Well needless to say it has been a crazy spring season for us. First, with the hints of something called COVID 19 out there, the Army Corp of Engineers began dredging the pass leading out to the Gulf of Mexico. A project that was long overdue and one that we totally support. With the piping and equipment in the snorkel area, we have not been able to do our Snuba or Snorkeling tours. It looks like they will be out there until the end of May so we will only be able to run our Shelling Tours and Dolphin Tours until they move the dredge and the lines.
Then the Covid-19 virus closed us down and self-quarantine which has made it even more difficult for Destin Snorkel.
Some of us have done home maintenance projects, yard work, our boats and cars are spotless, some have improved their cooking skills, and also a little binge watching or gaming. Others have been sewing masks, sewing bags, making mugs, you know, crafting in general. While others have sat longingly looking out at the Gulf of Mexico waiting for the day hoping it would end. Then hoping Phase 1 would begin.
Well Phase 1 began on Monday, May 4th! We could begin operating at limit capacity.
During this time, we wanted to give back to our wonderful community as soon as we were able.
We came up with the “Locals First” promotion for our first week of operation. We feel our community has really come together to ride out this new, different kind of storm. So many have fallen on hard times and yet come together. All the while, only been able to look from afar at the Gulf of Mexico while our beaches were closed.
Our “Locals First” Dolphin Tours started out to be 42 tours which quickly filled up. So, we added another 42 tours and then 21 more! They also quickly filled. So… we added more seats to the tours while staying in compliance with the CDC’s outdoor recommendations. In conjunction with our “Locals First” tours we are holding a food drive to help the Harvest House food pantry in Destin. Our goal was to collect a 1000 lbs. of food the month of May to help replenish their busy food pantries. So far, the food drive has been met with as much enthusiasm as the tours.
Here are pictures from our first tours earlier today. Please see our Facebook and Instagram for more pictures.
