (Bodianus rufus) is one of those fish that makes you do a double take. With its vibrant coloration—purple to violet body and bright yellow on its head and fins—it looks like it’s dressed for a tropical celebration. And honestly,…
Deep Diving: Techniques and Safety
There’s something undeniably thrilling about deep diving. Descending into the blue, past the sunlit shallows, into a realm where wrecks rest, walls drop off into the abyss, and marine life takes on a whole new character—it’s the kind of adventure…
#FFF 25: Symmetrical Brain Coral, the reef’s living puzzle
If you’ve ever been diving or snorkeling off the coast of South Florida and spotted a massive, dome-shaped coral that looks like a giant brain, you’ve likely encountered Symmetrical Brain Coral (Pseudodiploria strigosa). With its intricate maze-like ridges and valleys, it’s one…