This unforgettable twilight trip was hosted on July 4th, 2025, by dive instructor Skip VandeLinde of AquaLife Divers. We departed from the dock in Pompano Beach at 6:00 p.m. aboard the Shark Bait, eager to celebrate Independence Day with a one-of-a-kind underwater adventure followed by fireworks. The captain positioned us perfectly over a reef just offshore of the Pompano Beach pier, where the conditions were calm and welcoming for the evening dive.
Divers were grouped into small buddy teams to explore the reef. My team encountered an impressive variety of marine life, including numerous Florida spiny lobsters tucked under ledges and a dazzling range of colorful tropical fish moving through the coral heads. A tiger tail sea cucumber was spotted, partially hidden but still unmistakable thanks to its distinctive pattern and coloration.
Unfortunately, we also came across an unwelcome visitor to the reef — several invasive lionfish. We counted at least five or six in a relatively small area. Fortunately, Christine on our team was well prepared and highly skilled with her lionfish pole spear. She successfully removed most of them from the reef, helping to protect native marine life. It was a great example of divers actively contributing to reef health while still enjoying the dive.
Back on the boat, the atmosphere was festive. Skip and Jeff transformed the Shark Bait into a floating picnic, serving up hot dogs with all the classic fixings. After surfacing, the hungry divers gathered around to enjoy the meal while recounting the highlights of the dive and sharing photos of their sightings.
The highlight of the evening came at 9:00 p.m. when fireworks were launched from a barge within a designated boat exclusion zone. We had a spectacular, unobstructed view from the deck of the Shark Bait.
The vibrant explosions of color in the night sky mirrored the colors we had just seen underwater, creating a perfect ending to a memorable dive. Fireworks from Fort Lauderdale were seen in the distance. On our return trip to the dock, we passed by the iconic Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, beautifully illuminated and adding to the patriotic ambiance of the evening.
Divers on this trip included advanced certified divers and instructors. Advanced certification beyond basic open water was required, ensuring everyone was comfortable and safe with twilight conditions and deeper reef exploration.
- Personal Dive Log — July 4, 2025
- Dive entry time: 6:04 p.m.
- Max depth: 65 feet
- Elapsed dive time: 56 minutes
- Water temperature: 83°F
This dive perfectly combined a safe and well-planned underwater adventure with a unique Fourth of July celebration. Between the healthy reef, excellent teamwork in lionfish removal, and the dazzling fireworks display, this is a dive I will cherish and remember for years to come.
Submitted by:
K. Gioeli, Out Scuba Member
All photos and text by Ken Gioeli. Photographs are copyright 2025 Ken Gioeli, all rights reserved worldwide.