​​My First Solo Trip to Miami | Diving + Everglades Adventure​​ 🌊🐊

📍 ​​Why Miami?​​ Originally came to ​​complete my AOW diving cert​​, but ended up falling for the Everglades’ wild side and Key lime pies! ​​🌴 Day 1: Arrival & Prep​​ ✈️ ​​Late Flight​​: Landed at night, rented a car, and drove to ​​Homestead​​ (budget stay vs. Key Largo’s $$$). ​​🤿 Day 2: Dive Refresher + Key West Tastes​​ ​​Morning​​: ​​Scuba Refresher​​: Pool session (2 hrs) to shake off rust. ​​Key Lime Pie Stop​​: Key Lime Pie Factory (tangy + sweet). ​​Afternoon​​: ​​Robbie’s Marina​​: Fed giant ​​tarpon fish​​ ($5 bucket)—watch for pelican muggers! ​​Beach Nap​​: Found a shady public beach and ​​slept in the car​​ (March weather = perfection). ​​Dinner​​: Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Cafe ​​Must-Order​​: Stone crab claws (half-price vs. South Beach!). ​​🚤 Day 3: Plan B—Everglades Thrills​​ ​​Cancelled Dive​​: High winds → spontaneous ​​airboat tour​​ at Gator Park: ​​Cost​​: 30(+8 if no park pass). ​​Thrills​​: High-speed spins + gator spotting (only 2-3 🐊). ​​Hidden Gem​​: Loop Rd Big Cypress (free gator safari!): ​​Saw​​: Dozens of gators + birds/turtles in roadside canals. ​​Mind Blown​​: Locals live here—how?! 🤯 ​​Dinner​​: Flama Spanish Grill ​​Meat Feast​​: 10+ types of grilled meats (star: ​​cinnamon-dusted pineapple​​). ​​Vibe​​: Caribbean staff + lively no hablo inglés energy. ​​💡 Solo Travel Tips​​ ✔ ​​Car Rental Essential​​: Key Largo ↔ Everglades flexibility. ✔ ​​Gator Safety​​: Stay 15+ ft from canals (they’re faster than you!). ✔ ​​Dive Backup Plans​​: Always have a ​​weather-proof activity​​ (airboats!). ​​#SoloMiami #ScubaFailWin #GatorRoadTrip​