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! 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.

Lobster!

by Shayne Benowitz

The traps have been set. It’s the start of lobster season. With ideal summer weather the last few days, the water has been placid and clear. Now the harbor is also dotted with buoys marking the traps. For our Key West parasailing captains, they’ve got to be vigilant and steer clear of them. For everyone else, it’s time to feast!

Before lobster season is open to the pros, Key West holds a “mini season” where amateur divers can scour the reefs and rocks for the first catch. Annabelle and Cassandra, a couple of Fury gals, and my favorite little concharitas have been lobstering during mini season since they were little girls, and this year was no different.

Annabelle and Cassandra (far right) with friends.

They hit the water both days of mini season, and snagged 30 lobsters by midday. Having never been lobstering or even spear fishing myself, I’m truly impressed with these lovely ladies and hope they’ll take me with them one of these days!

In the meantime, I guess it’s time to hit up A & B Lobster House for a little surf ‘n turf. Or maybe Annabelle and Cassandra will have me over for dinner!?

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.

Annabelle reef-bound!

by Shayne Benowitz

There really is nothing like summertime in Key West. It’s hot and balmy. The sun shines bright. And the water is oh-so inviting! That’s also why I love working on the water in Key West and really can’t imagine doing anything else down here. This is the time of year where all you need is a bathing suit, flip-flops, and of course some SPF.

The reef has been absolutely stunning lately with near unlimited visibility. (more…)

Cory performing on the Commotion.

by Shayne Benowitz

Chad, our senior catamaran mate, said it best Monday night aboard the Commotion, Fury’s official Key West Sunset Sail with Live Music, “In Key West, we are spoiled when it comes to live music.” It’s true, so many bars and restaurants are filled with the sounds of musicians day and night. (more…)

Fireworks out at sea.

by Shayne Benowitz

This summer has certainly chugged along at a quick speed. It’s hard to believe that this weekend is the Fourth of July! At Fury, we’re definitely gearing up for a busy and festive weekend.

As usual, our docks will be humming with parasailing every hour, snorkel trips, the Ultimate Adventure, and sunset sails. But Sunday night, we’ve got one additional trip in the lineup. What better place to view a spectacular firework display than on the water? (more…)

A busy day on the parasail docks.

by Shayne Benowitz

There is no denying that this island has heated up in a flash over the last couple of weeks. While many lament the humidity and the sweltering sun, most of us at Fury are thrilling over ideal conditions on the water. Hot sun, cool ocean, soft breeze, calm seas, and unlimited visibility at the reef.

Working in the sun can sometimes act as an appetite suppressant, but we all need fuel to get through the day. This time of year, we’re craving cold, fresh, and filling treats and meals. There’s not always a lot of time, so we’re big fans of anything that’s mobile and delivery is a must. Here’s a quick guide to some Fury-tested and approved quick bites to take the edge off the summer heat: (more…)

by Shayne Benowitz

In Key West we are famous for our spectacular Key West sunsets, but a full moon is something to howl at and tonight is the night! Fishermen are excited to reel in a prime catch and parties are popping up all over Duval Street. Of course, Fury’s got you covered with a rocking good party at sea. When the Commotion on the Ocean returns to the dock tonight at the Ocean Key House, our crew will be ready for a quick turnaround. If you’re up for a sizzling Full Moon Party be there at 8:30pm to snag a spot. (more…)

A pristine day on the water.

by Shayne Benowitz

Memorial Day Weekend marks the official start of summer, and in Key West we’re gearing up for a thriving season. The weather has been absolutely stunning over the last week and the forecast through the weekend looks bright and beautiful with highs projected in the mid- to upper-80s. (more…)

Marius, Nicole, and Westy compete.

by Shayne Benowitz

This weekend marked the 13^th Annual Key West Paddleboard Classic, and the second year that Fury’s own Captain Westy has headed the event. Over 150 paddlers descended for the 12 mile race around the island, nearly doubling the turnout from the previous year. (more…)

The Atlantic Fury at sunset

by Shayne Benowitz

The fleet is complete again! After spending the winter months in a New Orleans boatyard, the Atlantic Fury has returned to her slip into the Key West sunset. The oldest catamaran in our fleet at 13 years old, the Atlantic went through a major overhaul. From the inside out, she’s a brand new vessel. (more…)