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SUN SPLASH 2008
The Upper Keys Association of Dive and Snorkel Operators (UKADSO) will again sponsor Island Sun Splash. This event, now in its third year, is designed to showcase the wonders of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), both land and sea. The dates of this year's event will be June 11 14 and will have more diving and snorkeling than ever with more nightly parties and entertainment than you can imagine.
The Upper Florida Keys, widely known as the "Dive Capital of the World," could also be called "The Shipwreck Capital" of the world. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary's Shipwreck Trail contains nine historical wrecks, and five are in the Upper Florida Keys and are included in the dive schedule for Island Sun Splash 2008. The five ships on this registry are the City of Washington, the Benwood, the USCGC Duane, the Eagle and the San Pedro, which is a wreck from 1733. Along with these wonderful wreck dives, you will be able to dive on the world famous USS Spiegel Grove, the USCGC Bibb and another 1733 shipwreck the El Capitan. Visit all or most of these wrecks and experience the clearest water of the entire Florida Keys during this fun week.
A shuttle will be available for participants to dive the newest wreck in the Florida Keys, The Vandenberg. A small fee will be required for the shuttle driver to cover expenses. This is dependent upon the Vandenberg project being complete.
The fish watchers of the dive and snorkel community will enjoy the beautiful reefs of the Upper Florida Keys chock full with abundant fish life. Island Sun Splash will offer a free reef fish ID course during the week and hold a reef scavenger hunt to add even more fun to your dive vacation. In addition to this, Island Sun Splash will offer photographers an underwater photo competition. This contest is being supported by renowned photographers Tom and Theresa Stack and Larry Gates. They are putting together a fantastic contest with great prizes. An added attraction this year will be an underwater treasure hunt with tons of prizes.
Several of the major equipment manufacturers will be offering equipment trials during Island Sun Splash. This will give divers an opportunity to try out some of the most sophisticated equipment that is available. Manufacturers are signing on daily, so check the Island Sun Splash website for updates.
The land lubbers and divers alike will enjoy a self-guided tour of the History of Diving Museum, a land based scavenger hunt and free "Try SCUBA" for those that are not certified. Island Sun Splash will also offer a free "Pool Refresher" course for those that have a little rust to shake off before hitting the boat decks.
This year the organizers are working with some of the local restaurants and bars to put on nightly entertainment with a party atmosphere. As before, the beautiful Key Largo Resort's Holiday Inn will be hosting the event and is offering substantially discounted room rates. You will be able to get a great room for as low as $99 per night. The pool-side bar and spectacular pool area make this a great place to spend your week. Your wristband is your ticket to all of the Island Sun Splash activities. The wristband has a low cost of $20 and will get you discounts at the participating dive and snorkel operators along with participating restaurants and gift shops located throughout the Upper Florida Keys.
Island Sun Splash 2008 will bring tons of fun and lots of opportunity to get wet all over. For additional information about Island Sun Splash and the participating members check out www.islandsunsplash.com .
