Even though I've logged tens of thousands of hours in and around the worlds five oceans as a professional photographer and guide what I love most is the place where I've enjoyed countless adventures — my back yard since birth — the Lake Worth Lagoon.
As a teacher in the Palm Beach County school system I get to relive some of those adventures in their retelling …
- The time when a manatee knocked me over and gave me a big smooch.
- How my father taught me to capture pufferfish with my bare hands.
- Making friends with "Snagglemouth" an ancient Goliath Grouper who lived under my dock.
- Discovering the best places to find Indian pottery, ancient fossils, and shark teeth.
During one of these stories a few years ago one of my students blurted out, "I wish I could come along on one of your adventures". Later he begged, pleaded, and literally twisted my arm to go. I finally gave in and took his family out in May of 2006.
After a hand-burning high-five (and a tear-filled thanks from his mom) I reflected upon how lucky I was to grow up the way I did. I assumed that people just didn't have the love I have for the natural world ... I never realized that they just hadn't had the same opportunity to EXPERIENCE it.
Wow! Eagle Ray to Port!
At that moment I decided to dedicate part of my usual relaxing summer sabbatical to the creation of a local summer camp. Adventure Mike's was born.
Wow! I wish I had started years ago. Why? Just take a look and see …
Just Some of the Adventures we Had in the Lagoon on a Recent Outing
As soon as we left the dock Hannah, Madison, Jack, Jake and Noelle spotted a large eagle ray foraging for conch (photo to the right).
Wading in the shallows Madison took a whole roll of underwater photos of two giant hermit crabs fighting over each others Queen Conch shells.
When the sun was two hours higher Noelle got to rescue (and pet) a spotted sea hare who had washed up on shore (photo below!).
On our way back Jake proudly spotted a bottle nosed dolphin far off. We motored nearby to watch him take a breath and he was off.
When I started this camp, I had children like these in mind (click on the video below) because …
Click Video Above!
they returned to shore with new insights and a greater appreciation of the lagoon and the natural world.
Adventure Mike's isn't glorified baby sitting. We even keep a low staff to student ratio so all kids can fully participate and to provide …
A Safe Hands On Educational Adventure
Parents are always concerned about safety so let me tell you just a few of the things you'll learn when you attend orientation on the first day …
- We always wear our life preservers in the boat
- We only swim in lifeguard supervised areas
- We have an ultra-low staff to student ratio (maximum of 1 to 4)
- You can call us on cell phone (561) 324-1892 any time to check in
- We keep plenty of spray sunscreen on board
- We have pre-assigned safe places to go during storms
A Place with Amazing Adventure Destinations
Just a few of the things we do include …
- Searching the shoreline for fossils
- Exploring the flats and tidal pools for mantis shrimp, conch, starfish, and more
- Scouting for hermit crabs in island wetlands
- Fishing for take-home dinner on my secret fishing spots
- Learning about underwater photography
- Playing beach games
- And more!
We're Ready for You!
As long as your're reading this Adventure Mike's still has spots open. Once they are filled up this page will contain instructions to get on our waiting list. As of today I only have a few spots left for the rest of the season (see below for those weeks).
Poking a Sea Hare!
So how much does it cost?
How much would you pay for your child to have four days of fun exploring local islands, each filled with the opportunity of new adventure?
Before you answer you should know that that I've lead tours all around the world for photography professionals, the rich and famous, and amateur adventurers … and they can pay thousands a week.
But each summer I give back because I was fortunate to be born into a family where we spent all of our time on the water and I've been blessed to make a career of what I enjoy doing ... so I'm currently only charging $250 for a 4-day session.
If you can get a group of friends together give me a call ... I have lower group rates too.
So hurry and …
Register Now!
Get your phone and call me any time:
(561) 324-1892 or (561) 624-9369
I'm more of a old-fashioned face-to-face or telephone type of person but you can also contact me using the form below (especially between midnight to 6:00 AM EST). Keep in mind the available weeks listed below are updated every few days.
I guarantee your child will have a great adventure and come home with a story to tell every day. If they decide after the first day that Adventure Mike's is not the most fun they have ever had in the lagoon I will personally take you and your child out again on one of my make up weekends at the end of the season.
Let's Go Have Some Fun,
Mike Bacon
P.S. We are also available year round for birthday parties, snorkeling tours, private and group lessons. All necessary gear provided if needed. Instructors have passed employment history checks, FDLE background checks, are CPR certified, well qualified, knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic. Call us at (561) 324-1892 or (561) 624-9369 for more information.
P.P.S. I also pay $25 per referral (and don't forget about our special group rates).
