Stewart's winning photo!

By Shayne Benowitz

If you’ve been to our Facebook page this month, then you’ve definitely noticed our new profile picture of a lush green mangrove tree taken by Stewart Foster, our fan of the month! We especially loved his picture because our brand new trip, the Island Adventure, explores the backcountry of the Gulf of Mexico filled with mangrove tree islands.

On this trip you can kayak through the mangroves and relax on a sandbar beach while sipping Coronas. We also take you to the reef to snorkel. It’s a wonderful way to experience two completely different aspects of Key West’s water on one great trip. And, of course, we’ve got you covered with snacks and a tasty lunch from the Cuban Coffee Queen. It’s definitely my favorite new way to spend a day on the water in Key West.

Stewart and his wife at the Southernmost Point.

Stewart joined us in September of 2010 with his wife from House Springs, Missouri, a small town outside of St. Louis. They’ve been married for 32 years and travel to Florida almost every year. This was their first trip to the Keys and they stayed in Marathon. They found out about our Ultimate Adventure and sunset package from the Marathon Visitor’s Center and decided to make the 47 mile trek south to Key West for the day.

Stewart said he enjoyed the all day trip and our helpful staff. (What can I say? The Fury crew’s the best! They had a great time snorkeling and jet skiing, and even parasailing, although it made his wife a little nervous! They walked around the island and made it to the Southernmost Buoy for a photo opt before heading back to the marina for the sunset sail. It sounds like a pretty great way to spend the day in Key West!

Thanks for your great picture Stewart and congratulations again on being the Fury Fan of the Month!

Adventure Island!

By Shayne Benowitz

I have to say, in the years I’ve worked at Fury, I’ve enjoyed celebrating major holidays–Christmas, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, New Year’s Day– by working on the water with the Fury crew. We’re a tight knit family, so a lot of times work doesn’t feel like work. On a special holiday or occasion, you want to be with the people who are closest to you, and in Key West that’s my Fury family.

Although this year I’m heading home to the Atlanta area to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family, I have many fond Fury Key West Thanksgiving memories. I’ve worked the Thanksgiving Ultimate Adventure on both the catamarans and the parasail boats. Tomorrow, you can expect all the action-packed fun of snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, and so much more with the added bonus of a delicious Thanksgiving luncheon prepared by our very own Andy Saunders.

There’s always a feast for the staff inside the call center, and I’m thankful to have a break in the day to gobble up a bite to eat. Some of the Fury crew members are quite talented in the kitchen. Stephen’s famous for hosting a great Thanksgiving dinner and his rhubarb pie is outrageous!

Wherever you’re celebrating this Thanksgiving, I hope you’re surrounded by the ones you love. I’m happy I’ll be home with my family and I’ll definitely be Key West dreaming. What am I grateful for? Well, I have to say I’m extremely thankful that I get to spend almost every day on a boat in Key West. It’s a true dream life that I love sharing with our customers from near and far. So whether you join us on the Thanksgiving Day Ultimate Adventure or later in the year, I hope to see you on a Fury boat very soon!

Justin hangin' onto the wibit!

by Shayne Benowitz

When the catamaran pulls up to Adventure Island after a morning snorkeling at the reef, there’s always a moment of anticipation. The jet skis are lined up glistening in the sun, the iceberg is waiting to be scaled, and the water trampoline is ripe for bouncing. The parasail crew is standing by on their boats and kayaks are set up ready to be launched. Now, you’ve got one more thing to look forward to: The Wibit!

This brand new toy has never before been seen in Key West waters and Fury guests, as well as the crew, are loving it! The four sides offer countless ways to play around. One side to climb up, two sides to slide down, and another to take a plunge into the refreshing waters of the Gulf.

Fun on the wibit!

It didn’t take long after setting up the wibit for a fan picture to show up on our Facebook wall. Az H Ar submitted an awesome pic with him and two of his friends sitting at the top. Our Facebook photo contest is still going strong and I love looking at the awesome pictures our fans send in every day. They spark such a great dialogue! If you ever find yourself Key West dreamin’, visit our Facebook page and these pix should be the cure.

The Ultimate Adventure was already an awesome day on the water. The wibit’s just the newest cherry on top! See you on the water soon!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crew member and freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter @ShayneBenowitz

The winning sunset photo.

By Shayne Benowitz

Have you been to our facebook page lately? Well, if you have, I’m sure you’ve noticed our new profile pic winner Fury Fan Nicole Nash! It’s a glowing Key West sunset in all reds and oranges that looks like fire in the sky setting behind a cloud near an outcropping of mangroves. If there are two things to marvel over in Key West, the crystal clear water is one and the stunning sunset is definitely the other.

Every night as the sun dips into the western horizon, it paints the sky myriad different colors. After living in Key West nearly five years, it’s something that still takes my breath away. Nicole captured this beautifully in her snapshot taken from Mallory Square after a day spent with us on the Ultimate Adventure with her boyfriend Todd.

Nicole and her boyfriend Todd aboard the Ultimate Adventure.

Their trip to Key West was part of a special Valentine’s Day getaway that Todd planned after their first trip to Florida back in November. After some time at Disney World, they made their way to Key West and onto our Ultimate Adventure. Nicole said that she absolutely loved parasailing and took a ton of pictures flying high while the crew took pictures from the boat. Todd loved the snorkeling, and the highlight of their day was going Key West jet skiing when two dolphins swam up right next to them!

“Key West is a perfect little piece of paradise and we plan on making it a stop each year,” Nicole said.

Their next trip down is in June, and we’re treating them to the Commotion on the Ocean where they can experience the gorgeous sunset, live music, appetizers, and margaritas aboard the beautiful Caribbean Fury. She plans to bring her little brother and her nephew for the trip so they can make some memories to last a lifetime.

I love Nicole’s picture and her Key West story. For your chance to be the fan photo of the month and win the grand prize at the end of the year, head to our facebook page for rules and instructions!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. Find her at web.me.com/shaynebeth, follow her at twitter.com/ShayneBenowitz, or email her at Shayne@furykeywest.com.

Parasailing, courtesy of Fury fan Sheridan Kushner.

By Shayne Benowitz

Dear Fury Fans,

We’ve been doing a lot of reflecting in the New Year. We are so fortunate to do what we do every day on the water in the Key West sunshine. And we know that none of this would be possible without YOU! It’s been so fun over the years meeting people from all over the country and around the world aboard our snorkel trips, our parasail boats, and our sunset cruises, not to mention the Ultimate Adventure!

"It doesn't get better than this!" courtesy of Fury Fan Cathy Pauly.

It’s also been great to keep in touch! We’ve received letters and cards from our dearest fans expressing what a memorable time they’ve had with us. And trust me, those cards hang in the Surf Shack for everyone to see! It’s also a thrill when someone hops on board and says, “Hey, you were the parasail mate last year when we were here!”

When we jumped on facebook and twitter a few years ago, everything changed. Now we can have daily conversations, share pictures and memories, and really keep in touch. It’s like you never left the island (well, sort of!)! From a weeklong conversation about Captain Chuck to amazing fan photos of the powerboat races and more, I’ve been thoroughly entertained!

Celebrating 50th birthday aboard the Commotion with Capt. Chuck, courtesy of Fury Fan Kim Lunsford Schadle

We thought it was about time we gave back to our loyal Fury fans because, well, that’s how we roll! If you haven’t visited our facebook fanpage in a while, you’re going to find some great new features. If, for some silly reason, you’re not already apart of our facebook community, simply “like” our page, and you will immediately be entered into our new fans reward program along with the rest of our fans.

Every month starting in February we’ll select a fan at random for an awesome giveaway. You could win a trip with Fury or sweet Fury swag like crew shirts, hats, and other accessories. Click on the “Win A Trip” tab and fill out the quick form to sign up for our eNewsletter (written by yours truly! Come on, you know you want to!) and you’ll immediately be entered in an all-expense paid 3 day, 2 night trip to Key West with luxe accommodations at the Ocean Key House, spa treatments, dinners, and of course, trips galore aboard Fury!

Honeymooning, courtesy of Fury Fan Julie Carty.

For the more creatively inclined, and I know a lot of you are, we’re also starting a Fan Photo Contest. We already receive awesome pictures from you guys, and now we want to reward one fan every month with an Ultimate Adventure for two just for sending your vacation pictures our way. Check out how the contest works on the “Photo Contest” tab of our facebook page, and keep the pictures coming in!

This is just the beginning of how we want to give back to you, so stay tuned for more offers, deals, and contests in 2011. Oh yeah, and don’t be shy about sharing your Fury love with your friends on facebook (and in real life!). The more the merrier!

"Having a blast on the Ultimate Adventure," courtesy of Fury Fan Daron Blake.

Here’s hoping your 2011 is off to a rockin’ start. We’re certainly enjoying ourselves in Key West. And, of course, we hope to see you down here soon! Next time, maybe it’ll even be on us!

XOXO,

Fury Girl

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories visit her at web.me.com/shaynebeth and follow her at twitter.com/ShayneBenowitz.

Adventure Island

by Shayne Benowitz

If you were dreaming of a white Christmas, depending on where in the country you live, many of your dreams came true. While my family was visiting me for the Christmas holiday, their neighbors in the suburbs of Atlanta were experiencing snowfall.

If you’re anything like the Benowitzes or the Fury crew, then you might have been dreaming of a Christmas in the mid to upper 70′s with bright blue skies and a crystal clear ocean surrounding you. That’s exactly what our customers got aboard Fury on Christmas day.

It was business as usual with parasailing boats running every hour, snorkel trips, and our selection of Key West sunset cruises. We made the day extra special, however, with our Christmas Ultimate Adventure.

The Caribbean Fury set sail to the reef with a boatload of Christmas revelers excited for a morning of Key West snorkeling. Lucky for everyone, visibility at the reef has been phenomenal with up to 100’ of clarity. There was so much to see: yellowtail snappers, parrotfish, sergeant majors, and colorful coral.

A parrotfish: ideal conditions at the reef.

For the sail out to Adventure Island, the crew served up a delicious Christmas luncheon complete with all the fixings to fuel everyone up for an afternoon of more fun. A fleet of parasail boats was at the ready to whisk our customers 300 feet in the air for a stunning view of our island paradise. Key West jet skis and kayaks were standing by and all of Adventure Island’s inflatable toys were waiting to be pounced on.

Of course, as soon as everyone’s water activities were complete, happy hour commenced with free-flowing beer and wine. It was a truly memorable Christmas. Isn’t it nice to return home to the cold and the snow with a glowing Key West tan!? Happy Holidays!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories visit her at web.me.com/shaynebeth and follow her at twitter.com/ShayneBenowitz.

The gang assembled around the Thanksgiving table.

By Shayne Benowitz

How was your Thanksgiving? At Fury, we had a blast on the Thanksgiving Day Ultimate Adventure, as usual! The fleet was out in full force with all vessels manned by the friendly Fury crew.

If you’ve never celebrated your Thanksgiving out at sea, you’re definitely missing out on a really unique (and warm!) way to celebrate the holidays. We shoved off at 10am and headed for the reef for a morning of snorkeling. Breakfast was served on the way. It was truly a beautiful day!

Once everyone was back on the boat, all the fixins for a delicious turkey luncheon were spread out, including Andy’s famous Cuban pork dish. It was the perfect fuel to get through the rest of the day. Once we tied up to Adventure Island, the Key West parasailing boats were at the ready to whisk people up in the air. The jet skis and kayaks were put to use, and all the fun inflatable toys were swarmed with fun-loving people!

Earlier in the week, Nicole’s parents, who were visiting from Wyoming, cooked a traditional turkey dinner. Marius & Lana, Becky & Rob, Meredith & Andrew, Annabelle, Stephen, and Westy were all there! It was quite a feast and we had a blast!

For the second year in a row, we also gathered the troops to deliver turkey dinners to needy families in the Lower Keys. It was a truly rewarding experience and a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.

Eli & Capt Shon delivering turkey dinners with the Wesley House.

If you weren’t able to spend Thanksgiving with us on the Ultimate Adventure, don’t worry! We’ll be doing it again Christmas Day. Book now! We hope to see you and yours this holiday season!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

Eli & Kenna slingin' drinks at Goombay.

By Shayne Benowitz

It’s hard to believe, but tomorrow marks the official start of Fantasy Fest. This weekend, the party kicks off with the Goombay Festival in Bahama Village. Petronia Street will be lined with food vendors, artisans, and performers all weekend long in celebration.

At Fury Key West, we look forward to this laid back weekend especially since our very own Eli and Kenna man a drink stand serving up tasty mojitos and cold beer. This year they’re right on Terry Lane and Fury folks will definitely be swarming.

Fury Girls at Goombay: Kristy, Monika, Kayla, Becky, Shayne.

Other Goombay hot spots? It’s always a party at Blue Heaven with live music, great food, and delicious cocktails. I’m personally psyched that the Creperie will reopen after its fall break for its first Goombay at its new Petronia Street locale. I will definitely be scarfing some of their delicious, authentic crepes.

As the sun goes down, the party invariably travels down Whitehead Street to the Green Parrot where local’s favorite Suenalo will be performing Friday and Saturday night at 10pm.

In Key West, it’s easy to feel like life’s one big party and Fantasy Fest is the time for us to let it all hang out! Hope to see you around town!

Sailing to the crystal clear reef.

By Shayne Benowitz

It’s hard to believe, but this time next week it will be the beginning of a long Labor Day Weekend and the official end of summer. I know, I know, don’t get too depressed! No one likes it when summer ends, right? Well, we’ve all got one more weekend to really live it up.

Of course, in Key West we exist in a state of perpetual summer. Maybe you can enjoy Labor Day with us at Fury or maybe we’ll just see you in the fall. Either way, it’s time to toast to the end of a long, hot summer. What have you got planned? Family picnics or BBQs? A quick escape to the beach?

At Fury, it will be business as usual—or perhaps, more than usual. We’re gearing up for a busy weekend of water sports, and of course, we’d love to see you aboard our fleet.

The Ultimate Adventure is by far the most popular trip and the greatest value. It’s the perfect Labor Day package: Key West snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, inflatable water park, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and all you can drink. That pretty much says it all!

If you’re looking for a quick escape, join us on one of our snorkel trips departing three times daily: 9:30am, 1pm, and 5pm. This is an absolute “Must-Do” in Key West. It would be embarrassing to be this close to the third largest coral reef system in the world and not set out to explore it.

If you’d prefer an aerial view of our island paradise, then the calming thrill of Key West parasailing is for you. Trips depart every hour on the hour from 9am to 5pm. Yep, for some of us that’s the daily grind!

And of course, don’t miss a single sunset while you’re here, and make sure you catch it on the water at least one night. We’ve got a classic champagne sunset sail or a little bit of rock n roll with the Commotion on the Ocean featuring a great live band, appetizers, and margaritas.

Either way, we hope you and your family have a wonderful Labor Day and we hope to see you on the water in Key West soon!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

A view of Adventure Island from the parasail boat.

by Shayne Benowitz

With Keys kids heading back to school tomorrow and Labor Day right around the corner, the end of summer is creeping near. I remember that anxious feeling as a kid and still get it to this day. Somehow, fall will always feel like the start of a new year. If you’re like me, you’ll want to squeeze in one last summer hurrah before it’s officially over.

Lately, the Ultimate Adventure has been packed with families enjoying their summer vacations—and for good reason. It’s tons of fun and an excellent value for a big brood. Children under age five are free and ages 6-12 are half off of the adult $139 admission price. Book with a sales agent in Key West and we’ll throw in a free sunset sail for the whole family.

So, what are you getting for this great price? A full day of fun in the sun! The trip departs daily at 10am and a continental breakfast awaits with fresh fruit, mini bagels, muffins, danishes, yogurt, and OJ. Before you know it, we’ll be whisking you reefbound where you’ll enjoy a full hour snorkeling at the third largest barrier reef in the world. And let me tell you, the visibility and clarity has been unreal lately. The water is so inviting!

After your snorkel session, we’ll set sail towards Adventure Island and serve a full lunch spread: fried chicken, cold cut sandwiches, potato salad, cookies and more! Once you arrive, you’ll be rotated through a smorgasbord of activities: parasailing, jet skiing, and kayaking. There’s also a swim area designated with a water trampoline, iceberg climbing wall, and brand new triangular slide.

Once you’ve finished jet skiing it’s happy hour for the big kids and our friendly crew serves up free-flowing beer, wine, and wine spritzers while you soak up the sun. You’ll return to the dock at 4pm, just in time to cruise Duval Street before dinner!

What are you waiting for? You know you deserve a little fun before school starts. Enjoy your family vacay on the water with Fury Key West! The days are counting down…

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.