Are you a Florida Keys “superfan”? And would you love to participate in “voluntourism” activities to help sustain the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef — the reef that parallels the Keys and is home to an incredibly diverse collection of marine life?
Dr. Dave Vaughan of Mote Marine Laboratory plants infant corals on the sea floor off Fort Zachary Taylor State Park in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. (Photo by Bob Care, Florida Keys News Bureau)
If so, the “Florida Keys Superfan” eco-adventure giveaway offers you a great opportunity and an enticing prize.
That’s because one lucky entrant will win a five-night vacation in the Keys that includes accommodations, a chance to explore some of the island chain’s leading eco-attractions, and diving experiences to help plant corals and replenish the reef.
If you’re that winner, you’ll discover how divers can act as stewards of the world’s oceans — and enjoy the unforgettable experience of connecting with, and helping to protect, the Keys’ dynamic ecosystem and reefs.
In fact, if you’re the “Florida Keys Superfan” eco-adventure winner, you’ll work with dedicated marine scientists from Key Largo’s Coral Restoration Foundation and from Mote Marine Laboratory’s field station on Summerland Key in the Lower Keys. Both organizations are world-renowned leaders in coral reef restoration — so assisting their scientists will be a fascinating chance to make a difference.
Working dives to coral nurseries will include cleaning and preparing corals for planting. And an orientation dive at a restoration site will show you firsthand how transplanted corals evolve and grow over time.
The lucky contest winner will enjoy a five-night waterfront stay for two at Key Largo’s sustainable Baker’s Cay Resort.
Speaking of time, NOW is the time to enter the unique contest. The entry period runs from 9 a.m. (ET) Wednesday, Jan. 15, through 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020.
The entry process is simple. Just “Like” or “Follow” the Florida Keys’ Facebook page, @floridakeysandkeywest, and click the page’s “Florida Keys Superfan” contest link to enter to win the five-night trip for two to the Keys and enjoy the island chain’s above- and below-water activities.
Instagram followers can find the “Florida Keys Superfan” trip giveaway entry at the link in the bio @thefloridakeys. Twitter users can find the link pinned at the top of the @thefloridakeys profile. While you’re entering, you can answer fun yet educational trivia questions about the Keys’ underwater world — and share the contest link with friends on social media.
If you’re the winner, you and a guest can experience the diving paradise of Key Largo, Marathon and its extraordinary wildlife centers, the Lower Keys that are known for their pristine backcountry, and the lively and atmospheric Key West.
Feeding the fish isn’t allowed in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary waters — but it’s encouraged in Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters’ massive saltwater tank. (Photo by Bob Care, Florida Keys News Bureau)
The prize includes certificates toward air travel and car rental, five nights’ waterfront accommodations for two at Key Largo’s sustainable Baker’s Cay Resort (a wonderful spot), coral reef diving trips, admission and an educational tour for two at Marathon’s world-renowned Turtle Hospital, admission and an in-water Coral Reef Snorkel Encounter for two at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, and two VIP passes to dozens of Key West attractions.
The value of this enticing prize is just under $5,000 and travel dates are June 1 through Dec. 31, 2020. (Please note that certain blackout dates do apply.)
One entry per person per email address is valid. You must be at least 21 years old at the time of entry and must live in the continental United States. And don’t procrastinate, because entries can’t be accepted after 11:59 p.m. (ET) Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020.
A randomly selected winner is to be notified by email no later than Feb. 7, 2020 — and if you’re that fortunate person, prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Because once you get a taste of the Florida Keys and their incredible environment, chances are you’ll become a “superfan” for life.
