BSA Seabase Florida Keys High Adventure - What to Know!

 

Everyone has heard of the BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America) Philmont High Adventure. Fewer know about the Florida Keys Seabase high adventure sailing, snorkeling camp.  The BSA original Florida National High Adventure Sea Base is located on Lower Matecumbe in Islamorada (mile marker 73.8) on the Overseas Highway. It was originally started as a fishing camp after the highway opened in 1938. In the 1950’s, it had an Inn with 10 rooms, a convenience store and bait shop, a lounge and even a good restaurant.  Scouting America purchased the Tollgate Inn complex in 1979 and it became  the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base. Dorms were added to house over 200 Scouts and leaders, as well as scuba pools, conference/staff housing, program facilities and an administration building.

As it grew, eventually a another permanent base of operation, the Brinton Environmental Center was donated. The 6-acre property was dedicated on May 5, 2001,and sits on Summerland Key at mile marker 23.8.  The Brinton Environmental Center is now the base to the Out Island Adventure, Keys Adventure, Florida Fishing Adventure and Marine STEM Adventure.

All of these locations are surrounded by the clear blue-green waters. But these base camps are merely the take-off and return point for the real adventures: sail, snorkeling, camping and fishing in the Keys and Gulf, where few go!

Which camps you go to and where you stay depends upon the adventure your troop selects. Here's a synopsis from, Seabase (be SURE to see the official Seabase website as these offerings and details may constantly change!:

• Keys Adventure Sailing in Summer
  Start on Base in Islamorada, crews will spend their time snorkeling, paddling, and fishing. During the first part of the adventure, crews will be housed in our eco tents with bunk beds and air conditioning. For the remainder of the adventure, crews will set sail on a live-aboard adventure at sea.
• Out Island Adventure in Spring & Summer & Winter
  Begins at the Brinton Environmental Center and camps on Big Munson Island! Paddle a canoe 5 miles to the island, amp under a canopy of gumbo limbo trees, mangroves, go on an ocean kayak, a fishing excursion, shark fish, paddle to Munson Rocks for a night snorkel.
   
• St. Thomas, USVI Sailing in Summer
  Board a 40-foot plus vessel with an experienced captain and beyond sailing, snorkel pristine coral reefs, hike in Virgin Islands National Park, swim ashore to incredible beaches, and more!
  
• Florida Sea Base SCUBA Adventure Spring & Summer
  For certified divers to explore coral reefs, discover wrecks, underwater rock formations, and scuba dive.
  
• The Bahamas Adventure Spring & Summer
  Snorkel in Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco Island among the beautiful reefs. Also fishing, and swimming.
  
• Florida Sea Base SCUBA Advanced Marine Exploration Spring & Summer
  Coral Reef Restoration- Earn a PADI Advanced Scuba certification
  
• Florida Sea Base Coral Reef Sailing Spring & Summer & Winter
  a week aboard a large sailing vessel over 40 feet long. Snorkel, study astronomy, navigation, fish identification, and coral reef ecology.
  
• Bahamas Tall Ship Spring & Summer
  An active ship, requires everyone to work as a team
  
• Florida Sea Base Reef Trek Summer
  Explore that reef ecosystem from above and below the waves! Three nights will be spent in air-conditioned dormitories. Two nights will be spent camping at sea, learning what it takes for overnight sailing aboard with your crew.
  

See this pages for more information, photos, tips and first hand accounts!

• Packing list - what you NEED!
• Unofficial Big Munson Island Facebook page.  

Things you will definitely want to have with you!

1. Closed toe, high ankle water shoes with a solid bottom.  Protect your feet and ankles against sharps and biting things!