Road Scholar : Home
Intergenerational Snorkeling the Coral Reef in Key Largo

Program Number: 21018RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/14/2013 - 7/19/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Key Largo, Florida
Price starting at: $1,231.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational; Water Sports; Natural History
Intergenerational
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 9 - 14 years of age.

The third largest living coral barrier reef in the world is right here in the Florida Keys waiting for you and your grandchild to come snorkel this amazing natural wonder. With an expert scuba-diver instructor, explore the shallow, inner coral reefs located at the world-famous Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. Enjoy an expert presentation on sea turtles and a behind the scenes look at the Turtle Hospital facilities and rehabilitation area in Marathon. Meet park rangers who discuss reef fish identification, natural resource conservation and the environmental issues reefs face today.




Highlights

• Snorkel at Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which protects the third-largest living coral barrier reef system in the world.
• Take a guided educational tour of the Turtle hospital facilities and the sea turtle rehabilitation area.
• Learn about Theater of the Sea, an entertaining and educational marine animal park established in 1946 and the second oldest marine mammal facility in the world.



Activity Particulars

Open-water swimming, snorkeling up to 1.5 hours a day.




Key Largo

The most northern of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is a popular diving and sports-fishing destination. Kayakers, birders and eco-tourists flock here because of its location between the Everglades and the country’s only living coral reef. At nearby John PenneKamp State Park, visitors can take snorkeling, diving or glass-bottom boat tours of the reef.
Accommodations
Condo-style hotel, all two-bedroom suites with private balcony overlooking harbor side or key side.
Meals and Lodgings
   Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
  Tavernier/Key Largo 5 nights
 Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
Type: Resort
  Description: Ocean Pointe is an all-suite resort located directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Their 60 acres are part of a protected mangrove forest and is entered through a private gatehouse and road. Your vacation begins the moment you drive through our gatehouse entrance into their beautifully landscaped tropical grounds and enter your spacious room. For our intergenerational program (ONLY) we will be using the two individual bedrooms suites.
  Contact info: 500 Burton Dr
Key Largo, FL 33070 USA
phone: 305-853-3000
web: www.opsuites.com/Hotel_Overview/key-largo-ocean-pointe-overview.asp
  Room amenities: Living room with queen sofa bed, full kitchen, dining area, separate bedroom with queen bed, private balcony and whirlpool tub in the bathroom. As a condominium hotel, no maid service but complimentary towels and linens delivered upon request. and have washers and dryers in every suite. For the intergenerational program (ONLY) we will be using the suites with two separate rooms.
  Facility amenities: - Oversized heated swimming pool with whirlpool spa - Free tennis on 2 lighted courts - Marina with boat ramp and rental slips - Waterfront cafe and lounge - Small, private white sand beach, volleyball court and kayak rentals. - Courtesy guard at gatehouse - For kids there is also a childrens play area.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $169 - 239 Call the resort directly to make the reservations. Mention your are part of the World Event/Road Scholar Group.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $169 - 239 Call the resort directly to make the reservations. Mention your are part of the World Event/Road Scholar Group.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program start at 5:30 pm at hotel designated area You will be staying at Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo that night.
  End of Program:
Program End after Breakfast at Local Restaurant around 9:00 AM You will be staying at Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Waivers will need to be signed in respect to all nature- and water-based activities
  Parking availability:
Free except for RVs, large vans and cars with trailers. Call hotel to make special arrangements for these types of vehicles. There will be extra charge at your own expense for these vehicles.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Tavernier/Key Largo
  Nearest city or town:  Key Largo
  Nearest highway: US-1 aka Overseas Highway
  Nearest airport:  Miami
  From End of Program
  Location: Tavernier/Key Largo
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Miami Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Provider - World Events LLC
phone: 800-971-3884
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary - for conditions see comments
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1.5 hrs 
   

Complimentary for all participants arriving Miami Airport only and for flights arriving no later than 2:00 pm. Need to fill out travel form for reservation. ( Forms will be sent with the Prep-Mat).Meeting Location: Terminal H Baggage Claim # 6 ( by the benches). The meeting time is from 2:30 -2:45 pm. Shuttle depart at 3:00 PM.
 

Miami Airport

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Provider - World Events LLC
phone: 800-971-3884

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary - for conditions see comments
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1.5 hrs 
   

Complimentary for all participants departing Miami Airport only and for flights departing no earlier than 1:00 pm.Need to fill out travel form for reservation. ( Forms will be sent with the Prep-Mat). Drop-off location: Parking in front of Terminal H.
 

Miami

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
KEYS SHUTTLE
phone: 888-765-9997
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Travel Time:

 

1.5 hrs 
   

CALL THE COMPANY FOR PRICING AND SCHEDULES
 
Driving Directions
  From Florida's West Coast Take 1-75 (Alligator Alley) East towards Miami then look for the signs for Key West and the Turnpike Extension. Go South on the Turnpike until it ends at Florida City then follow U.S. #1 South for about 22 miles to Key Largo. Mile Markers (MM) While driving in the Keys, the right side of the road if driving toward Key West is referred to as Bayside while the left side is called the Oceanside. The signs count down from MM107 in Key Largo to MM0 in Key West. The road is also know as the Overseas Highway. When you reach the island, continue south to mile marker 92.5, you will see a highway sign on the center median: Harris Park/Burton Drive next left. Turn left at the next corner at the Circle K Convenience store The Ocean Pointe Suites gatehouse entrance will be on your right side approximately 1/4 mile from US1
  From Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Exit the airport and follow the signs for #595 West. Take #595 to the Florida Turnpike South toward Key West. The Turnpike ends at US #1 in Florida City. Follow U.S. #1 South about 22 miles to Key Largo. Mile Markers (MM) While driving in the Keys, the right side of the road if driving toward Key West is referred to as Bayside while the left side is called the Oceanside. The signs count down from MM107 in Key Largo to MM0 in Key West. The road is also know as the Overseas Highway. When you reach the island, continue south to mile marker 92.5, you will see a highway sign on the center median: Harris Park/Burton Drive next left. Turn left at the next corner at the Circle K Convenience store The Ocean Pointe Suites gatehouse entrance will be on your right side approximately 1/4 mile from US1
  From Miami International Airport Take LeJeune Road South to #836 West. Take the Florida Turnpike South toward Key West. The Turnpike ends at US #1 in Florida City. Follow U.S. #1 South about 22 miles to Key Largo. Mile Markers (MM) While driving in the Keys, the right side of the road if driving toward Key West is referred to as Bayside while the left side is called the Oceanside. The signs count down from MM107 in Key Largo to MM0 in Key West. The road is also know as the Overseas Highway. When you reach the island, continue south to mile marker 92.5, you will see a highway sign on the center median: Harris Park/Burton Drive next left. Turn left at the next corner at the Circle K Convenience store The Ocean Pointe Suites gatehouse entrance will be on your right side approximately 1/4 mile from US1
  From the North Take the Florida Turnpike South to just below Ft. Lauderdale, where Old Exit 4 takes you on to the southern portion of the Turnpike. The Turnpike ends at US #1 in Florida City. Follow U.S. #1 south for about 22 miles to Key Largo. Mile Markers (MM) While driving in the Keys, the right side of the road if driving toward Key West is referred to as Bayside while the left side is called the Oceanside. The signs count down from MM107 in Key Largo to MM0 in Key West. The road is also know as the Overseas Highway. When you reach the island, continue south to mile marker 92.5, you will see a highway sign on the center median: Harris Park/Burton Drive next left. Turn left at the next corner at the Circle K Convenience store The Ocean Pointe Suites gatehouse entrance will be on your right side approximately 1/4 mile from US1
Elevation Note: No elevation above 100 feet

Equipment Requirements: Snorkel, Mask, Fin and Flotation vest are provided free of charge. Also, there are a very limited number of prescription masks which should be requested in advance at Snorkel Booth. If this is critical participant should bring their own.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Independent Arrivals, Program Registration & Orientation, Welcome Dinner
(Sunday, July 14)
   
 Afternoon: INDEPENDENT ARRIVALS. Please note: There will be a one-time complimentary shuttle at 3:00pm from Miami International Airport to the hotel in Key Largo. (The complimentary shuttle will also be available at the conclusion of the program, leaving after breakfast at 9:00 am from a local restaurant returning to Miami International Airport.) The Pick Up location will be Terminal H Baggage Claim # 6 ( by the benches). Meeting Time from 2:30-2:45 pm and shuttle depart promptly at 3:00 pm. If you are not taking the airport shuttle from/to Miami, please plan to arrive on your own in Key Largo and refer to the directions elsewhere in this document.

HOTEL CHECK-IN: Hotel check-in will be available from 4:00pm.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION & ORIENTATION: We will gather at 5:30 pm in our reserved room at the hotel (TBA) for welcome, introductions, hospitality, and an orientation to the program. we will have an informative overview of the program including a review of the updated daily schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have.

Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to weather and other local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible.

 Dinner: Dinner will be out at a local restaurant.
 Evening: The remainder of the evening is yours to continue getting to know your fellow participants, stroll along the boardwalk, or just relax and get ready for tomorrow. Because your days will be filled with adventures and activities, we are not scheduling evening programs. You will see and learn a lot and will need "down" time to be ready for what each day offers. This is also a great time for "grands" to spend time together sharing what these experiences mean to you.
   
Accommodations: Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: John Pennekamp State Park Field Trip with Mangrove Jungle Walk, Glass Bottom Boat, Aquarium, Snorkeling Practice at the Beach
(Monday, July 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast will be out at a local restaurant.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Established in 1963, this was the first undersea park created in the U.S. The park combined with the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary encompasses 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps. These areas were established to protect and preserve the only living coral reef in the continental U.S.

To become familiar with the environment, we will take an expert-led walk -- over pathways and boardwalk -- through mangrove habitat (approximately a mile). Learn about the importance of mangroves to the reefs and why the mangrove system is the second most productive bio-zone on the planet.

Then we will board a 65-foot glassbottom catamaran for a unique glimpse into the serene undersea world. As we pass through the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, you will be able to see a number of shallow reefs teeming with wildlife.

 Lunch: Picnic lunch at the Park.
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: Enjoy a slide presentation on reef fish identification that will help you identify the reef fish you see on the reefs.

SNORKELING CLASS: The living, shallow-water coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are vibrant with color and activity. One of the best ways to experience these fragile reefs is by snorkeling and we will begin with a “how to snorkel” class on the beach. If you have already had experieence snorkeling, this will be a refresher. Note: Everyone, regardless of age, who wishes to snorkel must be able to swim.

When we actually go snorkeling, you will be provided with a safety vest that must be worn at all times (USCG requirement). We will also provide a mask, snorkel, and fins, or you may use your ownt. Also bring a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and maybe a change of dry clothes.

 Dinner: Dinner will be out at a local restaurant.
 Evening: The evening is free time to talk over the day's experiences or enjoy what the resort has to offer. Get a good night's sleep for tomorrow's busy day!
   
Accommodations: Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Turtle Hospital Field Trip, Curry Hammock State Park Beach Walk
(Tuesday, July 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast will be out at a local restaurant.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Turtle Hospital (Hidden Harbor Marine Environmental Project, Inc.) We will go behind the scenes to explore the facilities and sea turtle rehabilitation area. At the conclusion of our exploration, you will have a chance to feed the permanent resident sea turtles. The Turtle Hospital opened in 1986. Its animal care professionals perform rehabilitation and a variety of surgeries on different species and sizes of sea turtles such as removing viral tumors, flipper amputations caused by fishing line and trap rope entanglements, shell damage caused by boat collisions, and intestinal impactions caused by ingestion of foreign materials such as plastic bags, balloons, and fishing line and/or hooks. The Turtle Hospital has successfully treated and released more than 1,000 Sea Turtles that are taken to the most appropriate release points.

 Lunch: Picnic Lunch
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Visit Curry Hammock State Park for a ranger led walk along the beach to discover what lives at the waters edge. We will wade the shallow near shore ecosystem with collection nets and learn about the small creatures that live within the sea grass beds. Please wear water shoes or old sneakers; we will get our feet wet
 Dinner: Dinner will be out at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Our days are full of wonder, learning, and fun. Share your experiences with one another and with new friends or relax and look forward to tomorrow.
   
Accommodations: Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Snorkeling the Coral Reef, Free Afternoon to Explore On Your Own
(Wednesday, July 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast will be out at a local restaurant.
 Morning: SNORKELING FIELD TRIP: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This sanctuary protects the third largest living coral barrier reef system in the world. We will go snorkeling in the shallow-water coral reefs, vibrant with color and activity, to appreciate more of the biology of corals and their importance.

Please be sure you follow the rules and regulations in place to make sure activities such as snorkeling are not harmful to sanctuary resources.

 Lunch: Picnic lunch.
 Afternoon: FREE AFTERNOON: Take this time to explore on your own or enjoy what the resort has to offer. We will be happy to offer suggestions.
 Dinner: Dinner will be out at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Another set of great memories to add to your collection. Spend time with your "grands" and new friends, and get some rest for the last full day of the program tomorrow.
   
Accommodations: Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Snorkeling Field Trip, Theater of the Sea
(Thursday, July 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast will be out at a local restaurant.
 Morning: SNORKELING FIELD TRIP: We return to the living, shallow-water coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to see and learn more. In addition to the colorful corals, fishes, and other “critters” you will see a variety of seagrasses under water as well as above-ground birds and other wildlife.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Theater of The Sea. This entertaining and educational marine animal park was established in 1946, making it the second oldest marine mammal facility in the world. The lagoons and lush, tropical gardens are home to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, sea turtles, tropical and game fish, sharks, stingrays, alligators, marine invertebrates, colorful parrots, and birds-of-prey. Exhibits and shows provide entertaining and educational encounters with marine life and other animals. Depending on local circumstances at the park, we will have opportunities to see dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows that integrate conservation issues, natural history, anatomy, and animal husbandry.
 Dinner: Our final dinner of the program will be out at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Enjoy a last evening on the program with your "grands" and new friends at the resort.
   
Accommodations: Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Program Concludes, Independent Departures or Return to Miami
(Friday, July 19)
   
 Breakfast: We will have breakfast out at a local restaurant before saying bon voyage.
 Morning: WRAP-UP SESSION: We will have an informal wrap-up session to share what you thought was most interesting, exciting, and enjoyable. This will conclude the program.

We hope you have had a great time on this new Road Scholar Intergenerational learning adventure and will join us for other rewarding programs in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!

HOTEL CHECK-OUT: Check-out is by 11:00am. AIRPORT SHUTTLE TO MIAMI: Departs at 9:00 am after Breakfast.in a local restaurant
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Eco-Touring the Florida Keys


Author: Matthew Landau Larry Gates


Exploring Wild South Florida


Author: Susan D Jewell


Florida’s Fabulous Fish


Author: Gary Cochran




You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768