Spooktacular Scuba Diving Halloween Events
Halloween conjures up images of haunted houses, carving pumpkins and dressing up for the chance of scoring king-sized candy bars. But what if we told you your haunted holiday can be all this and more — under the water.
All across the world, divers can trade in the risqué bunny costumes for a wetsuit and fins for some spooktacular Halloween-themed events. From haunted wrecks, to underwater pumpkin carving, to underwater costume contests, the spirit of Halloween can be found lurking beneath the water.
Haunted Diving Destinations
BIMINI
Hosted by Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center for the second year in a row, the Spooky Sapona Haunted House is a scuba diving and snorkel experience for daring divers who can face the ghouls and goblins that await them in Bimini.
The Sapona, a concrete ship, met its fate during a hurricane in 1926, and will be transformed into a haunted ship on Halloween night. The fate of the divers, however, is uncertain. The dive boat leaves dock at dawn for a 15-minute ride to the Sapona.
Cost: $85 for scuba divers and $39 for snorkelers (includes tank, mask and snorkel)
For more information, call the Bimini Scuba Center at 242-448-6606, the U.S. Reservations office at 1-800-737-1007 or 954-615-1011, or email [email protected].
FLORIDA KEYS
Historically referred to as All Hallows Eve or All Saints Eve, Halloween is the perfect time to dive into history — literally.
In celebration of the Florida Key’s treasure hunting heritage, the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum will hold its second annual Art McKee Days. From Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, divers and snorkelers can take part in treasure treats, a costume contest, a treasure hunt and, of course, a quick dive. Saturday holds dive and snorkel trips to some of McKee’s salvage sites off Islamorada, including the eerie remains of the Dutch-built San Pedro shipwreck.
If you survive, an underwater treasure hunt awaits you on Sunday. But beware: There may be more than treasure hidden among the wreckage.
www.islamoradadivecenter.com, www.DivingMuseum.org, www.keydives.com
BIMINI
At this next spot, don’t be surprised if your electronics suddenly give out, your compass’ needle start spinning wildly or the friendly dolphins seem a little too friendly. The Bimini Vortex is a strange patch of ocean, located just 35 miles offshore.
The Vortex, which one captain once called “a mystery wrapped in an enigma,” has claimed the lives of dozens of ships, planes and people — namely Flight 19 in 1945 — all of which disappearred without a trace.
Legend to be a part of the Bermuda Triangle or the long lost Atlantis, the Vortex will play host to only the bravest divers on Halloween. Join Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina in Alice Town for a night full of thrills.
For more information, visit [email protected] or call 1-800-867-4764.
Underwater Pumpkin Carving
KEY LARGO, FLORIDA
Carving pumpkins on land was fun when you were a youngster, but it’s time to take things up a notch with underwater pumpkin carving.
Prove your skills in Key Largo, Florida, at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, hosted by Amy Slate’s Amoray Dive Resort. With dive knives and whole lot of imagination, two-person teams will compete to see who can carve out the best ideas. And they won’t be alone. Reef fish are sure to lunge at the chance to snack on pumpkin scraps as they float to the top of the water, all while the divers do their best to hold these naturally buoyant fruits steady. The reward? A dive trip for two.
Cost: $85 (includes two tanks, two locations, weights and snorkel equipment)
VERMONT
If you’re looking for a bit more to go along with your creepy carving contest, there’s the Waterfront Diving Center’s Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest. On Oct. 25, divers and nondivers alike can enjoy a day of Halloween tradition — plus chili, barbecue and hot cider.
For the carving contest, divers will need a full set of cold-water diving equipment, carving tools and, oh, a pumpkin of course. Pumpkins will be judged on originality and artistry.
Cost: $20 (supports Divers Alert Network)
For more information, call 802-865-2771.
TENNESSEE
If you’d rather sit back and watch the pros, the Tennessee Aquarium’s annual underwater pumpkin carving competition is just for you. Two costumed divers will descend into the water, and carve their pumpkins while scaly alligators and unusual paddlefish swim by.
The public will then vote for its favorite pumpkin on the aquarium’s Facebook page. Competitions take place every Saturday at 11 a.m. until Halloween.
Cost: Admission prices
Costume Contests
SINGER ISLAND, FLORIDA
Want to dress up for Halloween without all the walking? Try swimming! Florida-based Pura Vida Divers will hold its Underwater Halloween Costume Contest aboard the Sirena from Oct. 25 to Oct. 31.
Frist-place winners can choose between a free boat pass and a $50 in-store Pura Vida gift card. Second place will receive a matted print from TheLivingSea.
Costumes must be worn underwater, be environmentally friendly and not impede on diver safety. No face paint, makeup or costume pieces that could cause entanglement are allowed.
“Divers are social and it's a great way to get out and do something fun with our customers and friends,” said Shana Phelan, owner and operator of Pura Vida Divers.
http://www.puravidadivers.com/
For more information, call 561-840-8750 or email [email protected].
Halloween conjures up images of haunted houses, carving pumpkins and dressing up for the chance of scoring king-sized candy bars. But what if we told you your haunted holiday can be all this and more — under the water.
All across the world, divers can trade in the risqué bunny costumes for a wetsuit and fins for some spooktacular Halloween-themed events. From haunted wrecks, to underwater pumpkin carving, to underwater costume contests, the spirit of Halloween can be found lurking beneath the water.
Haunted Diving Destinations
BIMINI
Hosted by Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center for the second year in a row, the Spooky Sapona Haunted House is a scuba diving and snorkel experience for daring divers who can face the ghouls and goblins that await them in Bimini.
The Sapona, a concrete ship, met its fate during a hurricane in 1926, and will be transformed into a haunted ship on Halloween night. The fate of the divers, however, is uncertain. The dive boat leaves dock at dawn for a 15-minute ride to the Sapona.
Cost: $85 for scuba divers and $39 for snorkelers (includes tank, mask and snorkel)
For more information, call the Bimini Scuba Center at 242-448-6606, the U.S. Reservations office at 1-800-737-1007 or 954-615-1011, or email [email protected].
FLORIDA KEYS
Historically referred to as All Hallows Eve or All Saints Eve, Halloween is the perfect time to dive into history — literally.
In celebration of the Florida Key’s treasure hunting heritage, the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum will hold its second annual Art McKee Days. From Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, divers and snorkelers can take part in treasure treats, a costume contest, a treasure hunt and, of course, a quick dive. Saturday holds dive and snorkel trips to some of McKee’s salvage sites off Islamorada, including the eerie remains of the Dutch-built San Pedro shipwreck.
If you survive, an underwater treasure hunt awaits you on Sunday. But beware: There may be more than treasure hidden among the wreckage.
www.islamoradadivecenter.com, www.DivingMuseum.org, www.keydives.com
BIMINI
At this next spot, don’t be surprised if your electronics suddenly give out, your compass’ needle start spinning wildly or the friendly dolphins seem a little too friendly. The Bimini Vortex is a strange patch of ocean, located just 35 miles offshore.
The Vortex, which one captain once called “a mystery wrapped in an enigma,” has claimed the lives of dozens of ships, planes and people — namely Flight 19 in 1945 — all of which disappearred without a trace.
Legend to be a part of the Bermuda Triangle or the long lost Atlantis, the Vortex will play host to only the bravest divers on Halloween. Join Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina in Alice Town for a night full of thrills.
For more information, visit [email protected] or call 1-800-867-4764.
Underwater Pumpkin Carving
KEY LARGO, FLORIDA
Carving pumpkins on land was fun when you were a youngster, but it’s time to take things up a notch with underwater pumpkin carving.
Prove your skills in Key Largo, Florida, at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, hosted by Amy Slate’s Amoray Dive Resort. With dive knives and whole lot of imagination, two-person teams will compete to see who can carve out the best ideas. And they won’t be alone. Reef fish are sure to lunge at the chance to snack on pumpkin scraps as they float to the top of the water, all while the divers do their best to hold these naturally buoyant fruits steady. The reward? A dive trip for two.
Cost: $85 (includes two tanks, two locations, weights and snorkel equipment)
VERMONT
If you’re looking for a bit more to go along with your creepy carving contest, there’s the Waterfront Diving Center’s Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest. On Oct. 25, divers and nondivers alike can enjoy a day of Halloween tradition — plus chili, barbecue and hot cider.
For the carving contest, divers will need a full set of cold-water diving equipment, carving tools and, oh, a pumpkin of course. Pumpkins will be judged on originality and artistry.
Cost: $20 (supports Divers Alert Network)
For more information, call 802-865-2771.
TENNESSEE
If you’d rather sit back and watch the pros, the Tennessee Aquarium’s annual underwater pumpkin carving competition is just for you. Two costumed divers will descend into the water, and carve their pumpkins while scaly alligators and unusual paddlefish swim by.
The public will then vote for its favorite pumpkin on the aquarium’s Facebook page. Competitions take place every Saturday at 11 a.m. until Halloween.
Cost: Admission prices
Costume Contests
SINGER ISLAND, FLORIDA
Want to dress up for Halloween without all the walking? Try swimming! Florida-based Pura Vida Divers will hold its Underwater Halloween Costume Contest aboard the Sirena from Oct. 25 to Oct. 31.
Frist-place winners can choose between a free boat pass and a $50 in-store Pura Vida gift card. Second place will receive a matted print from TheLivingSea.
Costumes must be worn underwater, be environmentally friendly and not impede on diver safety. No face paint, makeup or costume pieces that could cause entanglement are allowed.
“Divers are social and it's a great way to get out and do something fun with our customers and friends,” said Shana Phelan, owner and operator of Pura Vida Divers.
http://www.puravidadivers.com/
For more information, call 561-840-8750 or email [email protected].
