Imagine, if you will, an underwater hotel where scuba diving is the only way to get to your guest room. It may sound fantastical, but if seeing is believing, you best mark your calendars for Vintage Dive Weekend on Saturday, May 4th, and Sunday, May 5th.
Presented by Islamorada’s History of Diving Museum and NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), this interactive weekend takes you back in history. Back to a time when diving pioneers like William Beebe, AKA “The Father of Marine Biology,” explored the ocean depths using a primitive Miller-Dunn helmet.
Vintage Dive Weekend is also your opportunity to see live demonstrations and enjoy fun activities for your entire family. The adventure kicks off on Saturday, May 4th, from 10 am – 4 pm at Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (51 Shoreland Drive at MM 51, US1, North).
Renowned as the first undersea park in the United States, the park encompasses an impressive 70 nautical square miles teeming with colorful coral reefs and tropical marine life. Certified divers can experience a unique “Vintage Dive” during this special event using authentic double hose regulators. All divers receive a thorough equipment orientation before the actual dive. FYI: Dives take place every hour on the hour from 10 am – 3 pm. You can reserve your time slot at divingmuseum.org.
John Pennekamp is also home to the world-famous Jules Undersea Lodge. Originally developed as a research lab, this Pixar perfect retreat is straight out of a Jules Verne novel and lies thirty feet below the surface of the park’s tranquil emerald lagoon. You can see it for yourself during Vintage Dive Weekend and even make arrangements to check in for a night or more. (Info: 305-451-2353; jul.com)
In addition to being a perfect setting for an underwater lodge, the park’s protected lagoon is ideal for SCUBA training. It’s also where you can receive your Open Water certification, enroll in a “Discover SCUBA” diving course, take a relaxing dive around the lagoon, or embark on a guided underwater tour. (Info: 305-451-1202; floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park)
FYI: Vintage Diving Weekend is not just for divers and you don’t have to don a regulator to get in on the action. There will also be photo ops in vintage SCUBA and Mark V classic dress, classic hard hat and helmet diving demos, and fascinating displays throughout the park.
On Sunday, May 5th, NAUI and Silent World Dive Center will be on deck to take certified divers out to the reef. This memorable afternoon dive will incorporate the same vintage equipment from Saturday’s Vintage Dive session. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot at Silent World Dive Center, 51 Garden Drive, Key Largo: 305-451-3252; silentworld.com.
BTW: While you’re in the area, make sure to stop by The History of Diving Museum in Islamorada. Home to the world’s most extensive collection of diving helmets, hand-operated air pumps, armored suits, lights and other accessories, the museum is a treasure trove of memorabilia, prints, photos, books, film video and more.
You’ll see fourteen permanent exhibits reflecting over 4,000 years of “the quest to explore under the sea.” With interactive displays, a fun scavenger hunt, an international collection showcasing equipment, and pioneers worldwide, as well as a cool Museum Store with unique gifts, The History of Diving Museum will keep you riveted for hours — whether you’re a diver or not.
Oh, and get this: the Museum stages its highly popular “Immerse Yourself!” series on the third Wednesday of every month at 7 pm. This free presentation features guest speakers covering topics from all aspects of the diving industry and marine environment. Coming soon: Salvaging the Deep (May 15th), Hunting the Invasive Lion Fish (June 19th), and Diving Into Volcanoes (July 17th).
Ready to dive in? You can find The History of Diving Museum at 82990 Overseas Hwy (MM83 Bayside) in Islamorada. Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm. Info: 305-664- 9737; divingmuseum.org.
