Underwater adventures about in Florida Keys
5/25/2004 6:27:55 PM by Bobbye Kenyon
Whether it’s the tranquility of the backcountry, basking in the warm glow of
the afternoon sun, fishing the azure waters or exploring the exotic
creatures that make the delicate reefs their home, the beauty of the
Florida Keys serves up a delightful menu of activities that is sure to
please any crowd. However, for those looking for an exhilarating
escape, the Keys offer two unique experiences designed to take the
adventurous soul to the next level. Founded by Ian Koblick and Neil
Monney, the Jules’ Undersea Lodge rests 30 feet below the protected
waters of Emerald Lagoon in nearby Key Largo. For story purposes, this
writer conducted an interesting interview with Rick Ford, the general
manager, while he was performing routine inspection and maintenance
procedures underwater at the lodge. “The view is
incredible...conditions are ideal. We have about 400 visitors annually
and many educational programs available as well,” he said. “We’ve also
done several live broadcasts from the hotel depths to schools. It just
offers a great educational tool.”
The Jules’ undersea adventure immediately unfolds when guests
arrive for check-in. To enter their submerged hotel, they don scuba
gear and dive into a tropical realm filled with fish to arrive at a
small opening in the bottom of the habitat, dubbed the “moon pool.”
Their underwater domain features all the comforts of home. However, by
far the main attraction for guests is the 42 inch “viewport” windows,
which showcase a panorama of marine life throughout every room.
There’s a variety of Aquanaut packages and dive excursions available. For couples wishing to a tie-the-knot with an out-of-thisworld ceremony, there’s even an underwater wedding package complete with flowers and cake. And, for those so inclined, Jules’ luxury packages include the services of a “merchef” who dives down to your room to whip up and serve a gourmet dinner complete with the hotel’s own homemade specialty – key lime pie. “The lady who makes the pies actually picks the key limes from her yard,” laughed Rick. “That’s about as homemade as it gets.” Ford has held the GM post for the past 8 1/2 years, bringing years of business and diving experience to his position, as well as enthusiasm and commitment. “I’ve got 30plus of business expertise, 40-plus years of diving experience and I was just in the right place at the right time. It’s definitely cool.” Ford says while there are many unique aspects to a stay at Jules’ Undersea Lodge, the log book allows guests to write down their inner most thoughts and provides a glimpse into their moving experiences at this incredible water world. “It almost borders on the spiritual side...it’s very interesting to see the emotional side of the guests who stay here,” Ford explained. “We always see the fun side of the visit, but this really shows a very different angle.”
If you have never scuba dived before, you can still enjoy a breathtaking underwater stay. Athree-hour class provides non-certified divers with equipment and procedures required to dive in the company of the lodge’s dive instructor. Guests can discover the breathtaking beauty of this mangrove habitat filled with reef fish and delicate marine life via 100 foot “hookah” lines with an unlimited supply of air.
Of notable interest is the MarineLab Undersea Laboratory devoted
exclusively to research and education of the ocean’s treasures, while a
replica of the Spanish galleon, San Pedro, reveals the thrill of marine
archaeology for divers so intrigued by the mysteries of the deep.
The Jules’ Undersea Lodge, the first and only underwater hotel,
has been featured on several television programs including “Lifestyles
of the Rich & Famous,” “48 Hours,” “CBS This Morning,” “Good
Morning America” and the Discovery Channel.
Appropriately named after sci-fi writer Jules Verne, the lodge provides couples and families alike with an exciting escape to Verne’s mesmerizing undersea world.
If your Florida Keys getaway includes a trek down to the “Southern Most City,” then check out the BOB Underwater Adventure in Key West. BOB stands for Breathing Observation Bubble and allows those with no diving experience to enjoy the breathtaking beauty beneath the sea.
Showcased on the Discovery Channel, this unique three-hour excursion offers a thrilling, yet easy escape to the ocean depths via a customized 60-foot dive yacht which takes you out to sea.
The adventure kicks into high gear when you climb on BOB, an underwater motor scooter, and descend into the spectacular Keys water.
Safety is paramount for divers: each is assigned a buddy; BOB is attached to a line/buoy to prevent submerging any deeper than eight feet and a dive master leads the group on a stunning underwater tour that winds through brilliant coral canyons and glides above shipwrecked ruins nestled on the ocean floor.
Bobbye Kenyon is a freelance writer based in Miami. She can be contacted at BJK RACING@aol.com.