Captain Spencer Slate has once again organized a dive for people who are looking for watery memorable moments. Started twelve years ago, he organized the famous Easter Sunday underwater egg hunt. This year, it is scheduled to leave the dock Easter morning, April 8 at 8:30 a.m. Not to worry, the Cap'n always finds a safe spot in the shallow reefs where certified divers and snorkelers.
The Cap'n puts on a classic bunny costume, ears and cottontail and encourages everyone to search. The diver who finds the special golden egg wins a basket filled with plenty of goodies and gift certificates to various dining places. The hunt is one of the numerous fundraising events that Slate organizes throughout the year.
"I put on a fuzzy, bunny suit for the dive and everyone chases the rabbit. We've already heard from 75 people who want to find the eggs and we're trying to get another boat ready for people who are presently on the waiting list. We dive in a shallow 'secret location' reef which isn't deeper than about 5 to 7 feet of water. That allows snorkelers to participate in the festivities too.We hide hundreds of eggs and everyone who comes up with an egg gets a goodie bag," said Slate.
>There are numerous dives during the year. They include the Creature Feature, a 20-25 feet of open water diving, as well as the Christ of the Abyss dive, the Wreck of the Spiegel Grove dive and the Wreck of the Bibb dive in 130-140 feet of water. The Cap'n hasn't forgotten handicapped divers either. He is pleased to continue a 33-year old tradition of working with handicapped/wounded warriors with "deptherapy" which helps people cope with hardship problems.
Atlantis Dive Center in Key Largo is located at mile marker 106.5 oceanside and equipment (masks, weights, and tanks), is included in the $85 price tag per certified diver.
"Wearing a bunny suit began about a dozen years ago. We had such fun that we've been doing it ever since then. Sure there are sand sharks, but that makes it an unforgettable experience when the sharks swim around the egg hunters. Everyone has a great time and we make sure that every aspect of the event is absolutely safe," said Captain Slate.
Now frankly, what could be more delectable for the sharks than a bunny? It's like someone rang the dinner bell and announced an underwater, all-you-can-eat, rabbit buffet. Add a buttery sunscreen to the captain's skin before entering the water and you are: "la-piece-de-resistance." Bon Voyage.
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