Showing posts with label Things to do South Florida. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Things to do South Florida. Show all posts

Monday, August 20, 2012

Snorkel trail opens in Palm Beach County waters


Phil Foster Park
900 E. Blue Heron Blvd.
Riviera Beach, FL

A new snorkel trail at Phil Foster Park in the Lake Worth lagoon has recently been completed and is drawing underwater enthusiasts already familiar with the area’s clear waters and abundant sea life.

Palm Beach County spent $85,000 on construction of an artificial reef of limestone boulders and pre-fabricated concrete modules placed six to 10 feet under the water's surface.  The two-acre design includes ledges and small habitat spaces for fish, octopus, seahorse and other sea life. A kiosk was installed along the shoreline to help snorkelers identify what they find. Boat traffic is not allowed in the area. 

The county expects the new reef – a significant improvement over an adjacent reef of discarded grocery carts and garbage cans – to elevate the area to an important eco-tourism destination. It has been reviewed and endorsed by the Palm Beach County Diving Association.

The new snorkel trail, which still needs time to attract a large sea life population, can be accessed south of the guarded beach on the southern shoreline of Phil Foster Park. Parking is free but spaces fill up fast. For more information on artificial reefs in Palm Beach County, visit: www.pbcgov.com/erm/

Tags: snorkeling in Palm Beach County, snorkel trail Riviera Beach, sea life in Palm Beach County, underwater photography locations, artificial reefs in Palm Beach County

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Underwater grace: Mermaids at Fort Lauderdale's Wreck Bar


MeduSirena Swim Show
Wreck Bar 
The Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach (formerly the Yankee Clipper)
1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 http://www.sheratonftlauderdalebeach.com/

By Jane Feehan

There are only a couple of bars remaining in the United States with four portholes to a pool and Fort Lauderdale is lucky enough to claim one of them (there used to be several in this city). It’s the Wreck Bar located on the first floor of the B Ocean Hotel,* once known as the Yankee Clipper Hotel (for history of this landmark, see http://janesbits.blogspot.com/2011/06/florida-history-fort-lauderdales-yankee.html).  


I stopped in recently to see MeduSirena, a sub-surface water act headed by retro-performance artist and mermaid-in-chief, Marina Duran-Anderson.  It was 30 minutes of oohs and ahhs from the audience, many of whom were standing in the packed room. I highly recommend the colorful spectacle; it’s sophisticated, beautiful -- and unique.

Held on Fridays, 6:30-7 p.m., this Las Vegas-caliber performance is a great way to start an evening out on the town. It’s also free (please tip!).  Call to confirm the show will be held that night before heading over. The Wreck Bar opens at 6 p.m. but arrive by 5:30 p.m. to stand in line to get a seat. It’s worth it. If you can’t make the show, visit the Wreck Bar for a drink or light meal; it's a piece of Fort Lauderdale history.

See medusirena.com for more information about Ms. Duran-Anderson, “The Fire Eating Mermaid” and the shows she presents throughout Florida and the US.

* As of early December 2014, the hotel was acquired by the InSite Group and will operate in affiliation with B Hotels and Resorts. Renovations are planned and many hope they maintain the Wreck Bar with this notable show. 

Tags: Things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale nightlife, Yankee Clipper Hotel, mermaid show, Wreck Bar, porthole bar, bar with windows to the pool, Gill Hotel, entertainment in Fort Lauderdale

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Cruising Fort Lauderdale waterways - charter or ticket, it's the best way to see the city


Sun Dream at Sunrise Boulevard
What better way to host a holiday party, a wedding or other special event than on a boat cruising Fort Lauderdale's beautiful waterways. It's also the best way to see the city. Some companies offer private party charters, others sell individual tickets that may include lunch or dinner.

Then there’s the Water Taxi, a basic service that runs day and night along the Intracoastal and New River with stops at restaurants and points of interest. For $20 one can hop on and off and ride all day, a bargain. Other ticket prices are available to get from one stop to another and return. 

Some companies below will host Valentine’s Day special cruises.

For history of the Intracoastal waterway, see:
 For more on the Jungle Queen, see:
____________________________________________
Water Taxi; some are two deck
Water Taxi – 954-467-6677   For schedule of stops, and fares, see:

Jungle Queen954-462-5596 – individual tickets, leaves from Bahia Mar
Departs daily at 6 p.m. Dinner cruise available

Carrie B - 800-979-3370
Daily tours
Adults $22.95, Children $12.95 (under three, free)
Serenity Cruises954-941-3443
http://www.serenityyachtcruises.com/ Seems to be trouble with this site.
Cruises daily 4-7 p.m.
Valentine’s Day dinner $65

Riverfront Cruises (from downtown) – 954-463-3440
Adults $22; children $12
(Call 954-463-3220 after 01/23/2012 to find out if they are having a Valentine’s Day special)

Sun Dream Yachts operates three (charter): - 954-765-1460
Sun Dream – for parties of 15 up to about 150 people
Caprice – for parties of 100-400
Catalina – parties of more than 100; Valentine’s Day dinner for about $100 (ticket, not charter for this occasion, call for details)

Lady Lucille -954-525-7724 (lunch cruise on Wednesdays)
Adults $39, seniors $37, children $22

Lady Windridge (three boats) – 954-525-7724 or 800-579-5085
Large parties, dinner cruises

Tags: Fort Lauderdale yacht charters, boat cruises on the Intracoastal in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale boat charters, weddings on boats, Valentine's Day boat cruise, Valentine's Day dinner cruise, waterway cruises Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale boat tours, Valentine's Day ideas, dinner   cruises, river cruises, party boats



Thursday, July 14, 2011

Jupiter, Florida - Going to the Dogs

Freedom!
Displaying 0630121323.jpg
What did she say?


One of the best beaches for dogs in South Florida has to be three or so miles of Jupiter (and some of neighboring Juno). Excitement builds as four-legged critters bound out of cars and crash down wooden stair entrances to the beach to run free. Most run into the water, all look for new canine friends. When their jaunt to the beach ends, many dogs resist calls to return to the car. Some sit stubbornly, refusing to budge even if gently tugged by leash.  It's good fun all around, and the beaches remain clean and beautiful.
Jupiter Beach







Tags: Best beach for dogs in South Florida, dog beaches, Palm Beach County dog beach