Discover the incredible marine life that calls the Florida Keys home. From gentle giants to colorful reef dwellers, every dive is a chance to meet amazing underwater neighbors.
Get to know some of the incredible creatures you'll encounter on your dives with Captain Slate
These gentle giants are frequent visitors to our reefs. Watch them gracefully glide through the water as they feed on seagrass and algae.
Don't let their fierce appearance fool you! These reef residents are curious and often friendly, peeking out from their coral homes.
A rainbow of colors surrounds you! Parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and hundreds of other species make our reefs their home.
Watch these graceful flyers of the sea glide effortlessly through the water. Spotted eagle rays are a special treat!
These docile bottom-dwellers are a diver favorite. Often found resting under ledges, they're harmless and fascinating to observe.
Sleek and impressive, these predators patrol the reefs. Despite their intimidating teeth, they're generally harmless to divers.
For over 45 years, Captain Slate has been building relationships with the ocean's residents. Some creatures recognize him and interact in ways that amaze first-time visitors!
Several green sea turtles have been visiting Captain Slate's dive sites for decades. These gentle creatures have learned to recognize divers and often swim alongside the group, posing for photos and seemingly enjoying the company. It's a magical experience that feels more like visiting old friends than observing wildlife.
One particular spotted moray eel has become famous among regular divers. This eel emerges from its coral home to interact with Captain Slate, demonstrating the trust built over years of respectful encounters. While we never feed or touch marine life, watching this natural interaction is unforgettable.
Nurse sharks, reef sharks, and occasionally larger species cruise through our dive sites. Captain Slate's experience means he knows their behavior and can position divers for the best (and safest) viewing opportunities. These apex predators command respect, and you'll learn to appreciate their important role in the ecosystem.
Every dive with Captain Slate is an opportunity to witness incredible marine life interactions that you'll remember for a lifetime.