#FFF 37: Great Hammerhead, the iconic predator with a twist
The Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) is one of the most recognizable sharks in the ocean. With its wide, flattened head and powerful body, it looks like something out of a prehistoric dream—and it’s just as formidable. This species is the largest of…
Advanced Navigation Techniques: Taking Your Underwater Skills to the Next Level
Once you’ve mastered the basics of underwater navigation—using a compass, following natural landmarks, and staying oriented with your buddy—you might be wondering what’s next. Advanced navigation techniques open up a whole new level of confidence and capability, allowing you to…
#FFF 36: Yellow Garden Eel, the reef’s swaying sentinels
The Yellow Garden Eel (Heteroconger longissimus) is one of the most whimsical and captivating sights you’ll encounter on a dive in South Florida. Imagine drifting over a sandy flat and suddenly seeing a field of slender, yellowish eels poking out of the…
2025 Holiday Potluck a Huge Success
We had almost 30 people attend our latest quarterly meeting on December 14th at Scuba Star in Wilton Manors. And the food… the food was out of this world. We decided to do a holiday potluck dessert and our members…
Cave and Cavern Diving in Florida: Exploring the Underground World Safely
Florida isn’t just famous for its beaches and reefs—it’s also home to one of the most extensive underwater cave systems in the world. Beneath the surface of the Sunshine State lie crystal-clear springs, winding caverns, and deep cave networks that…
Take 3 for the Sea
Turning Small Actions into Big Change Imagine standing on Fort Lauderdale Beach, the ocean stretching endlessly before you and the reefs calling your name. The waves are gentle, the sun glistens on the water, and families, joggers, and divers share…
Dive Into 2026
Out Scuba’s “26 in 26 Challenge” Builds Skills, Community, and Pride Beneath the Surface As the new year approaches, Out Scuba invites you to take your diving to the next level — and have a blast doing it — with…
#FFF 35: Sheepshead, the reef’s toothsome grazer
The Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) is a chunky, silver fish with vertical black stripes and a mouth full of human-like teeth. Yes, really—it’s got molars that look like they belong in a dentist’s office. And these fish are known to be difficult to…
Understanding Dive Signals: A Quick Guide to Underwater Communication
When you’re 60 feet underwater, surrounded by coral and marine life, the last thing you want is confusion between you and your dive buddy. That’s where dive signals come in. These simple hand gestures are the language of scuba diving—allowing…
#FFF 34: Barred Hamlet, the reef’s shy show-off
The Barred Hamlet (Hypoplectrus puella) is a small, striking fish with bold vertical stripes and a shy demeanor. It’s like the introvert who wears flashy clothes—quiet, but impossible to ignore. Fun Fact First: Barred Hamlets are simultaneous hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male…
Essential Gear for New Divers: A South Florida Guide (Plus Great Holiday Gift Ideas)
Starting your scuba diving journey is exciting—and a little overwhelming. Between learning new skills, exploring unfamiliar environments, and figuring out what gear you actually need, it’s easy to feel like you’re swimming in options. If you’re diving in South Florida,…
#FFF 33: Rainbow Parrotfish, the reef’s bulldozer with a smile
The Rainbow Parrotfish (Scarus guacamaia) is one of the largest and most colorful parrotfish in the Atlantic. With its green, blue, and orange hues, it looks like a living mosaic—and it’s got a personality to match. They undergo noticeable color changes as…