Mornings in Duck Key, in the Florida Keys, usher in an opportunity for new adventure.

"I am going to be your SNUBA instructor today," said Jason Schwanke, introducing himself.

The Seafari dive boat doesn't set a course for a destination, but rather self-discovery with tour operator Dive Duck Key.

"Who here has done scuba or SNUBA before?" Schwanke asked his new class. "First-timers. Excellent!"

For those who want to Scuba dive, but aren't certified like Morgan Wilson and I, SNUBA diving — the trademarked acronym stands for "Surface Nexus Underwater Breathing Apparatus" — with Dive Duck Key promises to take you under the sea.

"SNUBA is just another part of your life learning something — breathing under water," Morgan explained.

On the way out, guides like Schwanke share safety information.

"We're going to have to use hand signals to communicate," he tells his students.

Once in your wet suit, the time to take a leap of faith is at hand.

"On the count of three, we're going to scoot in the water," Schwanke said, guiding the participants. "One, two three, in we go!"

Slowly, Schwanke takes participants by the hand in an underwater ballet of sorts. Once your ears adjust to the pressure, a whole new world is at hand.

Unlike scuba diving, SNUBA diving keeps the air tanks on the surface. Divers are connected by a long air house that bobs on the waves above them.

"Basically an underwater rainbow, having fish surround you," Schwanke said.

Soon, we're getting an up-close look at denizens of the deep — lobster, sea stars, brain coral, and some things you wouldn't want to touch.

"There are some things not to touch, and others you'll want to stay away from," warned Schwanke.

And there it was: A nurse shark, whose morning slumber we interrupted.

Frozen, we watched as the nurse shark swam away.

"That nurse shark was over 7 feet long," said Schwanke. "She was a chunky girl."

Beginners will enjoy two dives in two different reef systems with depths of 25 feet. And all too soon, it's time to re-emerge.

"A lot of times you hear, 'It's a whole other world," Schwanke said. "Yeah, it's a whole other world. Fantastic."

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