Who hasn't dreamed of weightlessness? Who hasn't imagined themselves floating peacefully through another world, coming face to face with creatures that you have never seen before or imagined could exist? Underwater, there is a whole set of life that is just waiting to be seen. You can get snorkeling gear for as little as $40 online, and in states like Florida, the best places are always free entry. There are so many different amazing species of fish you can see underwater, and just as many reasons to go explore the ocean.
Reason #1: Statues
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Strolling through a park and enjoying statues is always relaxing and enjoyable, but when they're covered in algae and home to all kinds of crawly-underwater critters who can resist checking these things out? This is one of three sunken hammerhead shark statues at Phil Foster park in Riviera beach, Florida. Not only is this one of the most amazing underwater snorkel parks in Florida, but entry into the park is free! There are so many sunken artificial reefs out in the water just waiting to be explored, so get out there and enjoy them!
Reason #2: Pancakes
Stingrays, the hot cakes of the sea. They may look like something delicious that should be slathered with syrup and lying on a plate in a Denny's somewhere, but they are likely nowhere as delicious as pancakes. Well they are just as edible and have been said to taste like scallops, but this is sadly not something I can attest to. This little guy was trying to use the spots on his back to blend in with the texture of the sand, probably because he knows he looks delicious.
Reason #3: Angels
Angels are real, and they're under the water. Oh, they're also French Angel Fish, so they like baguettes and eating snails. Well at least they will feed on some sea snails. They mostly feed on different kinds of coral reef and algae that grow on rock formations. They're some of the most vibrant, colorful fish you'll see under the sea (and they act like they know it too).
Reason #4: Shopping Carts
Every time i go to the grocery and grab a shopping cart one wheel is always missing, one wheel wont rotate so it just drags across the aisle like a spoiled child, or somebody will have left their snot rag in the bottom of it. Shopping carts are dumb on land, but underwater they become living reefs that are home to all kinds of creatures; including our old friend the Angel fish. Thanks to the efforts of many different wildlife organizations there are thousands of artificial reefs waiting to be seen! Fun Fact: there are approximately 87 species of saltwater Angel Fish!
Reason #5: Where's Waldo?
For those of you who love a good scavenger hunt, the ocean is the place for you to be. This creepy-crawly-crustacean in the middle of the picture may look obvious with the picture centered on him, but they are much better than Waldo at being seen. This little Blue Crab chooses to hide near anemones and in small reef crevices to attack unsuspecting fish that swim by. A little more murdery than Waldo was.
Reason #6: Beauty
When it's all said and done, it doesn't really matter what kind of fish you end up seeing, it's always beautiful under the water. It's an isolation from the outside world unlike anything that we normally experience. There are no cell phones, there are no social media updates or email alerts, and there are no pop-up ads on the coral reef. When you're sinking down to the bottom of the water all that's there is the wildlife, you, and the relaxing hum of the ocean water in your ear.
Downside...
So, one downside to the ocean is that shopping for boats down there is unusually difficult. They're all pre-owned boats and it seems like the previous owners never have any concept of cleanliness, or non-hole-in-bottom-of-boatness. However, all you need is a pair of goggles and some eyeballs to enjoy these underwater dystopias, and the ability to swim of course. Now that the winter is rolling in – I highly recommend making a trip down to the Sunshine State if you get a chance. The water stays relatively warm due to the Gulf Stream and the fish are always here enjoying it, and honestly why should they be able to have all the fun?
