Have you slept amongst fishes yet?
If not, Jules Undersea Lodge
just might be for you!

By Fida Wild
The term "ocean view" takes on a whole other meaning in Jules Undersea Lodge, a Key Largo hotel that offers more than just a room.

At first glance, one might think it could be some sort of an amusement park, but that couldn't be further from the truth. There's a lot of history behind Jules Undersea Lodge.

The peculiar hotel had a very different life before it became a lodge. It was the La Chalupa mobile undersea laboratory, the largest and most technically advanced in the world during its operation. In 1996 Scott Carpenter and Ian Koblick, two ocean pioneers, and astronaut Michael Gernhardt shared a historic moment - they chatted with each other during the sea-space link-up between the La Chalupa and the space shuttle Endeavour.

Located in the sheltered seawater lagoon outside of Key Largo, the former research habitat was transformed into the world's first underwater hotel in 1986.
It's very much kept authentic. Neil Monney and Ian Koblick are the minds behind the underwater adventure and named the lodge in honour of Jules Verne (Author of: "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea").

The adventure starts right after check-in. To reach Jules Undersea Lodge, one has to dive 21 feet below surface before entering via the moon pool into the wet room, which is filled with compressed air to prevent the water from rising and flooding the rooms.

The four legged "sea creature" serves as an artificial reef, providing shelter and substrate for marine animals. The mangrove lagoon is a habitat to a wide array of tropical fish as well as oysters, sponges and other sea organisms.

Whether you go for a fun afternoon tour, an overnight stay, or a full-fledged adventure holiday, it sure will be one of the Florida adventures you never forget.

Activities

Stay in or snorkel. Explore the 'neighbourhood', the ever changing aquatic life of the mangrove the scuba diving way. Jules Undersea Lodge provides gear and unlimited supply of tanks. Feel like a researcher or follow in Captain Nemo's footsteps and undertake your own curious voyage into the deep of the sea.

Visit the MarineLab underwater research and education habitat. A re-creation of a Spanish galleon wreck provides a wonderful opportunity to study the techniques of marine archaeology. The wreck site is a replica of the San Pedro, set up by world-renowned archaeologist R. Duncan Matthewson II, who was instrumental in locating the famous wreck in the Atocha.

Facilities

• 2 private bedrooms with shared bathroom. Both bedrooms have a 42 inch (106 cm) round window.
• 1 common room containing a mini kitchen with refrigerator and microwave, custom-made mermaid and merman tables, entertainment areas, and a 42-inch (106 cm) round window. A sofa that converts into two single beds if a group is booking the Lodge.
• Each room is equipped with VCR/DVD, stereo sound system and telephone. Air-conditioned.
• Groups/Families: The retreat can accommodate up to 6 people.
• The "Command Center" is located at the edge of the Emerald Lagoon. The control centre is connected to Jules Undersea Lodge by cables taht deliver fresh air, water, power and communication.

Packages

The Lodge offers many different packages, be that for an overnight stay or a Key Largo scuba dive adventure:

• Jules Undersea Lodge Mini Adventure (afternoon: From $125 per person (minimum 2 people)
• European Style Packages start at $375 per person and night
• Luxury Packages start at $475 per person and night
• Ultimate Romantic Getaway Packages start at $1,295 per night for weiddings, honeymoons or just two people in love
• Group Economy Packages (minimum 4 people, maximum 6 people) start at $225 per person and night
• Educational Vacations such as Aquanaut speciality programs, Underwater Naturalist Adventures, MarineLab Programs, Manned Underwater Laboratory speciality program as well as Night Dives, Complete Dive Certification and TV/Film Media and Underwater Photography packages. Email for more details.

Good to Know

• Visitors traveling by air: A minimum of 24 horus onshore is essential after your stay underwater before flying.
• Medical restrictions for non-certified divers. good health is necessary due to the stress a dive puts on the body. You cannot dive if you are pregnant, have any medical or psychological problems. Please check the details with the Lodge.
• No children under the age of 10.
• No alcohol, no smoking
• Not a certified diver? No problem. The Lodge provides a complete 3-hour dive course in the Emerald Lagoon in the company of an instructor that accompanies visitors to the Undersea Lodge. Specials for overnight guests of the Undersea Lodge.
• Staffed and monitored 24 hours
• Luggage and meals are carried down in special waterproof suitcases by the staff
• Rent a "mer chef". He will prepare gourmet meals right on board.
• Gratuities not included

Location

Jules' Undersea Lodge
Key Largo Undersea Park
51 Shoreland Drive
Key Largo, Florida 33037

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Note: The information provided here was correct when published. Rates and details can change without notice.

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