Divers and Snorkelers to 'Eggsplore' the Keys' Coral Reef
Unique event celebrates it's tenth year.

Posted Thursday, March 25, 2010

 
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KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Divers visiting the Florida Keys around the Easter holiday are likely to trade in their “tank-head” personas for one more suitable to the season: “egghead.”

This year marks the 10th annual — and unusual — Underwater Easter Egg Hunt, set for Sunday, April 4, in the warm, clear waters off Key Largo.The hunt is hosted by Captain Spencer Slate of Atlantis Dive Center, well known for his sensational “creature feature” dive excursions. The event unfolds as Slate dons an extra-large bunny suit and dive gear to hide brightly colored Easter eggs beneath the waves for eager bounty hunters to find.

Divers and snorkelers are to check in at 8 a.m. at the Atlantis dive shop, located at mile marker 106.5 oceanside. Charter fees are to be specially priced at $85 per certified diver, including tanks and weights, $30 per adult snorkeler and $20 for children including gear. Up to three boats are scheduled to depart the Atlantis dock at 8:30 a.m.

Once participants are aboard, the Atlantis boats head out to a secret location on one of the Keys’ pristine reefs to allow revelers to seek the sunken hard-boiled treasures during the two-tank trip.

All Easter egg hunters win a prize, with a dive trip for two awaiting the diver who finds a specially colored egg. Real eggs and nontoxic colorings are used to prevent any negative ecological impact.

The fundraiser supports Kids In Special Situations, which provides gifts and holiday cheer to the area’s needy children.

For reservations, contact Captain Slate’s Atlantis Dive Center at 800-331-3483 or 305-451-3020.