A Review of the Tropical Ospreys Trip to Florida!

          FIRST OFF, Those of you who have just arrived in Florida today be prepared for the TIME OF YOUR LIFE! This trip is an absolutely amazing experience - if you make it. Many, many, many things can and will go wrong, its life get used to it. It is important that you make the very best of every situation each day even if things are going horribly. I was one of several students who was hurling over the side of the boat and globing aloe on my fried skin. Did I stop enjoying myself and starting complaining? Nope, You gotta roll with the punches!

         I actually ended up using almost everything in my suitcase, so for the first time in my life I didn't over pack. We happened to really luck out with the weather and I didn't need my raincoat but it is definitely an essential item in Florida where they are known for random thunderstorms. Having lots of sunscreen really paid off because you can never have enough. For those of you saying "I don't burn, I only tan" you may want to reconsider where sunscreen unless you want to have leathery and wrinkly skin. Just because your skin doesn't burn the UV rays are still damaging your skin and aging you quicker.

Some different sunscreen brands you can try

       The Everglades were beautiful but very hot and humid, it is just something you have to get used to in Florida so just ignore it and enjoy whats around you. Keep on the look out for gators! We saw a young one and a pretty big one hanging out in the water, definitely a good picture opportunity so make sure you bring your camera. Did you see those large colorful grasshoppers? Those are called lubbers and I know our class thought they were so cool. 

An alligator 

A lubber

       I most definitely regret not getting dive certified before this trip I was very jealous of the divers when they were up close and personal with the fish and I was looking down from above. Although I did get the hang of diving down eventually I did have to surface for some air. I really recommend an underwater camera the water is much clearer than New Jersey and you can capture some really cool pictures/videos. The species identification quizzes were actually really helpful because we saw almost all of the ones we went over. I think that it made the experience even better actually knowing what I was looking at. 

I found myself constantly surrounded by schools of sergeant majors.

Initial phase of stoplight parrotfish, this guy
was very common out on the reef.

        Although we did not get to go kayaking in Bahia Honda we did still get to go out at the boat dock on the bay where the water was much calmer. SUPing was actually really easy and so much fun to do! We had the option to try both kayaking or SUPing which was a really good idea so that we could be exposed to different things. It was absolutely beautiful going through the mangroves and afterward we had time to snorkel around and see some fish, jellyfish, and feather duster worms. 

Red mangroves

        I am positive that you guys will enjoy your week in Florida just as much as we did! Make sure you are always drinking water, applying sunscreen, and looking out for your classmates! 

What was your favorite part of the trip?

Mine was hands down shark tagging! 

Want to go kayaking yourself? Go to Bahia Honda!

Still don't believe me about that sunscreen? Take a look at this.