Islamorada is a REEF surveyor's paradise, offering spectacular sites that are brimming with diversity, such as Alligator Ledge and the Wreck of the Eagle. Advanced surveyors may challenge themselves to identify 100 fish species on a single dive, while those who are just beginning to conduct REEF surveys will be able to foster their Tropical Western Atlatic fish id knowledge under the guidance of Expert Level Fish ID Surveyors, Carlos and Allison Estape. When topside, enjoy the laid-back island vibe of the Postcard Inn while participating in educational fish id seminars each evening. Join this trip and see for yourself why the Florida Keys are called the "Diving Capital of the World!"

An optional, but highly recommended, day-trip to Blue Heron Bridge is available for an additional fee. Join Carlos and Allison for a fantastic shore dive at world-renowned dive site Blue Heron Bridge, located inside Phil Foster State Park in West Palm Beach, Florida. Diving this unique location offers the chance to see many cryptic species, including bluethroat pike blennies and seahorses, as well as discover other rare finds such as the Florida Barred Hamlet and flying gurnard! Blue Heron Bridge is a shallow site that is suitable for all levels of divers and surveyors.

Cost per Person: $1,135 for double occupancy in a standard room, $1,658 for single occupancy in a standard room

What is included: Your package includes 6 nights of accommodation at Postcard Inn, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives with Islamorada Dive Center, hotel taxes and fees, tanks, weights and weight belts.

Additional fees: A REEF Program Fee of $300 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leaders, seminar, and survey materials. Optional nitrox available for $5/tank and should be requested in advance. Transportation not included in package price. REEF recommends renting a car, although the dive shop is within walking distance of the hotel. Optional, highly-recommended trip to Blue Heron Bridge on Friday, June 24, is available for an additional cost for tank, dive flag and weight rentals. If diving Blue Heron Bridge, plan to arrive at Phil Foster State Park by 10am for a dive briefing. For more details about Blue Heron Bridge, please contact a REEF staff member.

Airport/hotel transfer information: Participants may fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL.) From there, participants may rent a car and drive to Islamorada (both airports are less than two hours from Islamorada) via the Florida Turnpike and U.S. 1. 

How to book: To reserve your space or find out more, e-mail us at trips@REEF.org, or call us at 305-588-5869. A $500 deposit will be collected at the time of booking. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.

About the trip leaders: Carlos and Allison Estape are Level 5 TWA REEF Fish ID Experts, members of REEF’s Advanced Assessment Team, published underwater Photographers, fish id lecturers, and the creators of the 100 Fish ID website (www.100fishid.com), which provides tools to learn how to identify TWA fish species. They are passionate about diving, underwater photography, fish id & marine archaeology/history. Carlos and Allison are Islamorada residents who dedicate their time to being “citizen scientists" and greatly enjoy sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for the underwater world with others. They frequently participate in REEF's research and data collection, for both the Volunteer Fish Survey Project and Invasive Lionfish Program. Carlos and Allison were chosen as REEF Volunteers of the Year in 2013.

School of spadefish on the Wreck of the Eagle in Islamorada. Photo credit: Carlos & Allison Estape

Picturesque Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle. Photo credit: Postcard Inn

 The rare Florida Barred Hamlet at Blue Heron Bridge. Photo credit: Carlos & Allison Estape

Islamorada Dive Center