When Dives Are Cancelled - Conservation - March 2020

As you may know, we planned a Coral Planting Weekend, March 7/8th. The weather did not cooperate. The Coral Restoration Foundation does not plant when there are higher than 2-foot seas. We became aware mid-week that the dives would be canceled.

Plan B - head to the Keys and still do some recreational dives. Plan B was also a Bust - wind gusts over 20 mph caused Key Dives to cancel all of their trips. (More on how we choose our dive shops to come.)

Fear not, the ReefBox Team consists of experienced travelers. We focus on other activities when dives are canceled. In the Keys, this means conservation.

Let me be 100% honest, we spend a lot of time in the Keys and have some favorite haunts. We always hit Mother Ocean, one of our favorite Keys Consignment Shops. We picked up another tank, some jewelry, and a few other things.

Divers Direct is another must stop. Who knows what we might see. Check out their display of

ToadFish gear, subscribers got their own ToadFish ReefBox coozie in the February Box. They are perfect for any boat or moving vehicle, they do not shift or move.

Lunch is always at Sharky's if you are in town you must check them out.

Learning about Sponges @KLM

Thanks, to some local knowledge, we found out that the Keys Marine Lab was holding an Open House. This resource is not
regularly open to the public so it was a special treat to visit.

DRC

We were able to talk to FWC about sponge research and replanting programs in the Keys. Did you know sponges have amazing filtration properties? You can volunteer to help replant sponges, stay tuned or check out the FWC website.

We also visited the Dophin Resource Center (DRC), this center is near and dear to our hearts, especially a dolphin named Louie. Louie was the first live dolphin rescued after the BP oil spill in 2010. They run amazing summer camps for kids and teens. If you are in the area take time and stop by, you can swim and paint with these amazing creatures. The DRC houses dolphins that are not able to be released into the wild. Summer from the movie Dolphin Tale is a resident.

Lion Fish Sushi

When you visit the Florida Keys, be sure to check out some of the amazing restaurants - one of our new favorites is Castaways. It is tucked back in a marina so if you are interested in getting off the beaten path, stop in. Reservations are accepted and give the Lion Fish Sushi a try.


A conservation visit to the Keys is not complete without a stop at the Keys only Turtle Hospital. The hospital sits on the grounds of an old hotel and helps to rehabilitate turtles for re-release. You can only go with a guided tour so sign up online in advance.

Our last stop, the History of Diving Museum, was packed full of diving gear through the ages. We will definitely make another stop to this knowledge treasure trove.

We know that many are canceling dive trips and dealing with the global pandemic that is Covid-19. Stay Healthy, Stay Home if You are Sick, and Wash Your Hands. 

Happy Diving from the ReefBox Team.