Ocala Dive

06/06/2026

While participating in Coralpalozza was our reason for being in Key Largo this week, a bit of recon was being completed also.

Yesterday, the three of us, Mark, Ryan, and myself, chartered a boat with Quiescence in Key Largo. Captain Dave was fantastic. Even with the seas 3-4ft, we had a great ride out to Elbow Reef. Once there we dove the Hannah Bell wreck and Five Fingers. Five Fingers has a barge that sank carrying one of Flagler trains. If you keep a watch out, you can still see the train wheels. Dave was at the stern waiting for us to assist with getting back in the boat.
Here’s a few pictures, courtesy of Ryan, from our dives.

06/05/2026

Is coral restoration something you would be interested in? Let us know! It was on my bucket list and ready to do it again.
Weekend or weekday?

06/05/2026

The right words are hard to come up with for this morning's experience. Ryan, Mark, and I were able to be a part of something so special. As we dropped down at Tavernier Nursery and looked over the largest coral nursery, waves of emotions hit me. To see all the work that goes into caring for and growing coral and getting hands-on experience caring for coral fragments is something that has to be experienced. As we swam through the coral trees, it brings hope that we can help restore and save the reefs.

06/04/2026

Bites on the Bay, Key Largo
Ocala Dive representing!

06/04/2026

Good morning from Key Largo! Heading out to a coral nursery with Coralpalozza!
With possible weather, we will be cleaning the nursery and then do a reef dive after.
More info to come!

06/03/2026

DIVE DATES!!!! More information to come. Watch for the newsletter early next week.

Saturday June 27th: Rainbow River NIGHT dive

Monday July 13th: Shark dive in Jupiter

Thursday July 16th: our first meeting of ODC After Hours

Thursday July 23rd: Venice shark teeth shore dive

April 2027: sign up now for our 6night live aboard Bahamas

06/02/2026

Are you also, a Subaru driver?!
Check out what we have available!

06/02/2026

Ever wonder what the first morning of your dive class looks like?!
Lots of smiles!

What’s holding you back from trying?

06/02/2026

Because of our gracious dive family, we were able to donate to The Rock, supporting our youth of the community.

Thank you all that donated!

A huge thank you to Jeff and Glenda, and the team at Ocala Dive Center for their generous donation of essential items to The ROCK Program!

Because of community partners like you, we are able to continue providing students hope for the future by empowering them in the present. Every hygiene item, school supply, and basic necessity donated helps remove barriers and allows students to focus on what matters most—being successful in school and life.

We are grateful for your support, your kindness, and your commitment to making a difference right here in our community. Together, we are helping students feel valued, supported, and cared for.

Thank you, Ocala Dive Center, for being part of the ROCK Program family! ❤️

06/02/2026

World Reef Awareness Day – June 1

Today we celebrate the incredible coral reefs that support life beneath the waves and help protect our coastlines above them.

Did you know?

🌊 Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, yet they support approximately 25% of all marine life.

🐢 Reefs provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for thousands of species, from colorful reef fish to sea turtles and sharks.

🏝️ Healthy reefs also help protect coastal communities from storms and erosion while supporting local economies through fishing and tourism.

Unfortunately, coral reefs around the world are facing threats from warming oceans, pollution, and habitat destruction. As divers, snorkelers, and ocean lovers, we have a unique opportunity to be advocates for these fragile ecosystems.

How you can help:
✅ Practice good buoyancy control and never touch coral
✅ Use reef-safe sunscreen
✅ Reduce single-use plastics
✅ Participate in local cleanups
✅ Educate others about reef conservation

Every dive is a chance to be a steward of the underwater world. Together, we can help ensure future generations experience the beauty and wonder of our reefs.

💙 Take only pictures. Leave only bubbles. Protect what we dive.

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Photo credit: Glenda Kalitzki, Grand Cayman