Blogs

I just got back from the Keys and I will tell you for just over two hours you can be at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for a wonderful day or two. It is America's first undersea park in the U.S. It covers 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps. The park extends 3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean and is approximately 25 miles in length. You will see many varieties of sea life in the crystal clear warm waters with nearly 600 species of fish.Perfect for diving! I am telling you all this because they have scuba tours...it's just fabulous and so close!

But first you must go to Eagle Ray Dive Center in Bonita Springs to get all your equipment. This is a very well equipped shop with everything for the diver, experienced or those just learning. They offer classes and certify in open water. They also go to incredible dive destinations. You can pick up the info in the store. They have classes on spear fishing and lobster fishing.

It is lobster season now and they offer some lobster specials with all the equipment you need all bundled together. Lobster bags $36.99

Some other examples, wet suits long and short, vests, buoyancy vests that you put your tanks in $399. Fins, boots, masks, snorkels, regulators,underwater slates, dive lights.

Dive flags, Ergonomic paddle that looks like fins and fastens on your hands for faster swim, $6.99. High intensity LED hand held light $105. Snorkel vest $49.95. Waterproof cameras $24.99. Veracruz diving gloves $29.95, Caicos boots $39.95. Duffels to put everything in, books on diving, underwater watches, knives and spear guns.

Like I said everything you need and more! And they fill your tanks. You can get a membership in their dive club for a year $25. that includes a newsletter, 10% off everything you purchase, monthly specials and a dive club shirt.

Eagle Ray Dive Center is located at 3525 Bonita Beach Rd. #102, Bonita Springs. Phone: 239-992-2237

If someone in your party doesn't dive you can go on a 2 1/2 hour glass bottom boat ride for $22. adult and $15. under 12 that takes you over the reef at John Pennekamp----FABULOUS!!