florida sea base travel

Florida Sea Base Explained: A Scout’s Best Prep Guide

With adventures ranging from open water sailing to deep-sea fishing to kayaking, not to mention snorkeling and even scuba diving… If you’re an ocean lover, Sea Base will be the ultimate Scouting adventure for you! 

Florida Sea Base is one of Scouting’s four national high-adventure program bases, along with Philmont Scout Ranch (New Mexico), Northern Tier (Minnesota), and Summit Bechtel Reserve (West Virginia). Sea Base is located in the Florida Keys and originally opened over 40 years ago, in 1980! 

Written by Eagle Scout and pro outdoor journalist, Owen Clarke. Cole here — I asked Owen to share his experience on ScoutSmarts, as he’s a true expert in outdoor adventuring and attended Sea Base with his troop in the past! You can learn more about Owen’s work at his website,  oclarke.com .

When I went to Sea Base in 2011, our crew of four Scouts and three dads enrolled in the Out Island Adventure. We camped on nearby Big Munson Island (a primitive 100-acre barrier island) for nearly a week. At Sea Base, we paddled to the island in a Polynesian war canoe, then fished, snorkeled, kayaked, and did even more during our time there!  😀

In short, it was an absolute blast! But there are many, many other Sea Base Adventures, too! You can focus specifically on scuba diving, sailing, fishing, or even join the marine STEM program, where you’ll learn about marine ecology and oceanography.

Is Sea Base the Adventure for You?

Sea Base is different from many Scouting experiences. Very few Sea Base Adventures involve camping or hiking. You’ll mostly be in the sun, on the beach, or in a vessel out on the water!

So, if you don’t like warm weather, water, or the beach then maybe it’s not a great choice. 😉 However, there are 7+ different Sea Base Adventures available, so there’s something for almost everyone !

If you’re wondering what Sea Base Adventure might be right for you, here are my top suggestions…

• If you love camping, then check out the Out Island Adventure (the program I did, which I’d highly recommend!) at the Brinton Environmental Center on Big Munson Island.
• The SCUBA Adventures are a great option if you want to see some amazing aquatic life up close and personal while learning the art of diving.
• If you want to learn to navigate the high seas in a 40+ foot-long vessel, the Sailing Adventures will be the program for you.
• If you’ve always wanted to be a marine biologist, the Marine STEM Adventure lets you monitor coral health and water quality, tag sharks, and learn about underwater robotics.
• If you and your troop love to go fishing, the Florida Fishing Adventure is the perfect opportunity to make some legendary catches and memories.
• And, if you’re uncertain about Sea Base and would like more info, check out my FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section below!

Since I attended Out Island, one of Sea Base’s all-time most popular Adventures, I’ll be telling you about my experiences in the next section. Regardless of what Sea Base Adventure you choose, hearing about my Adventure in Out Island will give you some helpful tips, secrets, and warnings for your own trip!

5 Secrets About Sea Base’s “Out Island Adventure”

There’s plenty of information about Sea Base online, but there are a few things you can really only learn by heading to Sea Base yourself! Luckily for you Scouts, I’ve been to Sea Base before, so I can give you the lowdown on a few TOP-SECRET Sea Base facts you might not find elsewhere online. 

NOTE: Florida Sea Base has a variety of Adventures set in a variety of locations, and every Adventure is different! I went on the Out Island Adventure to Big Munson Island, so the following “secrets” apply to that trip. Whatever Sea Base Adventure you choose, one thing is certain… you’re going to have a stellar time!

1. You’ll Vibe With Vacacoons and Key Deer!

Sea Base might be known for ocean life, but there’s plenty of life on land, too! Big Munson Island, the island where you’ll camp during the Out Island Adventure (and visit during the Keys Adventure), is home to a variety of animals. The two most famous are the meddlesome vacacoons and the gentle Key deer. 😀

Vacacoons (basically the Sea Base version of a raccoon!) often try to steal your food and get into your trash, so you have to brainstorm a variety of ways to keep them away from your campsite! These wily little critters are constantly scheming, so stay on the lookout!

Key deer are an endangered species of deer found only in the Florida Keys. These gentle, mellow creatures are North America’s smallest deer species. You’ll see plenty on Big Munson Island!

2. Stay Away from the Poisonous Poisonwood!

If you thought poison ivy was bad, wait until you hear about the poisonwood tree! These poisonous trees aren’t everywhere on Big Munson Island, but you’ll definitely run into a few. They’re common throughout the Florida Keys, so make sure to avoid touching them!

Tip: Properly identifying poisonwood trees will help you steer clear. Their trunks and branches look like they’re covered in giant, oozing black scabs, and their leaves appear polished and glossy (because of the poisonous oil). If you see a tree like this, stay away!

Their sap is the same toxin found on poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, so they’ll give you a horrendous, itchy rash if you touch their leaves or bark. Luckily, these trees are easy to spot, due to their bright red bark with black spots. Beware the poisonwood!!

3. Get Lost in the Mangrove Maze

One of the highlights of the Out Island Adventure is paddling on sea kayaks through the “Mangrove Maze” on the far side of the island. This dense network of mangrove trees (which grow straight out of the water!) is deceptively difficult to navigate. It really is like a giant natural maze, and it’s very easy to get lost!

Funny Story: Unfortunately, my friend had to go #2 while kayaking in the maze. We were lost in the maze and way too far from camp, so he hung his buttocks over the side of our kayak (nearly flipping us over!) while doing his business. Needless to say, we still laugh about that experience today! Luckily we didn’t end up in the water along with his… Well, you know what I mean. 😛

4. Keep an Eye Out for Island Spooks

Your “Mate” (the Sea Base staffer assigned to your crew) will probably tell you a variety of ghost stories about Big Munson during your time on the island, especially around the campfire at night! 

These tall tales vary over the years (although I’m sure that many of the ghost stories told when I was at Sea Base back in 2011 are still being told!). Anyways, it’s safe to say that many Sea Base veterans believe there are more than a few haints and haunts on the island. Make sure you’re zipping your sleeping bag up tight each night…

5. Fish, Fish, and More Fish!

No matter your Adventure at Sea Base, if there’s one thing you’ll do, it’s go fishing! One of my favorite memories from Sea Base was “snorkel fishing.”

What is Sea Base Snorkel Fishing: Snorkel fishing is a real treat! We were given a snorkel, mask, and piece of fishing line with a hook on the end. We wrapped the lines around our hands, then snorkeled around the reefs, trying to drop our lines into the mouths of fish and catch them. It was crazy to watch the fish just a few feet away as they inspected our baited lines, seeing if they would bite or not. It was almost like catching fish with our bare hands! 

Maybe you’ll go deep-sea fishing instead, or perhaps you’ll get to fish from the beach! When my younger brother went to Sea Base this year, he didn’t go snorkel fishing with a hook and line, he actually went trapping for lobsters instead!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do at sea base.

There are a variety of Adventures at Sea Base, but almost all are centered around…you guessed it…the sea! You can choose from scuba diving courses, open water and reef sailing programs, fishing trips, and more. 

Many programs, such as the Out Island Adventure, include a variety of activities. When I went in 2011, we went deep sea fishing one day, kayaking through a mangrove forest the next, and snorkeling another day!

However, some activities, like scuba diving, are only available as part of dedicated scuba diving adventures, where you focus 100% on diving. So, if you’re super passionate about a certain type of aquatic activity, definitely try to join that specific Adventure! 🙂

What Should You Bring to Florida Sea Base?

You can see our dedicated “Sea Base Packing List” below. Generally, just remember to pack like you’re going to a warm, tropical climate. Sunscreen and bug spray are a must! 

Sea Base Packing Tip: Your packing list changes slightly depending on your program. For example, if you’re doing the Out Island Adventure like I did, you’ll need to bring closed-toe water shoes, so you can wade in the shallow water around the island. If you’re doing a Scuba Adventure, you may need to bring your completed PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) workbook. 

Below is a good general packing list that will give you an idea of the gear you need. Just remember to check your program-specific packing list before you leave, too!

Example Sea Base Packing List

• Long Sleeve Shirt (1x)
• T-Shirt (2x)
• Wide Brim Hat w/ Strap
• Swimsuit (2x)
• Regular Shorts (1x)
• Lightweight Pants (1x)
• Regular Socks (3x)
• Walking Shoes (1x)
• Sandals (1x)
• Medication 
• Toiletry Kit
• Towels (2x)

Personal Gear

• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Polarized Sunglasses
• Water Bottle (2x)
• Reef-Safe Sunscreen (No Sprays)
• Soothing Lotion
• Insect Repellant (No Sprays)
• Waterproof Watch
• Waterproof Camera

You should plan for hot, humid weather, too. Generally, all you need is a light sleeping bag insert, but if you’re visiting Sea Base in winter or early spring, you may want to bring a 40° or 30° sleeping bag . For more info on the best gear to pack, check out Cole’s Camping Essentials article ! 🙂

What Should You Not Bring to Florida Sea Base?

Most of the items you shouldn’t bring to Sea Base are the same things you shouldn’t bring to any Scouting adventure. 

Phones and other electronics, such as iPods or handheld video game devices, are strongly discouraged. Other prohibited items include fireworks, skateboards, aerosol sunscreens or insect repellents, spear guns, and full-face diving masks.  

What Island is Sea Base on?

Sea Base has several locations, but the main sites are in the Florida Keys, a chain of islands on the very southern tip of Florida. 

The original Florida Sea Base is located on Lower Matecumbe Key, but many of today’s most popular programs (such as the Out Island Adventure) are based out of the Brinton Environmental Center, which is further down the Keys, on Summerland Key. The famous uninhabited “island” that many Sea Base adventures visit is Big Munson Island, which is five miles offshore.

Where/What is Sea Base Bahamas?

Sea Base isn’t just in the mainland United States! Like I mentioned above, there are several different Sea Base sites in the Florida Keys, but there are also three Sea Bases abroad!

The Bahamas Sea Base is the oldest and most well-known. It’s located in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas, approximately one hour by plane from Miami. There are also two Sea Bases in the U.S. Virgin Islands, one in St. Croix and one in St. Thomas. In total, these sites offer six different Sea Base Adventures.

What Merit Badges Yan You Earn at Sea Base?

Sea Base is not designed as a merit badge camp, so there are no merit badge programs or instructors. However, you will have the opportunity to earn several certifications or awards at Sea Base, depending on your program. These include BSA Kayaking, Snorkeling, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, and Scuba. 

While no merit badges are needed to attend, Sea Base lists a few that you could earn before your trip. These might give you valuable skills to help you enjoy the adventure even more! These merit badges are Swimming , Astronomy, Bird Study, Cooking , Fishing, Kayaking, Lifesaving , Oceanography, Photography , Scuba Diving, Small Boat Sailing, Signs, Signals and Codes, and Weather.

Sea Base is basically the ultimate Scouting adventure, so if you’re heading there soon, get ready to have the time of your life! While I’ve shared my own experiences at Sea Base to help you be better prepared, make sure to carefully plan with your troop to have the best adventure possible. 😀

Thanks for reading! I hope this article helped you out a ton. Wishing you some amazing Scouting and Sea Base adventures ahead!

Owen Clarke

Owen Clarke is an Eagle Scout from Troop 7343 Huntsville, AL. For Owen, Scouting inspired a lifelong love of the outdoors, adventure sports, and travel. Today he works as a journalist, writing for top outdoor publications.

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Guide To Florida Sea Base: Boy Scout High Adventure Camp – 16 Important Factors

Apart from regular meetings and campouts, each Boy Scout has an opportunity to participate in 1 of 4 exclusive high-adventure camps situated across the nation. In this article, we will be pin-pointing a marine-based camp in a Guide to Florida Sea Base.

Thinking of starting scuba diving in prep for Sea Base? Check out this article for a beginner’s guide !

Guide to Florida Sea Base is just one of the many high-adventure camps for Boy Scouts. Here are the 4 high adventures that Boy Scouts of America offers:

• Florida National High Adventure Sea Base
• Philmont Scout Ranch High Adventure
• Summit Bechtel Reserve National Scout Camp
• Northern Tier High Adventure

In this article, we will be providing a guide to the Florida Sea Base, outlining the following topics:

This article focuses on Florida National High Adventure Sea Base. Nestled in Islamorada of the Florida Keys, this high-adventure Scout Camp offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to discover the ocean both above and underwater. Scouts can participate in Scuba Diving, Sailing, Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, and Ocean Conservation in the beautiful tropics.

• Guide to Florida Sea Base: What to Bring
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Transportation
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Weather
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Food
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Lodging
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Schedule
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Staff
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Facilities
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Store
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Food Court
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Internet
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Showers and Restrooms
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Extra-Curriculars/Things to Do
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Atmosphere
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Around the Area
• Guide to Florida Sea Base: Overall Opinion

Note: This article is not meant to outline the program that Scouts will partake in at Sea Base. This is rather a guide to provide an overview of the camp itself.

What to Bring

• First of all, Sea Base will provide you with a packing guide before you go. However, I am adding things you might need/should be emphasized.
• Get a windbreaker/light jacket. Due to the weather, you can be caught in a downpour at the wrong time. In addition, it might get a little chilly at night, especially for those susceptible to the cold.
• Bring at least $100 to use as pocket money on the trip. There are many great souvenirs, snacks, and necessities to buy at camp. If you don’t burn through it all, that’s fine, but bring it just in case.
• Buy a watch. Even the $10 watches at the local convenience stores work, as long as they are water-resistant and can tell the time properly.
• Devices. Phones and computers are totally okay in Sea Base. There is service and charging ports. Lots of adults especially got the opportunity to catch up on office work during their stay.

Note: Continue reading for more detailed info about the weather, internet, store, and more!

Transportation

• The main highway stretching along the Keys (HWY 1 Overseas Highway) takes you to Sea Base
• There are no crosswalks, meaning you have to jaywalk
• The whole camp is within walking distance
• To go to your daily activities, whether it be scuba diving or sailing, you will go by boats

• It is always muggy in the Sunshine State, even in the night
• Afternoons from 12-5 PM are the worst heat
• It rains almost every day, usually in the early morning, but occasionally during the day. When it rains, it pours hard for a short amount of time
• Weather can often be unpredictable, as the Keys are especially prone to hurricanes (meaning be warned when on your trip)
• Definitely, a weather shock if you don’t live in Florida!
• The food isn’t amazing, but it is filling and good enough to pass by. Reasonably as good as you can get in a Scout Camp.
• On the last dinner before leaving, everyone has a luau, providing delicious barbecue-style food (one of the best meals in camp)
• Food is accommodating to vegetarians and gluten-free Scouts
• Meals are in outdoor seating, but with the Florida weather, it’s quite pleasant to sit outside

• All crews are provided with indoor air-conditioned dorms and showers
• 8 people (a full crew) can fit in a dorm, and it includes charging ports, fans, air-conditioning, and raised bunks with mattresses
• Practically bug and animal-free; the Keys are nearly devoid of any insects or large land animals
• Each hall of dorms shares an open common room, with high-quality AC, cleaning supplies, and furniture
• You will also share bathrooms with the rest of your floor, which are relatively clean and good-quality
• It’s the best you will ever get in a Scout camp!
• SHOCKER: There’s no fixed schedule!
• The only times set in stone are the meal times, which for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are 7:30 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM, respectively.
• Everything else is up to the whims of your staff guides, for better or for worse.
• But usually, you will have your daily activity, eat lunch on your boat or at home base (depending on your program and itinerary), come back and relax, eat dinner, and have the rest of the night off
• This leaves you with a lot of free time, which we will hope to alleviate in the “Extracurriculars/Things to Do Section.”

• For any outdoor activity, you will always have a staff member accompanying you
• Each crew is assigned one staff member to guide them throughout the week.
• They are all highly qualified and laid-back, so if you need anything, don’t be afraid to ask!
• As previously stated, the camp has good quality bathrooms, housing, and food
• They also have a snack bar and gift shop (which will be discussed in the following 2 sections)
• All indoor places have ACs, and some outdoor areas have fans/ventilation
• A chapel for prayer and a game room for recreation are available

• Large air-conditioned store on the waterside, open during most of your free time
• Has all kinds of goods in the shop, from souvenirs to essentials, to merch, to drinks!
• Prices are obviously marked up but are pretty fair for the most part
• Popular buying options: belts, hats, shirts, and stickers of Sea Base Merch

Food Court (Snack Bar)

• The snack bar is near the game room beneath the dorms; small and cozy
• Offers store-bought ice creams, as well as their handmade beverages
• Includes items such as milkshakes, which is the most popular item on the menu. Pretty expensive at $6, but is big enough to be split between 2 people, and is still almost as filling as a whole meal

• Good data is available in almost all of the camp, even on the boat during daily excursions!
• Fast enough for good quality calls and movie-streaming
• Some places in the camp have Wifi, though they are password protected and may not be open to Scouts

Showers and Restrooms

• Each dorm hallway has showers, the ground floor has 2 rows of them, and there are bathrooms next to the canteen that has showers with them
• The cleanest bathrooms are usually your own dorm’s ones!

Extra-Curriculars/Things to Do

• Hang out at the dock and watch the sunset (the sunrise happens behind the buildings so not a great view). You can take photos, lay out on the dock, or hang your feet over the edge. Some people even fish! Just know that the dock isn’t open after dark.
• Play games in the game room beneath the dorms. They have classics like ping-pong and bean bag toss. Plus, it’s right next to the snack shack in case you want to slurp up a milkshake too!
• Go shopping in the trading post (“The Ship Store”). With its wide selection of items, take some time to bag some souvenirs for the family. Also, they have a map in the corner of the store that plots out where every troop who visited Sea Base is from. Add yours to the list!
• Take walks around the camp. With the pleasant weather in the early morning and evening, it’s the perfect time and place to take walks along the dock, marina, chapel, and around the colorful dorms. This is an all-day activity that never gets old with good company.
• Unfortunately, that’s most of what you can do during your free time (which you have a lot of). This means that you will have a lot of time with your crew friends to spend, for better or for worse.

• Continuous rotation of Scout crews: some will come and leave on Wednesdays, others on Sundays; this means that there are no real formal ceremonies
• No morning/evening flags; simply grab your food and eat!
• Overall, it’s a a much more relaxed experience than any other adventure camp or Boy Scout outing you will ever go on
• As such, you have a lot of freedom and flexibility on what you want to do during your stay. So enjoy!

Around the Area

• Across the street is Habanos, a Cuban restaurant that is frequented by Sea Base-goers. The food is pretty decent, so if you ever need a day off from Sea Base food, you know where to go!
• Down the street is the Florida Overseas Heritage Trail, which takes you over the bridge of Lower Matecumbe Key (the island that Sea Base is on) to scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean
• However, there isn’t much to do outside the premises of Sea Base, since Lower Matecumbe Key is mostly a residential area over anything else

Overall Opinion

• This was one of the most fun and unique Scout camps I’ve ever been on.
• The experience with the camp was extremely favorable, and coupled with the awesome daily activities, I would love to go back again!
• My only request would be for more fun activities to be available after scheduled excursions.
• Otherwise, a great once-in-a-lifetime experience. With this guide to Florida Sea Base, we’re sure you will have a blast!

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Sea Base Tours FAQs

Where do tours start in florida.

All of our tours start in Fort Lauderdale. At this time we are only working with groups who fly in and out of Fort Lauderdale.

Where is Sea Base? How far to airport? How do I get there?

Sea Base is over 120 miles from Ft. Lauderdale; it takes approximately 2.5 hours to travel from the airport to Sea Base. The Brinton Environmental Center is over 170 miles from the airport; the drive takes approximately 3.5 hours.

How much does it cost to go to Sea Base?

A rough rule of thumb is that the actual Sea Base fee is about one third of your overall budget. The balance is spent on airfare, ground transportation, meals, tour and sightseeing expenses, crew gear, and training. Total trip expenses for a typical group range from $1,250 – $2,000 per person.

What Time should my flight depart Ft. Lauderdale?

For groups leaving Sea Base Islamorada, flights must leave after 1:00 pm; for groups leaving from Brinton Environmental Center flights must leave after 2:30 pm; for groups leaving from Coral Reef Sailing Crew flights must leave at 3:30 pm.

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Sea Base Out Island Adventure

This summer I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Florida with Harry and his fellow Boy Scouts to participate in Sea Base Out Island Adventure.

If you’re here because you have googled “Sea Base Out Island Adventure” and are tying to prepare for your trip; you’re in the right spot. I’ll break down our trip for you and will even create an unofficial Sea Base packing list according to my experience. If you’re here because you heard I went to a deserted island and are wondering what in the heck I was thinking; you’re in the right place. I’ll let you know exactly what I was thinking.

Almost two years ago Harry came home from a Boy Scout meeting and said they were planning a trip to Florida Sea Base for a High Adventure and he wanted to go. Scouts have to be 13 to attend this particular High Adventure and he would be old enough when it was time for the trip. Never wanting to stifle his excitement for an enriching activity, we said “yes” even though he was 11 at the time. In my head I knew he would be 13 in two years and able to go without a parent but in my heart he was just an 11-year-old asking to fly to Florida and do ocean activities on his own.

Because I was unable to imagine what he would be capable of at 13, I signed up to go with him.

Flash forward to this summer!

We had 16 people attend Sea Base from our Boy Scout troop. 5 adults and 11 boys ranging in ages 13 to 16. We were split into two crews of 8 and each crew had a “crew mate.” Crew Mates are Sea Base employees who are trained and skilled in island adventure and sea fairing ways. Think of them as a cross between a camp counselor, a sea boat captain, and a jolly pirate that only participate in the fun parts of piracy; not the nasty, illegal bits. Their role is to ensure the safety of the crews, keep the Scouts engaged in island activities and set the mood.

Leading up to Sea Base I became CPR certified, attended Wilderness First Aid Training, went to the gym sort of regularly, and passed a 100 yard swim test.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the trip, I must disclose that this turned out to be a unicorn of an adventure.

Looking back, there is no way I would be able to go back to Sea Base and have the same experience again. If anything could go right…it did. It started with a tropical storm, that promised to dump rain on us all week, that took a turn out to sea and the weather was perfect. The air was hot and humid but the ocean breeze offered relief. Every single person on the trip was a pleasure to be with. The adults were a blast and hilarious and the boys were encouraging, thoughtful, funny, and kind. Everyone struggled at some point on the trip but they each found ways to cope with their hardship be it physical or emotional. The icing on the cake was the two Sea Base Crew Mates that were assigned to our group. Nick and Caleb are 20-something brothers who’s playful banter and comradery set the tone for our trip. Their energy was infectious. They loved being on the island so much that suddenly we thought that maybe we were island people too when just days prior we might have been dreading it.

Nick and Caleb introduced us to my new favorite motto:

The difference between and adventure and an ordeal is your attitude.

While I would encourage every Scout to attend Sea Base if they have the chance, I truly feel that our experience could never be duplicated.

Travel to Sea Base Out Island Adventure

We flew direct from Dallas to Key West. From Key West we took public transportation from the airport to Looe Key Resort (let the record show that they are playing fast and loose with the term “resort”). We had to take a shuttle bus and then transfer to a city bus to get to Looe Key. Thank goodness we allowed a day of travel so as to not feel crunched for time because the pubic buses used the bus time table as more of a guideline as opposed to a schedule. On the bright side, the long bus ride gave the boys a perspective of travel that they probably hadn’t experienced.

We stayed at Looe Key Resort because the Hampton Inn was upwards of $500/night. Looe Key Resort was more of a motel but the rooms were clean and the beds comfortable and it has a tiki bar/restaurant on property. There weren’t any other places to eat within walking distance (other than the Texaco where we found everything we needed for breakfast) so perhaps it does earn the moniker of “resort” after all.

The next day we decided to take Uber to Sea Base. It cost just a little bit more than the public bus but was much more reliable and timely.

Once at Sea Base we met our Crew Mates, got a tour of the facilities, put our stuff in our dormitories and immediately donned our swim suits to do a swim text and check our snorkel gear. After dinner we encouraged everyone to check in with their families as all the cell phones would be locked away while were were on the island. We told parents that “no news was good news” and that they wouldn’t hear from us again until we returned from our adventure 5 days later.

Day One on Munson Island

Munson island is a primitive island (no electricity, running water, or buildings) owned by BSA. It is about 1 mile long by 1/2 mile wide and was gifted to the Boy Scouts many years ago as a place to allow Scouts the chance for island adventure and teach conservation.

Each of our personal items had to fit into a 50 liter water proof bag and we were responsible for carrying all of our own stuff. After a hearty lunch we boarded our vessels and headed out to Munson island. Each vessel was a 8-person canoe that held us, our bags, and a Crew Mate at the rudder. We paddled 6 miles to the island in about 2 hours. Two years ago when I heard that we had to canoe 6 miles to a deserted island, I imagined myself battling waves in the open ocean, struggling to make it. When in reality it was a group effort. The biggest wave was a small wake from a passing boat and we were never out of sight of land.

Once we made it to Munson Island we waded ashore with our one bag of belongings, a bag of snorkel gear, and apprehensive excitement. Sargassum seaweed lined the shore. It’s not an unusual occurrence despite what the news tells you. However, it is smelly and uncomfortable to walk through. Unfortunately, we had to trudge through 5 to 20 feet (depending on the tide) of stinky sargassum to get to and from our canoes (which happens multiple times a day). It didn’t take long for most of the boys to get over the smell and gross feeling of walking through sludge. I, on the other hand, never got used to it. It was a mental exercise in overcoming an obstacle that I knew could limit my ability to enjoy myself.

While we brought all of our personal belongings in the canoe, all of our water and food for the week was brought in a boat from Sea Base. Each crew was provided 110 gallons of water and a large tub of canned and fresh food to ration throughout the week. It was up to the boys to get everything from the boat to the campsites. They formed a fire line through the sargassum from the boat to the beach, handing off 5 gallon jugs of water to each other and worked together to get the food ashore. The adults weren’t allowed to help. In fact, we were told to take a back seat for everything. We were to let the boys figure it out; breakfast, lunch, and dinner, division of duties, time management, etc. The only time we were supposed to step in was if for safety reasons. The Crew Mates were in charge!

I will admit; the first day on the island was very tough. It was a challenge mentally and physically. I was on sensory overload from the heat, the smell of sargassum, physical exhaustion, and being wet all day. I wondered what I had gotten myself into and it took a while for me to process everything I was seeing and feeling. Thankfully the other adults were amazing and had great attitudes. I’m especially thankful for the other woman on the trip. Having another woman to confide in and depend on during a challenge such as this was a huge comfort. Jill and I quickly became bonded by our circumstance and a support system for each other. Jill’s coping mechanism to deal with the hard parts of the trip was to look for the beauty around us and proclaim all the things we had to be grateful for. Looking for the silver lining  and gratitude makes for a much better tent mate than a complainer.

Our adventure was so grand and there is so much to cover that I will divide the recap up into multiple posts. Everyone would admit that the first day on Munson island was really hard. But the one thing that surprised me were the toilets. The composting toilets were the only structures on the island. I expected them to be like typical campsite toilets or port-a-potties: disgusting. That was not the case! They didn’t smell at all, they were clean and breezy. In fact, this is where I changed every day. Getting in and out of a wet swim suit is better done standing up than laying down in a hot tent.

Next up…day two on our Sea Base Out Island Adventure .

Related Posts via Categories

• Out Island Adventure: Wrap Up
• Sea Base Out Island Adventure – Munson Island
• Hawaiian Vacation – Part 3 Maui Hiking Adventure
• Hawaiian Vacation Part 2 – Maui Snorkel Adventure
• Hawaiian Vacation – Part 1
• European Vacation: Wrap Up
• European Vacation Part 1
• On Camping and Unplugging

The Epic Road Trip of 2017- Part 3 – Minneapolis

• The Epic Road Trip of 2017 – Part Two – The Black Hills

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OA Ocean Adventure 2022

Event dates, oa ocean adventure program.

Order of the Arrow Ocean Adventure is a nine-day program at Florida Sea Base in the Florida Keys. During your adventure, you will spend time providing service in the Florida Keys and get to experience some of the adventure opportunities at the Florida Sea Base including snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing in the beautiful crystal-clear tropical waters. Participants may also have the opportunity to Key West.

Cost: $550 per participant - Travel to and from Sea Base is not included in the fee. Shuttles are available by commercial providers.

As of 4/25/22

Please check oa trail crew philmont for additional high adventure opportunities in 2022.

• Session 1 - 1 SPOT
• Session 2 - FULL
• Session 3 - FULL
• Session 4 - FULL
• Session 5 - FULL
• Session 6 - 2 SPOTS
• Session 7 - FULL
• Session 8 - FULL
• Session 9 - FULL

No waiting list is available at this time and due to the program structure additional spots are unable to be added

OA Ocean Adventure Requirements

To attend the Order of the Arrow Ocean Adventure program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Every participant must be at least 16 years of age by the day your program starts, but not yet 21 by its conclusion.
• Participants must also be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America and an Order of the Arrow Lodge.
• A complete physical examination in required. (BSA's Health and Medical Record will be sent to those who are accepted.)
• Be able to successfully complete the BSA swim test in its entirety.

There are no exceptions to these rules. Selection for the Ocean Adventure program is both an honor and a privilege.

Registration Options

PTAC Seabase 2021

Florida Sea Base Adventures

July 31st - August 9th, 2021 Florida Sea Base, Islamorada, Florida - BSA's National High Adventure Base in the Florida Keys!

Pathway to Adventure Council's treks will be ten amazing days exploring this unique ecosystem. 

Coral Reef Sailing (Crew Size 12-16) - $2,100 SCUBA Adventure (Crew Size 6-8) - $2,200

CORAL REEF SAILING TRIP: Participants will set sail on this adventure which includes living on-board the sailboat, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing from beautiful Islamorada, Florida.

SCUBA ADVENTURE TRIP: Participants will have the opportunity for 10-15 dives while at Sea Base, including night dives! This trip includes overnight accommodations at Sea Base for the duration of the trip with daily boating and SCUBA excursions.

 * pricing based upon min crew sizes, will be adjusted as adventures fill up

 * pricing INCLUDES airfare and all travel expenses

 * 18-20 year old adults will only be accepted if space allows

 * SCUBA certification is required for SCUBA adventure, but not included (group rate for SCUBA certification to be offered in Spring 2021)

 * all adult participants must complete YPT, Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, & Hazardous Weather

 * Wilderness First Aid Certification may also be required for adults, obtained at participants' expense

 * All participants MUST complete the BSA swim test with a 'swimmer' designation prior to travel.

Due to the nature of the activities, medical restrictions apply.

More info can be found here, bottom of page 4.

Travel | SeaWorld Orlando: Free beer is back

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Free beer is returning to SeaWorld Orlando, this time as part of the company’s celebration of its 60th birthday.

Theme park guests can now receive one 7-ounce draft from the Waterway Grill Patio daily 11 a.m. until one hour before the park closes. SeaWorld’s annual passholders are eligible for two 7-ounce pours per day.

SeaWorld also is introducing a Happy Hour Wednesdays promotion. It’s a buy one/get one free deal for draft beer and cocktails at the park’s Glacier and Waterway bars. The happy hour’s hours are 4 p.m. until park close.

The free beer deal is a limited-time offer, although SeaWorld has not announced when the last day will be.

Waterway Grill is located in the area past the entrance to the Infinity Falls water ride.  The building also houses the pass-member lounge. Glacier Bar is near the Ice Breaker roller coaster.

Consumers, of course, must be at least 21 years old.

SeaWorld Orlando is in the midst of its Seven Seas Food Festival, which is held Thursdays-Sundays through May 19.

Free beer is a recurring offer at SeaWorld. It dates back at least to the era when the park was owned by Busch Entertainment Co., a division of Anheuser-Busch, and the company’s products were frequently available for sampling. The brewer got out of the theme-park business in 2009, although it remains in the name of Busch Gardens theme parks, including one in Tampa.

SeaWorld is celebrating the opening of its first park. It debuted in San Diego in 1964. SeaWorld Orlando opened in 1973.

Email me at [email protected] . Threads account: @dbevil . X account: @themeparks . Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters .

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High Adventure Week: Sea Base for 2022-2023

If you enjoy the water, then Sea Base is the place to be.

Sea Base, stationed in the Florida Keys, operates 19 different programs in the Bahamas, Florida Keys and U.S. Virgin Islands. Scouts can choose to camp, paddle, sail, fish, scuba-dive or participate in multi-adventure or a STEM adventure.

You can select a specialized program that interests your Scouts, whether they’re greenhorns or experienced seafarers. Adventures provide opportunities to explore historic seaports and state parks, kayak on the ocean, complete service projects at a national park and observe the rich biodiversity of saltwater ecosystems.

Multiple spring and summer 2022 dates are still available.

Sea Base registration

Reservations are immediate and first-come, first-serve. There is no lottery.  Reservations  for 2023 are open starting Jan. 12. Reservations for 2022 are still available . To complete a reservation, units will need to pay $250 per reservation using either a credit card or online check. All subsequent payments must be made by online check.

You can log on to the BSA’s  Find Your Adventure info portal to register. To Be Prepared for the best possible experience on registration day, make sure your  My.Scouting  account is up to date.

Other Sea Base news you need

• Bahamas sailing: Fly directly into Abaco, Marsh Harbour, Bahamas. Board your vessel and set sail on the Sea of Abaco, visit historic settlements, snorkel and fish. Crew sizes for Bahamas Sea Base Adventures are up to eight, 12 or 20 Scouts. No overnight sailing experience required.
• Brinton Environmental Center: Located just outside of historic Key West on Summerland Key, the environmental center offers ocean adventures including: Keys Adventure up to eight Scouts, Florida Fishing Adventure up to eight Scouts, Out Island Adventure up to eight Scouts and the Marine STEM Adventure up to eight Scouts. It’s home to the World Organization of Scouting Movement’s lone threatened/endangered coral nursery. All programs offered are multi-adventures and include elements of service and conservation. No prior experience required.
• Florida Keys sailing: Arrive at the Florida Keys, board your vessel and set sail in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Units sail, fish and snorkel the United States’ lone barrier reef. Florida Keys sailing programs include: Coral Reef Sailing up to eight Scouts, STEM Eco-Sailing up to 12 Scouts, Keys Adventure Sailing up to eight Scouts and Sea Exploring Sailing Adventure up to 20 Scouts. No overnight sailing experience required.
• Florida Keys scuba: Travel to Sea Base in Islamorada, meet your professional dive instructor or dive masters and embark on an adventure of underwater discovery. Scouts not only scuba-dive, but they also participate in service projects such as coral conservation, marine debris removal, fish counts and more. Florida Keys Scuba programs include: Scuba Adventure up to eight Scouts (must be certified divers), Scuba Certification up to eight Scouts, Scuba Live Aboard up to 12 Scouts (must be certified divers) and Scuba Advanced Marine Exploration up to 12 Scouts (must be certified divers). All scuba participants must meet BSA Scuba Policy restrictions and be approved by the Sea Base medical director.
• S. Virgin Islands: Fly directly into the U.S. Virgin Islands. Board your vessel and set sail upon the Caribbean Ocean, hike U.S. Virgin Islands National Park trails, visit settlements and beaches, snorkel beautiful reefs and complete service projects. Adventures are for up to eight or 12 participants. No overnight sailing experience required.

Support the BSA National High Adventure Base Camp Scholarship Fund

Your support can help bridge the gap between ambition and access, allowing Scouts to participate in life-changing experiences at BSA’s National High Adventure Bases. Help make epic adventures a reality that will ignite a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

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Breeze Airways Announces Its Third Florida Hub

The low-cost airline will launch a Fort Myers base in October.

halbergman/Getty Images

Low-cost Breeze Airways has announced its latest crew base in Fort Myers, marking its third hub out of Florida.

“Breeze’s operations from Fort Myers have proven exceptionally popular,” said Breeze Airways president, Tom Doxey, in a statement . “It’s been one of our fastest growing airports, now reaching 19 destinations in less than two years, thanks in large part to our close partnership with the team at Southwest Florida International.”

The airline, which was created by JetBlue founder David Neeleman, connects smaller airports to popular destinations across the country. By establishing a base at Fort Myers in addition to Orlando and Tampa, Breeze can expand with even more flights servicing the rest of the Sunshine State.

Travelers will soon be able to reach Fort Myers, thanks to a handful of seasonal routes beginning just in time for snowbird season. This October, Breeze will launch twice-weekly service from Manchester, N.H.; Newburgh, N.Y.; Lansing, Mich.; Scranton, Pa.; and Bangor, Maine. The airline offers more than a dozen year-round flights to Southwest Florida International Airport:

• Akron/Canton, Ohio
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Columbus, Ohio
• Hartford, Connecticut
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Louisville, Kentucky
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Norfolk, Virginia
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Portland, Maine
• Providence, Rhode Island
• Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
• Richmond, Virginia
• Syracuse, New York

The news comes as Breeze reported its first-ever month of profitability in March, reporting it had “increased unit revenues by more than 30% year-over-year.” Breeze is approaching three years of flying this May, fueling its growth by transitioning to all Airbus A220 fleet by the end of the year, along with its newly announced credit card for its most loyal fliers.

Travelers can book Breeze flights directly on its website , mobile app, or Priceline.com , the airline’s first-ever online travel booking partner. All three fare bundles, “Nice,” “Nicer,” and “Nicest,” can be booked depending on whether passengers need to bring a carry-on or checked bag and pick seats with extra legroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions specific to your reservation can be found on the participant guide for your adventure..

As of April 2017, the Boy Scouts of America no longer requires units to submit BSA Tour and Activity Plans.  

Yes! Scholarships are available for any unit or individual (youth/adult) with a demonstrated need. ( Link )

Please notify Sea Base immediately if your unit intends to cancel. Early notification may allow Sea Base to rebook your canceled adventure. If Sea Base rebooks the adventure, all fees except for the original $250 reservation fee will be returned to your unit. Sea Base will not refund any fees to your unit if the adventure is not rebooked. Sea Base does not refund crews for canceled flights or ground transportation. Sea Base strongly recommends trip insurance.

• Two adult leaders, ages 21 and over male or female are required for all Scout activities which include all male youth.
• One adult female and one adult male OR two adult females, ages 21 and over are required for all Scout activities which include both male and female youth participants.
• Scouts ages 18 – 20 are considered youth participants, however they must complete the required trainings that all other adult leaders must take.

Yes.  Without exception every adult leader and all individuals over 18 participating in a Sea Base program must be registered with the BSA and complete Youth Protection Training, BSA Safe Swim, BSA Safety Afloat, and Hazardous Weather Training. One adult age 21 or older must complete Wilderness First Aid Training and one adult age 21 or older must complete CPR/AED Training.

The ages specified below as evidenced by Annual Health and Medical Record.

Age Restrictions Scuba, Out Island, Bahamas, and St. Thomas Programs.  Participants must be 13 years old by the date of their arrival to participate in the programs listed below. Participants who would turn 13 during their adventure are not eligible to participate.

• Scuba Adventure
• Scuba Advanced Marine Exploration
• Scuba Certification
• Scuba Live Aboard
• Sea Base Bahamas
• Sea Base St. Thomas

Age Restrictions Florida Sailing and Multi-Adventure Programs.  Participants must be 12 years old by the date of their arrival to participate in the programs listed below. Participants who would turn 12 during their adventure are not eligible to participate.

• Coral Reef Sailing
• Keys Adventure
• Keys Adventure Sailing
• Island Expedition
• Fishing Adventure
• Marine STEM
• Sea Exploring
• STEM Eco-Sailing

Important! 12-year-old participants must be physically, mentally, and emotionally mature and Sea Base strongly suggests that all 12-year-old participants be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

AGE REQUIREMENTS CANNOT BE RELAXED.

BSA National Camp Accreditation prohibits Sea Base from allowing anyone under the age of 13 to SCUBA dive in its programs. The Out Island program and our offshore (outside the continental United States) programs require a high level of physical, mental, and emotional maturity to successfully travel and participate.

Sea Base is a high adventure program that can be physically, mentally and emotionally challenging. Programs are offered in sometimes harsh marine environments. Sea Base strongly recommends having a parent or guardian present who best understands a Scout’s needs, and best prepares them for success. Youth Protection requirements still must be met.

The guidelines for units to attend as a co-ed Sea Base crew per BSA Policy are below. Your unit can attend coed by one of the two options listed:

• Scouts BSA is a single-gendered program; as such,  a male and female Scouts BSA troop can attend together in the same crew IF each troop provides their own leadership in the Sea Base crew. Each troop must have a minimum of 2 adult leaders age 21+ attending in the crew. This is a total of 4 adult leaders age 21+ for a Sea Base crew composed of 1 female troop and 1 male troop that are linked.
• Units who do not share the same charter partner must have local council and charter partner approval per the BSA Guide to Safe Scouting.
• Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse require buddy pairs to be single gender.  At least 2 youth members of each gender must be present in each Sea Base crew to meet requirements for buddy pairs.
• Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse require 2 adult leaders age 21+ to attend with each Sea Base crew. If female youth are present, at least one of those leaders MUST be female. 
• Venturing, Sea Scouting and Exploring are coed programs.
• Members of these programs can attend coed as long as Scouting’s Barriers to abuse (below) are met.

The Sea Base has no programs for non-swimmers or beginners. For your protection; if you are unable to complete the BSA Swim test in a strong manner you will not be allowed to participate.

No. You will not be allowed to participate in Sea Base programs unless you use the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record.  (link)

You will not be permitted to participate at Sea Base. The BSA Annual Health and Medical Record must be completed in its entirety prior to arrival.

For Scuba Certification Adventure, it must be an MD or DO, no exceptions. For the other Scuba Adventures, it depends on whether they are taking medications, have health issues, had COVID etc. If they are fit, then a PA can sign. Parts A, B, and C must be filled out completely for the form to be accepted.

For all other Adventures, a licensed physician (MD, DO), nurse practitioner (LPN), or physician assistant (PA) can sign the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record. Parts A, B, and C must be filled out completely for the form to be accepted.

Yes. You can view a list of medical concerns that may limit SCUBA eligibility by clicking HERE , and by reviewing your  participant guide .

No participant can exceed 295lbs as evidenced by the medical form. No exceptions will be made. Participants exceeding 295lbs will be sent home at their own expense.

Sea Base Crews should check in no earlier than 1pm and no later than 3pm on their arrival date. Crews in the Bahamas and USVI have until 4pm.  The appropriate check in location for your specific adventure can be found on your participant guide .

The appropriate departure time for your specific adventure can be found on your participant guide .

A packing list is provided for each adventure in your  participant guide . Crews traveling to St. Thomas Sea Base or Bahamas Sea Base should bring:

(1) 24 inch duffle bag per person (1) Oversize duffle bag per crew containing necessary items only.

The duffel is 22″ L x 12″ W x 12″ H and holds approximately 52 L. We will issue a mesh bag of similar size for you to use during your time here or the crew duffel bag is also available for purchase to pack ahead of time from the  ship store . 

No. Once your unit chooses to leave Sea Base your journey is forfeited and you may not return.

No. Due to the growth and popularity of our program, we are not able to offer early arrival or late departures days on base. 

We do offer offsite stays at Camp Jackson Sawyer or at hotels in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area for crews attending programs at one of our locations in the Florida Keys.  Exclusive to our High Adventure crews, learn more about pre/post adventure stays by clicking here .

Program interruption due to hurricanes are extremely rare. If Sea Base is under evacuation orders, generally given 24- 36 hours prior to potential landfall, programs are cancelled, and participants are evacuated. Sea Base refunds program fees for missed program dates only. Travel- trip insurance is highly recommended to cover the cost of travel expenses, especially July- August.

Your safety is paramount. Occasionally inclement- tropical weather forces Sea Base to delay or cancel activities. Attempts will be made to reschedule activities when possible. Refunds will not be issued for activities including sailing, scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, camping or others cancelled due to inclement weather.

No. Most of our sailing captains do not allow shoes of any kind- including deck shoes while on board. 

They clang against the side of the vessel making it difficult for participants to sleep.

Due to heat most participants will choose to sleep on deck.

$150- $200.

Yes. Masks and snorkels will not be provided as part of your adventure but can be purchased/ordered through the ship store. Fins and inflatable vests are still provided.

No. Fishing gear is provided as part of your adventure.

One is not provided. Programs are weather and tide dependent. There are no required destinations other than arrival, midweek and departure points. General program overviews can be found on your adventure’s  participant guide .

Important Facts to Review Ahead of Attending Sea Base

Sea Base Adventures are conducted in marine and historic sensitive environments. Participants must not touch or harm wildlife including coral. Participants must not take coral, artifacts, shells from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary or US Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument or any marine or historical sensitive environment. Participants must properly dispose of and when possible, recycle all trash and refuse.

Assembly for raising begins each morning at 7:45 am. Assembly for retreat begins at 5:45 pm.

Units completing a Sea Base Adventure may affix or have its unit numbers affixed to the galley walls at Sea Base. BSA unit numbers are available for purchase in the Sea Base Ships’ Store.

BSA Sea Base requires units arrive onsite in uniform. Uniforms, field or activity, must be worn to flags.

On the last night of your Florida Sea Base Adventure your crew will participate in a Conch LUAU. This is a special dinner festival complete with fun, music and games. Dress for the Conch LUAU should be Keys- Hawaiian style. Floral shirts are available for purchase onsite at the  Ships’ Store .

What Awards Can We Earn?

Does your unit participate in service? Florida Sea Base became the first Scouting facility in the US to be designated as a Scout Center for Excellence of Nature and Environment (S.C.E.N.E.). Through participation in environmental programs like exotic plant eradication, potential and actual marine debris removal, fish ID and counts and by completing a project prior to arrival at Sea Base crews can earn a Project S.C.E.N.E Award. A copy of Project S.C.E.N.E requirements can be found here. ( Link )

BSA Sea Base Crews participating in Out Island Adventure will have the opportunity to earn Sea Base Castaway Club Awards. To earn this award units must: properly prepare for the adventure, elect a seasoned Youth Crew Leader, assume all base and campsite responsibilities, utilize proper paddling and fishing techniques, become proficient snorkelers, exhibit enthusiasm and a positive attitude while adhering to the Scout Oath and Law.  Castaway Club Requirements ( Link )

BSA Sea Base Crews participating in Keys Adventure will have the opportunity to earn Sea Base Cayo Hueso Club Awards. To earn this award units must: properly prepare for the adventure, elect a seasoned Youth Crew Leader, assume all base and campsite responsibilities, utilize proper adventure techniques, become proficient snorkelers and exhibit a positive attitude while adhering to the Scout Oath and Law. Cayo Hueso Club Requirements (link)

The Citizen Science award recognizes Marine STEM (a.k.a. Marine Eco Expedition) scouts that complete every monitoring, engineering, and research project offered throughout the week. Scouts who earn the Citizen science award are those who have a passion for research, are diligent in their reporting, and are willing to venture out into uncharted waters to seek new knowledge for the sake of our planet! Citizen Science Award Requirements ( link )

BSA Sea Base encourages individuals and units to celebrate creation while at Sea Base. Sea Base Duty to God Award is designed to enhance adventure by propelling participants to find evidence of Higher Purpose in the oceans, reefs and interdependence of species.  Majestic Depths Book  and  Duty to God Award Requirements.

Every Sea Base participant should arrive at BSA Sea Base having already become a proficient snorkeler. Upon arrival each participant will complete the BSA Snorkel Award.  Snorkeling BSA Requirements .

Limited Florida Programs Only- A limited number of Florida Sea Base participants will have the opportunity to earn the BSA Stand Up Paddleboard Award.  BSA Stand Up Paddleboard Requirements.

Limited Florida Programs Only- A limited number of Florida Sea Base participants will have the opportunity to earn the BSA Kayaking Award.   BSA Kayaking Requirements.

Certified Wilderness First Aid Training Providers

Certified CPR/AED Training Providers