The Polka‑Dotted Gentle Giant That Turns Divers Into Poets (and Plankton Into Lunch) If the ocean had a celebrity who never caused drama and always arrived fabulous, it would be the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Picture a bus-sized fish wearing…

The Winged Wonder of Blue Water (with a Flair for Dramatic Entrances) If you’ve ever watched the ocean pull a magic trick, you’ve met the manta ray—a creature that glides like a superhero, flaps like a cathedral’s velvet drapes, and…

Airplanes and scuba can be best friends—if you treat them right. Whether you’re planning a weekend in the Keys or a bucket-list liveaboard, a smart flight-and-dive strategy keeps you safe, happy, and fully bubbled. Before You Book: Timing Is Everything…

Cozumel’s Grumpy, Glorious Secret (Who Also Visits South Florida) Meet the curmudgeon of the coral reef: a fish with a face only a scuba diver could love. The Splendid Toadfish (Sanopus splendidus) looks like someone crossbred a catfish with a…

If you’ve ever watched a dive crew move with quiet confidence and thought, “I want that level of calm,” rescue skills are your next superpower. Whether you plan to take the Rescue Diver course soon or just want to be…

The Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) is the laid-back cousin of the shark world. With its sluggish movements, habit of napping in piles, and gentle demeanor, it’s more teddy bear than terror—though it’s still a powerful and efficient predator. Found throughout South Florida’s…

If the recent holiday season left you completely out of gift ideas—and maybe a little burned out from all the shopping and wrapping—you’re not alone. And with Valentine’s Day just a month away, the pressure to come up with something…

The Peacock Flounder (Bothus lunatus) is one of the ocean’s most captivating illusionists. With its flattened body, dazzling eye-spots, and uncanny ability to vanish into the sand, this flatfish is a true master of camouflage. Found throughout South Florida’s coastal waters, it’s…

If you’ve been diving for a while, you’ve probably heard someone mention “Nitrox” or “enriched air” and wondered what the fuss is all about. Is it just for technical divers? Is it safer? Does it let you dive deeper or…

The Honeycomb Cowfish (Acanthostracion polygonius) is one of the quirkiest and most visually striking fish you’ll encounter on a South Florida reef. With its hexagonal-patterned body, boxy shape, and slow, deliberate movements, it looks like a creature designed by a steampunk artist.…

Scuba diving is more than just a sport—it’s a journey into wonder, a pathway to personal growth, and a gateway to building meaningful connections. For LGBTQIA+ divers, it can also be a powerful tool for visibility, empowerment, and advocacy. That’s…