Exploring the Keys with Adrienne Jordan

In 2017, I became certified as an open-water scuba diver and then received my master scuba diver certification a few years later in 2022. My obsession for diving allows me to blend my degree in molecular biology and passion for conservation to explore new cultures as well as visit the intricate ecosystems that lie beneath the deep blue sea. Following my Thanksgiving visit to Los Angeles, I flew across the country to begin my RV trip along the coast of the Florida Keys. The mission was to learn more about the threatened state of the coral reefs from those actively working to protect its ecosystem; dive into some of those threatened sites; breathe the fresh air of coastal campgrounds; and clock peaceful zzz’s within the comforts of my Thor Motor Coach Gemini.

After checking into the beautiful 28-acre Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina, my first task was to get acclimated with driving my RV while cruising along the scenic coastal bridges that connect the keys. Afterward, I set up camp and enjoyed the epic waterfront views from my campsite. When the sun went down I headed inside to get some work done on my laptop, unpack, and cozy in for an early night—letting the wind and water lull me to sleep. 

The next day’s 6:30 am call time had me wide-eyed and ready for what was to come: a two-tank dive with Key Dives located at Bud n Mary’s Marina, just a 15-minute drive from the Fiesta Key campground. After gearing up, I was able to pull my RV up alongside the marina and literally walk off the vehicle and onto the boat: as close to red carpet service as you can get for a diver. 

An important stop on the itinerary was my post-dive visit to the coral nursery located at the MOTE Marine Laboratory's Coral Nursery in Islamorada to learn about how their team is making efforts to restore some of the coral reef systems in the keys. Coral species like elkhorn coral are grown by a fragmentation process in the lab and then reintroduced onto coral trees to help restore the local underwater ecosystem. Visitors are able to fragment coral themselves and I was excited to try my hand at it. 

One of the elements to RV travel that I was most looking forward to was cooking inside of the vehicle. The next day of the trip, I stopped at the popular fresh fish market, Key Fisheries and acquired some fresh snapper to pan-fry back in the RV. Once I secured my dinner, I hopped back into the RV to make my way to campsite number two in Bahia Honda Florida State Park. 

Although the park offers various activities from snorkeling, sea turtle nest monitoring, and boat trips to stargazing, my visit to the Bahia Honda was very laid back. I was able to enjoy the balmy weather while having dinner right outside my RV parked next to the clear blue waters. 

The convenience of the gas stove and utensils that were already onboard made it very easy to season to perfection with olive oil and fresh herbs from a local grocery. Needless to say, it was a peaceful sleep that evening on a full belly inside the RV.

To wrap up my adventures in the Keys, a tour through the stunning mangroves with Big Pines Kayak was a welcome experience to connect with the jellyfish, juvenile sharks and various birds that you find in the Great White Heron mangrove island. Being led by Capitan Bill Keogh was a treat: he was able to point out various organisms in the water and on the mangroves, proving his expertise and years of experience.

Alas, the final stop on my RV trip was to the very tip of Florida: Key West. It was only my second time in the destination, but the charm was still the same as I remembered. After easily (and surprisingly) navigating around the small streets of the downtown area in my RV, I hopped out and did some window shopping, and enjoyed my last fresh red snapper at El Meson de Pepe, a Key West staple that has been serving up authentic Cuban cuisine for more than 30 years. Warning: The food there may cause a spontaneous happy dance.