7/30/2019 Color Newspaper Page Design

1/1

SOUTH DADE NEWS LEADER 3AAUGUST 23, 2013

An Underwater Playground isMinutes Away...

By Charlie Hudson

If youre looking for an out-ing for Labor Day weekend,

consider the allure of enteringthe underwater realm of color-ful fish and swaying sea fans.The protected waters of ourlocal marine sanctuaries arehome to hundreds of speciessuch as angel fish, barracuda,groupers, hog fish, parrot fish,snappers, and trumpet fish toname only a few.

Men, women, and childrenfrom age ten to eighty-plusgear up and go under to tem-

porarily co-exist with marinecreatures of all sizes, whether itis a three-inch jawfish orGoliath Groupers weighinghundreds of pounds. Biscayne

National Park, offers a unique

historic underwater snorkelingadventure while boatingthrough the beauty of BiscayneBay. A short drive to the south,Key Largo is often referred toas the Dive Capital of theWorld; a destination for diverswho come from every part ofthe United States, Canada, andoverseas. Visitors explore reefsand an assortment of ship-wrecks like the spectacular510-foot USS Spiegel Grove,that was deliberately sunk as an

artificial reef. Other wrecksdate back centuries as Mother

Nature and human errors sentdamaged vessels to their final

resting place.Not only are the reefs plenti-ful with sea life, most are shal-low, making themideal for snorkel-ing, which is fre-quently a first stepfor people wholater try scuba div-ing. You need onlya mask, snorkel, setof fins, and maybea lightweight vestto slip into thewater and watchfish dart about or

perhaps see a turtle.The secret to snor-keling is breathing

through yourmouth, relaxing,and simply floatingas you look down,no significant effortinvolved once youget the hang of it.Snorkeling excur-sions usually cost

between $35-50 per persondepending on the operation you

book with.If you are comfortable with

snorkeling, taking the plunge

with scuba allows you to lingerlonger in the fascinating aquat-ic world. Bulky Self-ContainedUnderwater Breathing

Apparatus (SCUBA) equip-ment used by early pioneerslike Jacques Cousteau has been

streamlined, and an introducto-ry course like DiscoverScuba allows you to slip intothe watery domain after only afew hours of instruction. (One-

day Discover Scuba typeclasses are around $200). Fullcertification can be accom-

plished within three-five days,

or you can customize trainingtime to better accommodatebusy schedules. Whether you

take a one-dayclass or a completescuba course, youcombine academicsessions with pooltime to learn aboutthe equipment andsafety fundamen-tals. You thenmove to the oceanwhere you demon-strate skills such asgliding throughwater with a sensa-tion that feels likeflying. When you

descend beneaththe waves, fishmay swim close,unconcerned withyour presence, orflit away at theinvasion of theirterritory.Although training

costs vary, a good rule ofthumb is $400-500 per personfor full certification. Many

places expect you to purchaseyour mask, snorkel, and fins,

but use of all other equipmentis usually included in the priceof the course. Not a strongswimmer or jog regularly? Not

to worry if you participate inany kind of exercise, the oddsare that you can dive. There aresome medical restrictions suchas chronic ear pain, but even

people who have undergoneheart surgery or cope withsome forms of asthma can becleared by a physician.And yes, toothy/stinging crit-

ters do roam the reefs!Common sense and payingattention to basic safety warn-ings will keep you out of trou-

ble as you navigate amongcoral-studded rocks. Scuba andsnorkeling are not sports foreveryone, yet it is easy to try,and for those who live here

with Biscayne National Parkand nearby Key Largo, it istruly an adventure waiting inyour back yard.

Log onto www.biscayneun-derwater for more informationabout excursions in Biscayne

National Park, or do an internetsearch on Key Largo to findalmost two dozen dive centersand charter companies thatoffer snorkeling and/or scubadiving.

A school of grunts is a common sight on reefs aroundKey Largo. With an underwater camera you can capturethe beauty of these reefs. Photos by Hugh Hudson

Leal Medical Center

Leal una promesa real

Internal Medicine Pharmacy

Most Insurance Accepted

Dentist

DOT Exam

Physical Therapy

Immigration Exam

Free Transportation

632 Washington Ave. 305.246.1265

Most cars. Corvettes excluded. May not be combined with any otheroffers or specials. Must present coupon when order is written. Plus tax

& supplies. Valid only at this store.

Nitrogen SpecialStop the Tire Pressure Light

with a Nitrogen Fill

$995 Increase tire life Improves fuel economy

Reduces wheel corrosion Maintains proper tire pressure

Most cars. Corvettes excluded. May not be combined with any other offers or specials. Must present couponwhen order is written. Plus tax & supplies. Valid only at this store. Diesels and Synthetics slightly higher

Oil & Filter Change Special Price

$1995 Up to 5 Qts. of GM Motor Oil Genuine AC Delco Oil Filter

29-Point Inspection Top Off Fluids

4 Tire RotationSpecial

Includes:All labor for this recommended service.

Most cars. Corvettes excluded. May not be combined with any otheroffers or specials. Must present coupon when order is written. Plus tax

& supplies. Valid only at this store.

FREE!

11701 SW 152nd StreetMiami, FL 33177(305) 235-8200

www.GRANDPRIZEAUTO.com

Call orcome see

Craig Pearce

FREE CAR WASHwith Any Service

28 S. Krome Avenue Downtown Homestead 305-248-1060

50 tvs 10 pool tables Satellite juke box

Are We Crazy!

KARAOKE 8pm -3am except Sunday.10Wings - TUES. & THURS. (4pm to midnight).50 Tacos - WEDNESDAYS (4pm to midnight).99 1/2 lb. Burger - MONDAYS (4pm to midnight)

Florida City Centre

welcomes OptimaLiteNailsGrand Opening Celebration coming soon!

33550 S. Dixie Highway Florida City, FL 33034

Now alongside;Best Buy

Bank of AmericaChase Auto Zone

Panda ExpressSuper Cuts

Active SpineMattress Firm

Open your new business or relocate your existing business or office in thepremier Florida City Centre. Spaces available from 1,400 sq. ft. and up.

Find out how your business may qualify for up to $20,000 in incentivesbefore you move in.

Many leasing options with great U.S. 1 location, convenience, and visibility.

Realtors are welcome. Bring your clients to the Florida City Centre.

For details on the $20,000 Incentive call Felecia today! 305.484.9900