Florida's Fragile Coastal Treasure: Snorkel the Coral Reefs

The Florida Snorkel and Coral Reef program was a wonderful experience overall including activities and educational learning of the Everglades, snorkeling and kayaking!

This trip was a blast! I highly recommend it. It had a diversity of experiences including snorkeling, kayaking and walking. We also had a diversity of places from the Everglades to mangroves. Food and accommodations were great; and having a small group made for a very close-knit and coherent group.

Like the Roger Miller song "You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd", it is also true that "you can't go snorkel in a hurricane". But it was fun watching our leader (Howie) and trainee (Tim) improvise to work with the situation. One key event was when Howie had a "Bill Nye" moment standing up to his knees in open water with the howling wind at his back and holding off an imminent face-plant in the surf while describing the interaction of the weather, sea, and mangrove forest. He then took us twenty paces into the adjacent mangrove forest and it was utterly calm, demonstrating that the mangroves protect Florida from flooding the way it was protecting us from that day's wind. He also gave a very clear description of the differences between the three types of mangroves and how they handled salt water. The wind and waves were too strong to snorkel the reef, but Howie knew of a small company that would take us to the mangrove roots in Florida Bay where most of the reef fish are hatched and start life. We snorkeled in calm and clear waters, swimming with over a thousand fingerlings that were iridescent like neon tetras. We saw numerous adult blue-striped grunts, an Atlantic spadefish, small barracudas, and a sting ray. All this was very memorable. Kayaking the mangrove channels and tunnels provided another fun alternative to snorkeling at the reef. The group had no difficulties because we were sheltered from the wind, and we saw manatees, crocodiles, and various large birds (herons, egrets, pelicans, ospreys, ibises, vultures).

Five stars: We learned that February is the coldest month in the Keys, so be prepared to don a wet suit. While a bit challenging for novice snorkelers since the snorkeling was done in open water from a boat in sometimes choppy conditions, the experience was memorable for me. I snorkeled years ago and am also an excellent swimmer. Saw beautiful fish, enjoyed all the educational aspects of learning about coral reefs and the Everglades eco system, had excellent camaraderie with the RS group, and Howie Geib rocks as an RS group leader! Highly recommend this trip!

I have just arrived home from a great week in Key Largo snorkeling and kayaking among other things. Our Group Leader Howie G. was outstanding. I learned so much and got to see so many different species of fish and birds on this trip! There were 13 of us, and we all had such a good time getting to know each other and share in the awesome experience. Our group leader even set up a way for us to share our photos with one another. Loved everything about it!!!

A lot of fun with some excellent Road Scholars! Our guide, Howie is the best! In addition to your swimsuit, don't forget some long- sleeved rash guards (nylon spf shirts), water shoes and tennis shoes, a sweatshirt and a windbreaker.

This was a varied program, with physical experiences as well as learning opportunities. Our leader Howie was wonderful, always looking to make it a good experience for our small group. The weather did not cooperate (high winds), but Howie was flexible and provided alternatives for the group. We only got in two snorkel trips, and sadly much of the coral reef is grey due to high temperatures last summer. But we still saw and learned a lot.

This was my first Road Scholar trip and it was terrific. I enjoyed the variety of activities, with the focus on snorkeling. I appreciated our guide, Heather, for her knowledge and enthusiasm. I also enjoyed getting to know the other participants. All in all, I'd do it again!

Road Scholars invites people to explore new things, invites us out of our comfort zone and leaves a lasting impact that I can share with others.

This trip blends the wonders of reef snorkeling with kayaking through mangroves, the diverse flora and fauna of the Florida Keys and Everglades, and enough unstructured time for recharging. Prior kayaking or snorkeling experience was unnecessary—onsite instruction was provided. Our leader—Master Naturalist Heather Hamilton—managed every step of our adventures: guiding kayaks through mangroves and accompanying us along reefs while pointing out wildlife and marine life everywhere and ensuring our safety and well-being. Heather’s buoyant personality and knowledge of the places and wildlife she spotlighted made her one of the highest lights of this trip. Her enthusiasm, vitality, and infectious good humor quickly turned our small group of strangers into a community of friends on adventures that were filled with laughter, usually initiated by Heather. TIPS: Lightweight, synthetic, long-sleeved shirts and pants provided the best sun protection. You’ll also need “reef-safe” sunscreen (available onsite—Heather also carried extra bottles of this and of repellant). For a low fee, some of us also rented (onsite) short wet suits to stay warm while snorkeling. RS provided snorkels and goggles—prescription versions can be rented onsite for a low fee or you can order these online in advance. Carry a daypack with a towel, change of clothes, and windbreaker onto the boat to warm up after snorkeling. Tennis shoes were needed for the short, guided walking tours. Waterproof sandals or water socks/shoes worked well for kayaking and before/after snorkeling. “Florida casual”—shorts, jeans, and sandals—was the norm at dinners. And be sure to pack a windbreaker and fleece to accommodate AC and cold/wet weather. Important note: outdoor adventures are subject to unpredictable weather—be sure to bring an openness to sudden changes in plans and trust Heather’s judgment about what to do and when to do it. You will be in good hands!

This was not only my first Road Scholar trip, it was my first ever trip with an organized tour. I’ve travelled a lot, just never before in a group. It was a great experience. I don’t think that I could have done this trip on my own for less money, and, the group leader, Heather, greatly, greatly enhanced the experience with her vast knowledge, great organizational and communication skills.

Our group leader Heather Hamiltion was spot on and able to answer all our questions. Her outgoing personality is a real plus for anyone that choses a trip in the Florida Key's. She is truly passionate about the region.

Everything the brochure promised.

A good program for the novice explorer. Both leaders were very knowledgeable and helpful.

This was all around a really good trip: group leaders, accomodations, activities. People seemed to enjoy the restaurant plated dinners, but as a vegetarian I can only comment on veg options, which were not good, but that’s usually the case. Picnic lunches were great with a wide variety to satisfy all. Breakfast also allowed a variety of sensible portion meals. Would have like a second kayaking opportunity and on the bay side; snokeling offered fabulous fishies. Our two leaders went out of their way to take care of their clients. Note, Ocean Pointe has a typical Keys beach - rough limestone ‘sand’, very small, not good for swimming. No beach strolls looking for shells.