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…
Membership Renewals
Let’s be honest—membership renewals aren’t exactly thrilling. We know you’re probably equalizing like crazy just to choke the article down. 😉 Renewals are not as exciting as booking a trip or upgrading your gear, and they definitely don’t come with…
#FFF 24: Atlantic Blue Tang, the real-life Dory
Say hello to the Atlantic Blue Tang (Acanthurus coeruleus), a vibrant blue fish with a scalpel-sharp spine near its tail. If you’re thinking of Dory from Finding Nemo, you’re close—but this species is native to the Atlantic, not the Pacific. While many surgeonfish…
Dive Buddy Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
Scuba diving is often described as a solo sport done in pairs—and that’s where your dive buddy comes in. Whether you’re diving with a lifelong friend or someone you just met on the boat, your buddy is your underwater lifeline.…
#FFF 23: Blue Head Wrasse, the little fish with a big personality
The Blue Head Wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum) is like the reef’s social butterfly. With its electric blue head and yellow-green body, it’s hard to miss—and it’s always on the move. Literally always! It undergoes a striking color transformation as it matures, making it…
Photography Tips for Underwater Shots
Underwater photography is one of the most rewarding ways to capture the magic of scuba diving. Whether you’re snapping a curious sea turtle, a vibrant coral reef, or the eerie silhouette of a shipwreck, the underwater world offers endless opportunities…
Happy First Birthday, Out Scuba!
We celebrated our first anniversary as a club with an afternoon pool party at member Jim LaBrie’s home on Saturday, Sept. 13. We had handmade burgers from Jim and tons of potluck dishes from members, a presentation by coral biologist…
#FFF 22: Reef Squid, the hummingbirds of the reef
The Reef Squid (Sepioteuthis sepioidea) is one of the most charismatic creatures you’ll meet underwater. With their sleek bodies, pulsating colors, and curious behavior, they’re like underwater UFOs—darting around with jet propulsion and flashing signals like disco lights. If the image looks…
How to Prepare for Your First Boat Dive
Taking the plunge into your first boat dive is a thrilling step in your scuba diving journey. Unlike shore dives, boat dives open up a world of deeper, more remote, and often more pristine underwater environments. From vibrant coral reefs…