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Start the Year the Way You Want to Live It: They say how you spend New Year’s Day sets the tone for the rest of your year. So why not start 2026 with purpose, connection, and a splash of saltwater? This dive isn’t just about blowing bubbles—it’s about setting an intention for the year ahead. Whether you’re hoping for more adventure, more peace, or more time spent doing what you love, there’s no better way to begin than underwater with friends who share your passion.

Out Scuba dives are about more than just the reef—they’re about building a strong, inclusive community. When we gather on New Year’s morning, we’re not just diving—we’re reconnecting with old friends, welcoming new members, and strengthening the bonds that make this club special. The camaraderie that forms when we gear up side by side, explore the ocean together and share stories afterward is what makes Out Scuba more than just a dive group—it’s a chosen family.

This dive also gives us a chance to give back. New Year’s Eve celebrations can leave behind debris that threatens the reef and its inhabitants. As divers, we’re uniquely positioned to make a difference. If you spot any trash or party remnants on the reef, take a moment to safely remove them. It’s a small act with a big impact—and a powerful way to start the year with intention and care for the ocean we love.

So come ready to dive, connect, and contribute. Let’s make this more than just a dive—let’s make it a tradition that reflects who we are and what we stand for: community, adventure, and stewardship of the sea.

This is an unguided dive. Everyone who participates should check their gear and tanks the day before. If you are not bringing a dive buddy, please check with the organizer or bring your own dive flag.

Beneath the moonlit waves off Fort Lauderdale lies the haunting silhouette of the Okinawa, a sunken relic steeped in mystery and maritime lore. As the sun dips below the horizon and darkness swallows the sea, brave souls are summoned to descend into the inky depths for a night dive like no other. The wreck, cloaked in shadows and teeming with nocturnal sea life, whispers secrets of its watery grave—echoes of cannon fire, creaking timbers, and ghostly figures that may still roam its barnacled decks. Are ye bold enough to face what stirs in the deep?

But fear not, me hearties—for those who return from the abyss, a treat, not a trick, awaits topside. Warm your bones and share your tales with the other divers about the souls of the departed who joined you on the dive but that you left below the waves as the boat returns to the dock. Or did you leave them behind??!!

Whether you’re chasing thrills or the thrill of the unknown, this eerie underwater adventure promises a night to remember. Don your gear, steady your nerves, and prepare to dive into the legend of the Okinawa—if ye dare.

Instructor member Skip VandeLinde and AquaLife Divers are doing a special one-tank night dive on the Okinawa that is sure to give some thrills. According to Captain Skip the wreck “comes alive” with the dead to celebrate Halloween every year.

This is a dive for Advanced Open Water Divers only, or Open Water Divers who make arrangements to have a guide with them. (Speak to Skip about this before signing up to guarantee availability.) Out Scuba members are being offered a free tank of air. Not sure if it’s for you? Check out Randel Sands’ video from last year.

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  New Year’s Day Dive at Staghorn Fields

  January 1, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Let’s make a difference beneath the waves!

Instructor member Patrick McGowan, who also works at Force-E Scuba in their Pompano Beach location, posted a dive recently and invites all Out Scuba members to join them. You have the option to pickup your rental tank and any gear you need at the Force-E Pompano store or to meet at the Perry Street Rocks site if you have your own tanks and equipment. Individuals who own their own tanks will be given the option of a free airfill if they don’t need a rental tank.

Recent rough seas have stirred up the sand and marine debris—so it’s time for a cleanup dive! The group will be collecting, weighing, and recording debris to contribute to Hollywood’s Beach Sweep, happening at the same time. We will also be cleaning up the parking area to help keep our dive experience there the best it can be.

The day will start by signing waivers, gearing up, and going over a dive briefing for the underwater cleanup. At the same time, they will hand out supplies for cleaning up the parking lot. Patrick will cover the dive site details, cleanup guidelines, parking info, and meeting points.

The dive site will be at Perry Street, Hollywood Beach—an easy beach entry with a short swim to the nearby reef and rock structures.

Let’s come together with Force E who was an early supporter of Out Scuba to help keep our reefs clean!

To sign up for this dive you must be scuba certified (bring your c-card). You will need gear to cleanup trash (gloves, cutting tool and mesh bag) and these can be purchased at Force-E. Supplies for cleaning up the beach and parking area will be provided by the City of Hollywood.  Please sign up online to reserve your spot, this event is $20 per diver, and it includes one air AL80 tank rental or one air fill for your personal tank.  Feel free to share this with your dive buddies- the more people who participate, the less work we have to do

***Non-Divers are encouraged to join the beach and parking lot cleanup with the City of Hollywood, no fee required. 

Images and content from Force-E Scuba.

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  New Year’s Day Dive at Staghorn Fields

  January 1, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Out Scuba returns to Miami! Our first stop is at Army Tanks, an artificial reef created in 1994 when two retired M-60 tanks were placed on the ocean floor as part of Miami-Dade’s reef program. Sitting in about 45–50 feet of water, these tanks now serve as a thriving habitat for marine life. Over time, they’ve become covered in sponges, corals, and encrusting organisms, creating a unique underwater scene.

Divers often spot angelfish, parrotfish, groupers, and schools of grunts weaving through the structure. It’s also common to see lobsters tucked into crevices, and if you’re lucky, you might encounter a nurse shark or green moray eel. Visibility is usually good, and currents are generally mild, making this a great dive for photography and exploration.

For our second dive, we’ll head to a nearby reef known for its colorful coral formations and abundant life. At 25–40 feet, this site is perfect for a relaxed dive after the tanks. Expect to see hard corals, sea fans, and sponges, along with plenty of reef fish, like snappers, grunts, and angelfish. Keep an eye out for barracuda, stingrays, and the occasional sea turtle cruising by.

The boat ride and use of weights costs $90, but tanks are not included. You can also rent gear for additional costs. Those prices are $20 for Tanks alone, or $90 for Tanks, BCD, Regulator, Mask/Fins, and Wetsuit. Remember: it is standard practice to tip between $5 and $10 per tank per person on dive boats. Your gratuity is not included, and you will need to have cash on the boat if you choose to tip.

Attendees who are interested in carpooling to Miami should contact info@outscuba.com or text 954-841-3483 beforehand.

Please note: While our plan is to dive the Army Tanks and a nearby reef, the final destination is always at the captain’s discretion based on conditions. Ticket purchases are non-refundable except in the event of a named storm or cancellation by the dive boat/operator.

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  New Year’s Day Dive at Staghorn Fields

  January 1, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Join us as we dive the site we’ve started calling André I (named after our co-founder who “found” this spot). Because this part of the beach doesn’t get many people, we’ve seen more than our fair share of turtles and other pelagics here. It will be a fun, morning dive and the site never fails to impress. It’s also a great place to witness the resurgence of the longspine sea urchin, once considered on the verge of extinction due to disease, these animals have rebounded thanks to marine conservation efforts.

The time listed is our entry into the water, please be certain you are geared up and have completed your weight check at least 15 minutes prior. All divers must supply your own gear including tanks and weights. There is no dive shop on the site.

This is a shallow dive site with a relatively easy surface swim, make sure you dive a couple of pounds overweight. If you are renting gear, please consider using one of our three supporting shops: Scuba Star, Scuba Network or Force-E Scuba. All have offered members 15% off on all rentals. If you’re not a member yet, why don’t you join Out Scuba? A couple of rentals will more than recoup the cost of membership and it’s critical that we support the dive companies that support us.

8 people are attending Shore Dive André I Labor Day Weekend

Who's coming?

8 people are attending Shore Dive André I Labor Day Weekend

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  New Year’s Day Dive at Staghorn Fields

  January 1, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Breaking new ground: this dive will be on a Thursday morning! The Blue Heron Bridge dive site is no longer a secret, as it has been the source for many marine fish and critter ID books, as well as training dives for thousands (millions?) of scuba divers. Sometimes that makes diving the bridge on the weekend a real hit or miss thing because of parking. The site is located in Phil Foster State Park and features heavily encrusted bridge pylons on the Southern and Eastern side of the park, as well as a Snorkel Trail featuring all of the colorful reef fish you might expect to have to take a boat to go see.

The secret to diving the bridge is the tide. Because the park is located in the intercoastal waterway, you have to time your dive with the incoming tide. The idea is to be in the water 30 to 45 minutes before the tide crests so that you get the best visibility. If you’re planning a trip to Blue Heron Bridge and you can’t dive with us, check out the Blue Heron Bridge tide chart for more information. Divers regularly report seeing exotic animals like seahorses, octopus, pike blennies, sea turtles and sharks, along with angelfish, surgeonfish and grunts.

The only “problem” with this dive site is its popularity. There is limited parking, and the conventional wisdom says to show up at least two hours before high tide if you want to find a parking spot. Because we are going in the middle of the week, we hope we can get a spot this time. High tide this day will be at 10:30, so we plan on being at the park entrance at 8:30 am to find a spot to park. Bring your coffee and enjoy a morning with us. We’ll be in the water by 9:45 am.

As with all shore dives, you must supply your own equipment, including tanks and weights. There is no dive shop at the site.

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  New Year’s Day Dive at Staghorn Fields

  January 1, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

We are going to return to Lauderdale by the Sea. Known around the country as a great shore diving spot, this spot is adjacent to the abandoned Anglin’s Fishing Pier, and with all the nooks and crannies of the doughnut hole reef that surrounds it, you’re sure to see surprising creatures at every turn. This site is friendly for divers as well as snorkelers, but as with all beach dives you must have a dive flag with you at all times.

There are several cut throughs to the beach, but our favorite is at Datura Avenue. The address is a little bit weird because the parking lot is officially off of El Mar Drive, which is the cross street. Just take A1A to Datura and turn toward the ocean, then find a parking spot as close to the beach as you can get. Don’t forget to pay for parking or you’ll be ticketed!

As with all shore dives, you must supply your own equipment, including tanks and weights. There is no dive shop at the site.

For those of you who are looking for a more valet experience, be sure to call Scuba Network and inquire about their concierge shore diving experience. Just be sure to tell them you are meeting us and you don’t want to be late!

Photograph courtesy Christopher Duncan, copyright 2025 CDA Underwater Photography, all rights reserved worldwide.

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  New Year’s Day Dive at Staghorn Fields

  January 1, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Join OUT SCUBA on Miami Beach July 26th, but do not expect the normal chaos of the Beach. Head straight to Deco Divers, a trusted, long-running dive charter operating out of Miami Beach Marina. Despite the typically bustling location, Deco Divers offers exceptionally convenient parking and an easy drop-off experience. Their team is known for making divers feel well-prepared with access to any rental gear needed and welcome.

Our primary destination is the awe-inspiring Neptune Memorial Reef. Inspired by the lost city of Atlantis, the artist crafted majestic columns, lion statues, gates, and benches—all carefully designed to foster marine life and honor loved ones. Three miles off the coast of Key Biscayne, it serves both as an artificial reef and as a memorial site where people can have their ashes incorporated into the reef’s sculptural elements. Over the years, the reef has become a thriving habitat for coral, sponges, and a variety of tropical fish, making it both a peaceful and visually stunning dive location.

After disembarking and rinsing, we’ll take a short walk to Monty’s for an apres-dive. With its open-air seating, tropical cocktails, and fresh seafood, Monty’s offers the perfect setting to relax and relive the highlights of our dive. Whether you’re coming for the frozen drinks or to share new dive stories, sign up via the form below by July 22nd. $90 for the dive. $110 with tanks and weights.

For those coming from Fort Lauderdale and points North, carpool options are available! We hope you’ll join us for the camaraderie AND our first dive in the heart of Miami.

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  New Year’s Day Dive at Staghorn Fields

  January 1, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am