Tips for Drift Diving: Stay Safe, Stay in Control

Out Scuba member drift diving

Drift diving—letting the current carry you along a reef or wall—is one of the most exhilarating ways to explore the underwater world. It’s like flying underwater, effortlessly gliding past coral formations, schools of fish, and dramatic drop-offs. South Florida, especially…

#FFF 32: Bigeye, the night watcher of the reef

bigeye

The Bigeye (Priacanthus arenatus) is a nocturnal fish with—you guessed it—huge eyes. These crimson-red hunters are built for low-light conditions and spend their days hiding in caves, only emerging when the sun goes down. If you see one during a day dive,…

#FFF 31: Neon Goby, the reef’s tiny cleaning crew

neon goby

The Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops) might be small, but it’s got a big job. With its sleek black body and electric blue stripe, it’s like the reef’s version of a pit crew—fast, efficient, and always working. They typically grow to about 1…

How to Choose the Right Dive Certification Course

PADI, NAUI, SSI and SDI/TDI certification agencies

So, you’ve decided to become a certified diver—awesome! Whether you’re dreaming of coral reefs in the Caribbean, shipwrecks off South Florida, or simply want to explore the underwater world with confidence, getting certified is your first big step. But with…

#FFF 30: Mahogany Snapper, the sleek hunter of the reef

Mahogany Snapper

The Mahogany Snapper (Lutjanus mahogoni) is sleek, silvery, and always alert. With its reddish hue and sharp eyes, it’s a stealthy predator that blends into the reef until it’s time to strike. For scuba divers exploring the reefs off Fort Lauderdale, spotting one…

#FFF 29: Staghorn Coral, the reef’s fast-growing architect

Staghorn Coral

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

Navigation underwater

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

Cocoa Damselfish (juvenile)

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…

#FFF 27: Graysby, the reef’s ambush specialist

Grasby

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…