#FFF 2: The Smooth Trunkfish

Welcome back to another episode of #fff or Friday Fish Facts! The smooth trunkfish (Lactophrys triqueter) is a fascinating member of the boxfish family, Ostraciidae. It gets its name from the triangular body shape (when viewed head-on), and its smooth…
Dive into our social media

Fish and social media users may live in different worlds, but their behaviors reveal fascinating similarities. Whether it’s finding strength in numbers, flaunting brilliance for attention, or navigating dangers, fish schools and social media tribes share universal truths about connection…
#FFF 1: The French Grunt

Did you know that the French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum), a common reef fish in Fort Lauderdale, gets its name from the sound it makes? These fish grind their teeth to produce a “grunting” noise, which is sometimes heard underwater. They…
Queering the Sea

Tackling Discrimination in Diving The ocean has long symbolized freedom—its vast, boundless waters evoke a sense of endless possibilities and uncharted adventures. For scuba divers, the underwater world represents a space where differences dissolve, and everyone marvels at nature’s grandeur…
Odd Partnerships

Symbiotic Relationships Among Marine Species Off Fort Lauderdale In the underwater world off Fort Lauderdale, survival often depends on teamwork. From coral reefs to seagrass meadows, countless marine species have developed symbiotic relationships—unique partnerships where two different organisms benefit from…
South Florida’s Hammerhead Highway

The open waters off Fort Lauderdale and across the Gulf Stream to Bimini hold many secrets, but few are as thrilling as the seasonal migration of hammerhead sharks. Known for their distinctive head shape and graceful movements, hammerheads have captivated…
Rainy Sunday doesn’t keep Out Scuba down

We had our first Out Scuba social on March 30th, and it was a resounding success. Thanks to support from local businesses we gave away over $500 in door prizes, plus got a demonstration on sidemount diving from instructor member…
Cryptids of the Sea: The Mysteries Beneath the Waters of South Florida and the Caribbean

If you spend much time around scuba divers you’ll find that like everyone attracted by the sea, we love to tell stories. And the bigger the story, the better. That’s why modern divers always fall back on if there isn’t…
Star light, star bright…

The warm, sunlit waters of South Florida are a haven for an impressive variety of marine life. Among the most fascinating inhabitants of these waters are starfish, also known as sea stars. These iconic creatures captivate divers and snorkelers with…
Instructor Spotlight: Eric Taylor

There are as many types of scuba instructors as there are types of diving. Some specialize in recreational diving and others in the more technical side. But it all begins with a love of the sport and wanting to convey…
What scuba gear should I buy? And in what order?

If you’ve decided to break into scuba diving, or get back into it, equipment is almost always the first hurdle that people face. And let’s face it: scuba gear is not cheap. Buying the right gear ensures your safety, comfort…
Breaking Stereotypes in the Dive Scene: Stories of LGBTQIA+ Trailblazers

There have always been LGBTQIA+ scuba divers like Joe Mankowski and Christopher Duncan, pictured here in Bonaire in 2016 on their honeymoon. Wherever we go, however, there’s always the question of safety and representation. There are many dive destinations where…