Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems susceptible to various forms of damage from careless snorkelers and divers. 

1. Snorkelers can cause severe reef damage. Do not break off pieces of coral or stand or sit on coral heads. This can cause lesions which become invaded by other organisms, and result in the ultimate death of the whole coral. Most coral species grow only 1/2 to 1 inch per year.

2. Avoid full leg kicks. When swimming low and close to the coral, big scissor kicks can cause senseless reef destruction. Using a special "bent knee" kick (a modified bicycle kick), the feet and fins are raised high off the reef, and the chances of broken coral are greatly reduced. This technique requires a kick generated by the lower leg, from the knee. The upper leg is relatively motionless. For particularly delicate situations, a special "ankle" kick can be employed. In this case, only the ankles and fins are used, sometimes in an up and down fashion, in other cases, in a kind of rotating manner. This is not a kick for power or speed, but is highly effective when working very close to delicate coral. The diver's legs barely move at all. Furthermore, there is very little force behind each fin movement. Even if something is kicked, the reef damage is minimized.

3. When you inadvertently kick something, stop kicking. It sounds so obvious, but sometimes when snorkelers crash into something with their fins, they often kick harder, more frantically, to distance themselves from the offending object. If your fins knock into something by accident, stop kicking immediately, relax your legs, and see what you've hit. If necessary, draw your legs up to your body and scull with your hands until you have gained clearance from the reef.

4. Photographers must take extra care. Dangling cameras can chip off bits of coral when snorkelers swim across the reef. Photographers often concentrate on their pictures, and they may lose track of their fins. After finishing your shots, simply turn and look to see where your fins are in relation to the coral. Remember, there are pictures underwater that were never meant to be taken. The surrounding reef might be so delicate as to not allow a photographer to make a shot without inflicting damage. So pass it by.

5. Wildlife is wild. Feeding wild animals alters natural behavior patterns. It makes these "tamed" animals vulnerable to predation by other animals, including humans.

Naturalist-provided by RV Tiburon

Rendezvous Information-Arrive in Key West, Florida. Take taxi to Safe Harbor Marina (about a 5-minute ride). Board the vessel R/V Tiburon by 5pm. Join the crew for orientation and safety briefing and enjoy dinner (7:30 PM) onboard.

Communications-In an emergency situation the vessel can be hailed by VHF and Single Side Band radio . Our position in the Dry Tortugas is beyond cellular range, but the Tiburon is equipped with a satellite phone system, including the ability to send and receive e-mails. Participants wishing to use this option can open an account with their credit card.

Entry/Exit Requirements-No special documentation is required for US citizens (except for valid driver’s license as required by airlines). Non-U.S. citizens must have passports.

Airline Information-Key West is approximately 120 miles south of Miami. We recommend round-trip airfare to/from Key West International Airport. Airfare is not included in trip cost. Airlines connecting to Key West include USAIR (800)622-1015, Delta (800)221-1212, American Eagle (800/ 433-7300), United Airlines (800)864-8331 and Continental (800)523-3273. You may want to contact airlines directly, call a travel agency or Cheap Tickets (800/ 377-1000), or check the internet (e.g., expedia.com, orbitz.com, travelocity.com, etc.).

Climate-The climate in the Dry Tortugas and Marquesas is sub-tropical, with air temperatures rarely below 60° F or above 90° . Water temperatures are usually in the high 70° s in early summer. Rain or squalls can occur in any season, so you should bring lightweight rain gear and seasickness medication.

Meals-Wholesome meals are prepared in the galley and served in the salon or on deck. Snacks and beverages (sodas, iced tea, gatorade, water, coffee, tea) are available throughout the trip. You may bring along favorite foods (e.g. health foods, special snacks). Many special dietary requests can be accommodated with sufficient advance notice. You may also bring your favorite alcoholic or preferred beverage to be stowed in your stateroom. Beverages will be cooled on an as needed basis.

Life Aboard Ship-ife aboard ship is informal. Participants must know how to swim and snorkel and bring their own snorkeling gear (snorkel, mask and fins). Participants may want to bring a surface or underwater camera. Life aboard the vessel can be exciting and rewarding when approached with a sense of adventure and appreciation for life on the sea.

Smoking-There is no smoking in any enclosed area. Smoking is allowed only on deck at the stern (back) of the vessel, downwind of others.

Health & Fitness-No special skills are eeded, but you should be comfortable with swimming and snorkeling prior to arrival on site. Since we are both at anchor and travelling through the keys for the duration of the trip, this expedition can be physically challenging at times regarding vessel motion, ease of locomotion on board, and in boarding and disembarking the vessel and skiff. Since open-ocean swimming is challenging, we recommend that you practice to hone your skills and to build strength and endurance by swimming laps prior to your trip.

Ocean currents can be quite strong, so fins are essential. You should pre-test your snorkeling gear thoroughly before joining the trip, to assure its proper fit and functioning. We recommend that you practice in the water so that you are completely proficient at snorkeling and comfortable with your snorkeling gear.

Florida Keys Visitors Bureau http://fla-keys.com/keywest/index.htm

Key West Chamber of Commerce - 800-527-8539

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary - http://www.fknms.nos.noaa.gov/ or 305-743-2437

Hotels/Inns in Key West - http://www.fla-keys.com/keywest/placestostay.htm

or  tomwillson@earthlink.net

Gratuities-Crew gratuities are not included and appreciated. Suggested amounts range from $10-$20 per passenger per boat-day. Tips are at your discretion. 

Terms & Conditions-

Photo Equipment-The Dry Tortugas is a beautiful place, both above and below the water. We encourage you to bring your photo equipment and plenty of film. You may wish to consider bringing underwater cameras as well.

 

A Few Hints:

1. Bring equipment with which you are familiar. If you have not used your camera for some time, have it inspected by a technician prior to departure; you may want to bring a back-up in case of malfunction. Kodak and Fuji make inexpensive, one-time-use underwater cameras which can be returned for recycling.

2) Excellent results can be achieved with the simplest equipment, but you may wish to bring a variety of lenses and polarizing filter to prevent glare. For surface shooting we recommend standard and telephoto lenses; for underwater, standard and wide-angle lenses.

3) Life at sea will expose your camera to salt spray. If you do not have a hard-shell case, a waterproof "dry bag" will protect your camera against moisture (available through most outdoor stores). A very inexpensive option is to line a case with a plastic garbage bag.

4) Bring extra batteries for your light meter, autowinder, flash, camera, etc.

5) Try to shoot at the highest possible shutter speed if photographing from a moving vessel. Print film ASA 100, 200, 400, and slide film ASA 64, 200, 400 all work well for this.

 

 

The climate is sub-tropical with temperatures rarely below 60° or above 90° F. Water temperatures are usually in the upper 70’s in May. Squalls or showers can occur any time of year, so come prepared with good seasickness medication and lightweight rain gear. We recommend clothing that protects you from the sun's tropical rays, both on deck and in the water.

Ship's bed linens are provided (linens, pillows, blankets) for use below deck only. Towels are also provided. Travel light, and limit your luggage to two soft-sided, foldable pieces or carry-on size bags (also check with your airline for size and weight restrictions).

Bathing suits (2)

Shorts & tee-shirts

Sweater, sweatshirt or windbreaker

Sun hat

Lightweight long pants & long sleeved shirt

Lightweight rain gear

Non-skid shoes for on boat

Snorkeling gear (masks, fins, snorkel)

Lycra dive skin or wetsuit

Sunblock - bring plenty (we recommend minimum

SPF 15+; please- no oils or oily lotions)

Lip balm with high SPF

Sunburn remedy (e.g., aloe)

Seasickness prevention*

Insect repellent

Flashlight w/ extra batteries (for nighttime on deck)

Sunglasses (polarized for reflective glare)

Spare pair eye glasses

Personal toiletry items (toothbrush/paste,

shaving kit, band-aids, etc. Note: Shampoo/Conditioner/Soap available in each head/shower.

Personal medications (in pharmacy-labeled containers)

Binoculars - strongly recommended

Video or still camera (surface and/or underwater)

Camera/Underwater Camera

Film (plenty!) and extra batteries

Personal reading materials or journal

Personal stereo (Walkman-style) & cassettes

* Note: We strongly recommend taking seasickness precautions. For seasickness prevention consult your pharmacist or physician. Over-the-counter medications include Dramamine ("no drowse" formula), Bonine, Marazine. Scopolamine patches are again available by prescription, but some people experience severe side effects. Use only with doctor's prescription/instructions. Acu-pressure bands and ginger capsules are natural alternatives, but don't work for everyone.