In 2010, we took a look at efforts to control the invasion of lionfish in the Florida Keys. Recent reports paint a disturbing picture – efforts to control the population have not been successful.
According to Oregon State scientist Stephanie Green, “There is strong evidence that the lionfish is having negative effects on the native population. We don’t see any signal that anything is controlling lionfish population.”
The problem is simple – lionfish, native to the western Pacific Ocean, have no natural predators in the
Atlantic Ocean. They live up to 15 years, and one female can produce as many as 2 million eggs in one year.
“Many of our Florida yacht charter clients, as well as many bareboat charterers, are avid divers,” reports Jana Sheeder, President and Owner of 1-800 Yacht Charters. “We are hearing more and more tales of multiple lionfish on the reefs in the Florida Keys, as well as the in the cruising grounds in the nearby Bahamas.”
So, next time you are at your favorite seafood restaurant, instead of ordering an overfished item like tuna, see if lionfish is on the menu! Enjoy a delicious meal AND make a difference!
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged Atlantic Ocean, Bahamas, Jana Sheeder, Florida Keys, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, foodie, lionfish, lionfish invasion, invasive fish, 1800sailaway.com
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Ask anyone who has enjoyed a yachting vacation what activity they enjoyed the most, and chances are they will tell you, “the snorkeling.” Indeed, there is something magical about donning a pair of fins, strapping on a mask and snorkel, and exploring the world below the waves.
It is this opportunity to explore first-hand the undersea world that draws so many travelers to South Florida, to enjoy a Florida yacht charter vacation, and spend part of the time off the boat – and in the water.
With so many areas easily accessible and filled with interesting sights, we asked our charter department to put their heads together and come up with their favorite snorkeling spots in South Florida. In no particular order, here are their top 3:
Above the waterline, it’s hardly a remote, tropical oasis. This unique eighty acre public park is a man-made island situated in the Intracoastal Waterway near the Lake Worth Inlet in close proximity to the City of Riviera Beach, and the Port of Palm Beach. Locals take small boats, kayaks and rafts and float out to the park for picnics – and it can be super crowded on weekends. The real reason to visit this destination during a private yacht charter is the opportunity to snorkel around the island and the see the sea life. The list of creatures you can encounter is a long one – squid, rays, octopus, and thousands of brilliantly-colored tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you might even see a Florida manatee!
Tip: The best time for snorkeling is around high tide. The waters here are a bath-like 85 degrees well into September.
The further south you head in Florida, the warmer the water gets, even in winter. It’s the warmth, both air and sea that draws boaters to the Florida Keys. Many charter yacht vacations begin in Miami. Key Largo, about a 2-3 hour cruise from Miami, is often the first night’s destination. This island is a snorkeler’s dream – shallow coral reefs, tropical sea life, and oh yeah – really warm water!!! In the summer, the water temp can climb to nearly 90 degrees – ahhhh…
Tip: A snorkel outing to John Pennekamp Coral Reef (underwater) State Park is a must.
LASTLY,
At the southernmost tip of the chain of islands that make up the Florida Keys, is the island of Key West. 70 miles to the west lies Dry Tortugas National Park. 100-square miles of mostly open water with seven small islands makes this a great snorkeling destination. Rarely crowded, its accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of the Civil War’s Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, and abundant coral reefs and marine life.
Tip: After snorkeling, take a tour of the old fort, hosted by National Park Rangers.
Did we overlook your favorite snorkel site??? Tell us where you like to snorkel in South Florida, and what makes it special. As a thank you, we’ll send you an Eco-tote bag that you can use to carry your towels and your snorkel gear. Leave us a comment below or fill out our convenient online form at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ today.
We’ll see you below the waves…
This entry was posted in Destinations Good Times and tagged Key West, marine life, yacht charter Florida, snorkel florida keys, Destinations, best places to snorkel, 1800yachtcharters, John Pennekamp Park, Snorkeling, Underwater Reef, Dive sites, John Pennekamp Park Underwater State Park, National Parks, Florida Keys
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Florida Manatees
To the amazement of the crew and passengers, a Caribbean yacht charter vessel with a fortuitous name recently encountered a small pod of manatees, up close and personal, while cruising the Florida Keys.
Captain Corky Clark and his wife and first mate, Sue, had the camera rolling when four manatees slowly came alongside their 48′ sail yacht SURPRISE.
No doubt the encounter will be a lifelong memory for the onboard charter guests as well as the crew.
Come experience all that crewed catamaran charters offer. Contact the 1-800 Yacht Charter sailing vacation experts at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter and tagged Surprise, manatees, yacht charter, Florida Keys, catamaran yacht charter
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