The question that keeps coming up from our potential guests is- how do you guys find these spots? Well it is time to share our secret recipe for a perfect Key West snorkeling “off the beaten path” adventure .

Ingredients

• One large blue water yacht
• 2 to 6 adventurous travelers
• 2 willing and enthusiastic captains
• 1 not so willing but cute boat cat (capt. Ron)
• Plenty of reef ecology information.
• Lots of healthy snacks and plenty of ice cold beverages.
• One or two snorkeling destinations; far away from the horde of tourist

A.J. Our kayak tour guru

We have been working with our good friend A.J. of Kayak Kings of Key West, and thanks to him had adopted his mantra of “off the beaten path”.  We had already decided on some possible destinations, and with A.J.’s help made a working plan to implement this concept into our 2013 season. All we needed was some eager participants and then Carol called.

For our first trip we asked Carol to meets us on Stock Island which is, as any local will tell you, ” off the beaten path” . After our obligatory safety speech we untied from our dock at Oceanside Marina and discussed two possible options that were chosen for both their comfort level and the current sea conditions. They opted for more time in the water and less time traveling, so we headed east for a couple miles, and within 30 minutes we had dropped the hook next to a pristine patch reef far away from the cattleboat tours. Along the way Trish gave her wonderful Eco-presentation and everyone was ready for some once in a lifetime snorkeling. In no time at all we were in the water.

These guys are ready!

My view from the safety boat

Phil takes the lead

Now this is coral as it was meant to be experienced!

Sea Rods in all their glory

How’s this for abundance?

Wow!

Time to head back

Well, there you go. The recipe for a wonderful “off the beaten path” Key West Snorkeling experience is now complete.

Thank you, Carol and Phil, Thank you A.J. for the inspiration, and Thank you Trish for your extraordinary talent for capturing beauty with your new Olympus. Bravo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited with BlogPad Pro

The post So what is Key West Snorkeling “Off The Beaten Path” ? appeared first on Namaste Sailing.

Well it’s coming up on the 2013 Spring and Summer snorkeling season and we have been scheming and dreaming for the best year ever. For all our good friends who have sailed with us and all the wonderful people who have supported us over the years we are truly thankful. Without your support, guidance, and caring we would not have ever realized our success. Thank you!

And now on to the scheming and dreaming. Last year we were thrilled with our successes with providing an exclusive snorkeling eco-adventure for mostly private groups. If there were any disappointments, at all it was because we could not accommodate all the inquiries we received. There were several times when we simply could not accommodate smaller groups because our price point conflicted with the smaller budgets of couples. This scenario set up a dilemma which caused for some reflection and reevaluation.

When we first started, we were lucky enough to come under the wing of Sunny Andracchio of Classic Harbor Line. Sunny shared with us some keen insights into the marketing sailing charters in Key West and we were smart enough to listen. The two most important things I learned from Sunny were, number 1: Always Smile, and number 2: If you are truly a “Top Shelf” charter then, by all means, charge accordingly. So that is what we did and experienced fantastic results. Namaste Sailing quickly became the little tug that could. We picked up a slip at Schooner Wharf, networked with some friendly competition, and avoided pissing off the big boys at Cattleboat Inc. We earned a reputation for being a quality premium charter who charged accordingly, and the the rest is history.

I know this borders on T.M.I., but it is important for Trish and I to be as transparent as possible when it comes to our business ethos. We probably take things like price changes much more serious than necessary, but we are who we are. So in a nutshell, we are improving our pricing to include the smaller groups. Starting February 1st our day snorkeling trips will be lengthened to a five hour Key West Snorkeling excursion and we will offer a “mixed private” option which will allow individuals to join us at $125/guest.

Elsewhere in the news:

• Captain Trish got a new camera lens for her Olympus Tough, so look out Facebook, here come some awesome photos.
• A big shout out to Trishies Fishies. Capt Trish just passed the 3000 mark for art pieces sold. Yea Trishi.
• Namaste got a new 800 amp hour battery bank, so our overnight trips are really “off the grid”. I calculated we can run the IPad for the next 105 years without a recharge. Now thats’ reserve capacity.
• With the help of Larry Wasabi of West Marine we now have a kick ass wind generator that will easily keep up with my IPad use, so as Buzz Lightyear says “to infinity and beyond”.

“To Infinity and Beyond”

Edited with BlogPad Pro

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Off the beaten path in the Florida Keys

We have teamed up with AJ’s company to offer a grand adventure to one of the coolest wilderness areas in all of the keys.  The Marquesa keys are a collection of islets located about 23 miles west of Key West.  These islands are a Mecca for waterfowl, shallow water reef creatures, and all sorts of mangrove-loving critters, truly a paddler’s dream.  Most recently, the Marquesas have been in the news in conjunction with the lost Spanish treasure galleon, Atocha.

Mel Fisher discovered the mother lode of the Atocha about five miles west-southwest of the Marquesas.  Since that time, the rumors have been rampant about lost treasure buried somewhere in the Marquesas.

Our ultimate Key West Kayak Adventure is limited to four to six guests and is better suited for experienced paddlers.  Novices are welcome, but we do not hold back on adventure, so participants should be in good physical shape and capable of paddling up to 10 miles.  Everything is included, so all you have to bring is yourself and a strong sense of adventure.  The trip runs three days, so it is a perfect weekend getaway.  Kayak Kings provides the equipment and guide and Namaste’ Sailing is your host, providing great accommodations, healthy meals (team effort) and our best in adventure safety.  The cost is a deal at $899/person, By the time you figure in a three night stay at a B&B, meals, and a private 3 day adventure, I challenge any one to find a better price or a better adventure in the Florida Keys.  This one  should definitely be on your bucket list.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive at the boat by 10:00 A.M. Crew orientation and safety briefing.  Sails are set by 1’1:00, and were off on a three to four hour sail to the Marquesas.  On the way, we will have lunch and a powerful eco-presentation by your guide.  Namaste’ Sailing has developed quite a reputation for high quality and engaging eco-education, and you will not be disappointed.  We will arrive at our protected anchorage by late afternoon, just in time for a beautiful sunset paddle.  After the sunset, we will reconvene at the boat for some great grub and boat drinks (if that is your preference), followed by our very own “cosmic concert” under the absolutely perfect star field.

Your view from the Namaste

Day 2: Up at sunrise, and with the help of some Cuban coffee, we will get us all fed with a hearty breakfast.  On the water by 9:00 and begin the day paddling into the Marquesa bay known as “Mooney” harbor.  Our guide will be pointing out creatures ranging from Roseate Spoonbills to juvenile blacktip sharks.  We will explore mangrove tunnels that have escaped the onset of overdevelopment caused by a shortsighted tourist industry.  You can expect to see waterfowl only found in the most secluded areas of the Everglades.  We will have lunch on one of the many pristine coral sand beaches.  The afternoon will find us exploring Red and Black Mangrove habitats not often seen by humans.  By time the sun starts to fade, we will be paddling back to the mother ship, eagerly anticipating a great dinner and another beautiful night on the hook.

Day 3: This day is full of choices.  We are open to more paddling, snorkeling, or sailing.  It is totally up to the crew (That’s you).  There are plenty of near shore reefs to explore, and since we are only 3 hours away from Key West, there is plenty of time to see it all.  We should arrive back in Key West by 4:00 or 5:00, and after that you are free to explore Key West.

Whats Included:

• Meals including day 1 lunch and dinner, day 2 breakfast lunch and dinner, day 3 breakfast and lunch
• 3 night accomodations either interior single and double berths or above deck sleeping pads or hammocks (your choice)
• kayaks, paddles, safety equipment.

What to Bring:

• Sun block, towels, light jackets, fowl weather gear, adult beverages, fishing equipment, smiles, and a strong sense of adventure.

Cost: $899 per person (limit 6 guest per adventure)

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When Jeff booked a Key West Snorkeling and Sailing Adventures for four, I expected two couples or maybe four old ladies.( Not that there’s anything wrong with being an old lady.  I’m an old lady myself, and I’d love to get three of my friends to come along for an afternoon of sailing, snorkeling, and a little debauchery.  ) I gotta tell you, I was delighted when we pulled up to Conch Harbor Marina to pick up our passengers and met Jon, Alex, Jorge and Levi, four twenty-something guys, ready for an adventure.  We sail over to The Wall, and let the fun begin!

The guys wasted no time getting in the water for some Key West Snorkeling.

Almost immediately we began seeing the beautiful barrel sponges I had told them about on the way out to The Wall. They are one of the main reasons the water is always so clear here.

Jorge dove down to get a closer look at the sponges and corals. You could tell he felt completely at home in the warm salt water.

Not to be outdone, Alex was right down there, too. The water was fairly shallow, about seven feet, so we could get plenty of bottom time.

There is so much to see! We soon spot a huge, pink condylactus anemone waving its arms in the gentle ocean currents. Anemones are light giant coral polyps with a central mouth and arms that catch microscopic prey.

Wow! Look at this! It's an old sunken Navy boat. Jon dives down to get a closer look. You never know what might be lurking around something like this.

Fish love sunken vessels. This beautiful hogfish hovers next to an opening in the sunken boat, ready to dart inside.

Jon swoops down for a closer look.

We see lots of Grey Snapper on the patch reefs, and today was no exception. They swam in and out of the wreck and the openings in The Wall.

Alex dives down to get a better look at a spider crab.These guys are free diving pros in no time.

It's probably one of the biggest spider crabs I've ever seen, probably a foot wide from toe to toe. Talk about camouflage, this guy is just waiting to be discovered.

But wait! Levi discovered the biggest find of all, a huge "grand daddy" spiney lobster.

Wow! This big old lobster acts like he knows it's not lobster season. I promise not to mess with you if you won't come after me.

Finally, exhausted, happy and anticipating some snacks and beverages, we climb aboard the Namaste' for the sail back. As if the day wasn't perfect already, we get a wonderful Key West sunset, Do I hear applause?

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The Dominy Rogers Family enjoys Key West Activities

We had lots of fun snorkeling with Rick, Laralin, Lori, and Brian.

Loralin seemed to be part fish.

After lunch we had a great time playing on the island.

Rick, Rock, Cole and Captain Jeff did a little fishing.

Back on the Namaste' we had a cannonball contest.

We even saw a pod of friendly dolphins on the sail back to Key West. It was a wonderful day!

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Patricia checks out a Variegated Urchin

The salesman at West Marine suggested we buy rubber pipe insulation at Home Depot and attach it to the ladder.  Ugly!  How about fitting a “noodle,”  that floating thing you use in the water to each rung?  It would be soft and cushiony, wide enough for a foot to comfortably grip, and non-slip.  Perfect!  Captain Jeff made it so.

The day of the trip dawned bright and beautiful.  It was a perfect day for a snorkel, just a light breeze, sunny skies, and clear, beautiful water.  We met Kristi, Gary, Jim, and Patricia at Conch Harbor, and soon we were bound for Cottrell Key about five miles northeast of Key West.

Patricia assured me that she was not nervous.  She said she loved the water, but just had some strength issues with her feet and legs.  I told her I would be her snorkel partner for the entire swim, and she replied, ” Gary said you’d hold my hand.  Will you?”

“Of course,” I laughed.  “I’ll be your best buddy.”

Patricia examines a Three-rowed Sea Cucumber

With that said, she climbed down the ladder,  we got her mask and snorkel adjusted, and we were off.  Right away, I spotted a variegated sea urchin.  Fearlessly, she extended her hand to hold it.  Patricia is a middle school science and social studies teacher and she was eager to see all the little creatures.

Kristi helps her mom, Patricia, on her first snorkel while Jim watches from the Namaste'.

We swam about twenty feet from the Namaste’, Patricia holding on to her pink noodle for support, and me with my arm around her so she knew I was there, too.  Kristy swam by our side, offering encouragement and support.  You could tell she was bursting with pride.  Her mom was doing splendidly!

I spotted a familiar shape on the bottom, a large Three-rowed Sea Cucumber (Isostichopus badionotus).  The  ”three-rowed” refers to the number of podia or feet the little critter has, rather than the number of spots on his back.  I had shown Patricia photos of sea cucumbers on the way out, so once again, she extended her hand fearlessly to hold it and get a good look.  After a short examination, she asked about the best way to release it.  I motioned that she could just let it go.  It floated slowly to the bottom and resumed it’s slow and deliberate trek across the bottom.

We swam a little more, observing soft corals, sponges, and a hogfish.  All the while, Kristi was at her mom’s side commenting on the interesting things we saw, helping with little adjustments of her mask, and just making sure Patricia was having a great experience.  My arm was protectively around her waist all the time except when I dove to the bottom to bring up little creatures for her to examine.  Patricia was wide-eyed and fascinated, loving the ocean, her sweet daughter, and life in general.  Every now and then, I’d look up and see Jim standing on the boat, proudly taking photos of his wife and daughter.

Patricia and Jim give us a big thumbs-up to show that Patricia's first snorkel was a huge success.

Patricia told me she was tired and ready to go back to the boat.  We’d done a lot of swimming and seen some really cool creatures.  With Gary’s help, she made it back up the ladder to Jim’s waiting embrace.  “You kids go on and have some fun now, ” she said as we swam off to continue our snorkel.  As I swam away, I saw Jim and Patricia, proud as two teenagers giving us “kids” a happy thumbs-up.    It was a truly satisfying moment for me.  There’s nothing like sharing our love of the ocean with someone so brave and eager to experience it, and nothing like seeing the pride and love of a family in action when a loved one steps out of her comfort zone for a peak experience.

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Baby Elkhorn

Aquaculture at Mote Marine

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Well, the wind is west-southwest and blowing 17 to 22 knots. Where do we go? The cattle boats don’t mind putting their snorkelers out on the reef. Never-mind the seas are 2-4′ with breaking waves. The tourist are bobbing, coughing water like harpooned whales, and generally wishing they were somewhere else. So what do we do? Our guests deserve the very best.

These folks drove all the way from Miami, and Jimmy booked us from Afghanistan, hoping to treat his friends and family to a day of snorkeling with us two days before he heads back to Kandahar. Our policy is not to put folks out in conditions that we would not go out in  ourselves,  but jeeze, these folks deserve a good time.

We opted for the lee of Flemming Key. Other boats would say there is no coral and the water is green. We say there is plenty to see, and if you are serious about the marine ecology, you can turn this trip into a  wonderful eco-adventure.

Capt. Trish stepped up to the plate and gave a 30 minute presentation on the wonder of near shore eco-systems. Sponges, star corals, rose corals,  juvenile fish, coral alga’s, you name it, Capt. Trish brought it life with her presentation. That’s what makes us different. We take the extra effort to share our passion and our guests appreciate it.

Finally made it,  picked up a mooring, and now the challenge of introducing a fine group of willing but not so experienced snorkelers to the beauty of a near-shore eco-system. After several minutes of gear adjustment and getting accustomed  to 1 foot breaking waves, our guests followed Trish to a wonderful patch of Black Ball Sponges.

Black Ball Sponge

I'm OK

Everyone got in,  and though we all did not make it to all the sponges and star corals, we tested our skills and overcame the natural fear of rough water. Great Job!

Trish and the team got some great pictures and found a short spined sea urchin, and we did a show and tell (it did not leave the water).

Short Spine Sea Urchin

Finally back at the boat; Steph showed off her talent with her famous mint-blueberry Mojito. It looked great, but unfortunately the captains would have to wait till we got back to the dock.

Steph's world famous blueberry mojito

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Like so many of the folks we met here, all with their own Key West sailing adventures, we tend to dream a lot, and suffer from bouts of wanderlust. Our latest dream was to fix the compass and head south to the Banana Republic of Panama. Well, for reasons that may never be realized, Panama will have to wait.

We started out with a lot of momentum, and the wind was with us, but as life and sailing goes when the wind is in your face don’t fight it. The old adage “Gentlemen never sail to weather” certainly has  opened up a lot of opportunities for Namaste Sailing and a familiar harbor is always a welcome layover. So were back in Key West.

Another Key West Sunset from the Namaste

In the News-

What a way to kick off our 2012 season. We had a lovely couple that came to us via Capt. Alex and Islescapes Dinner Cruises. Capt Alex has been a wonderful business affiliate and if your ever in the mood for a gourmet dinner on the water please check out “Islescapes”.

What a great day! Started off with a late afternoon snorkel trip and followed up with this gorgeous sunset in that “One Particular Harbor”. Thank you Mike and Heather for our first sunset sail of the 2012 season.

For all you Cap. Ron Fans you will be happy to know that he is in full study mode and is brushing up on fish identification. We caught him sneaking in some “study” time with Capt, Trish’s Humann and Deloach Reef Identification Set.  I admire his ambition.

Captian Ron Hard at Work

Happy Birthday, Captain Ron!

One last shout out before we sign off for today’s post and this one goes out to all the nice folks at Conch Harbor Marina. Whether its a friendly assist to a hard docking  or a quick fuel stop and dingy drop, Conch Harbor as always been a good friend to Namaste Sailing. Thanks Folks

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Well its time for the 5:00 A.M. update for Hurricane Irene and, whew, I think we missed the bullet. Up until last night we were still calling for 30 knot winds on Thursday and Friday. Hm-mm 30 knots, 6 foot seas, and stirred up water, not really a good combination for snorkeling, especially in keeping with our promise to treat our guest like we would wish to be treated.

What a difference a day makes. Now were looking at 12 to 17 knots of wind and seas less than 2 feet.. So it looks like we will be treated to another beautiful weekend and instead of hunkering down watching the water rise we will be frolicking in the clear waters of the Florida Keys and yet there is still a slight knot in my tummy.

So to all of our friends who have sailed with us and to those of you who we hope to meet here is the answer to the question: how do we reason with the hurricane season? The short answer is we don’t. You really can’t. As much as I love watching and predicting mother nature via tropical updates, weather blogs, and nexrad radar, there is just no reasoning with the hurricane season.

It is a fool’s errand to second guess the weather. On the night before hurricane Katrina was predicted to miss the keys we all sat around high fiving each other over shots of Pussers, celebrating the fact that we were “out of the cone” Come morning we woke up to 80 knot hurricane force winds, boats sliding all over the anchorage, numerous groundings and at least two sinking’s. All reasoning abandoned, we simply hunkered down and did our best to protect life and property.

So now, even after we are predicted to be “out of the cone” and I can look forward to a weekend of sailing,  I will still dig out my “A1A” CD and play that all so prophetic track that helps to remind me how wonderfully unpredictable life can be.

Out of the Cone

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