Dive into Adventure: Swim with Rays at St. Regis Longboat Key!

Key Colony Beach, Florida, USA - As we bask in the warm Floridian sun this summer, a new aquatic paradise has blossomed on Longboat Key. The St. Regis Longboat Key, which opened its doors in August 2023, is redefining luxury with its stunning 500,000-gallon lagoon teeming with life. This spectacular resort now offers guests the chance to dive into a thrilling marine adventure, featuring over 3,000 sea creatures, including Southern stingrays, lobsters, and even the quirky pufferfish.
In the heart of an 18-acre resort complex, the lagoon serves as a vibrant homage to the site’s past, where The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort once thrived. Now, it stands as a sanctuary for guests seeking both relaxation and excitement.

What can you expect at this beachfront haven? A variety of engaging activities awaits those curious enough to explore the underwater realm. The St. Regis offers the „Under the Sea Lagoon Experience,“ where expert marine biologists, known as aquarists, guide you through an unforgettable encounter with cownose rays and vibrant tropical fish. For just $149 per person, guests can don their snorkeling gear and immerse themselves in a tranquil aquatic environment while feeding these charming rays, each with its own distinct personality. The experience is carefully curated to accommodate small groups, enhancing both learning and enjoyment.

Interactive Marine Wonders

The detailed educational elements of this experience truly stand out. Participants are not only engaging in activities but also gaining insight into the lagoon’s complex ecosystem. Aquarists share knowledge about conservation efforts and the delicate balance of marine life. Daily educational moments at the Lagoon Viewing window provide a fascinating peek into the lives of the myriad fish that call this lagoon home.
Did you know, for instance, that a mature Queen Angelfish can release up to 10 million eggs in a spawning season? Or that Southern stingrays can span 4-5 feet and weigh up to 200 pounds? The learning opportunities abound, and kids aged 8 and older can safely partake in snorkeling, while younger children can feed the stingrays directly.

In addition to the diverse marine life, guests can also meet resident Aldabra tortoises, captivating creatures that draw both children and adults alike into their slower-paced world. This family-friendly focus is part of what makes The St. Regis not just a hotel, but a wholesome destination for memorable gatherings.

Ocean Conservation Commitment

The St. Regis Longboat Key isn’t alone in their commitment to marrying luxury with sustainability. A new generation of luxury resorts is emerging, all focused on marine conservation and sustainable practices. As noted by Outside Suburbia, resorts around the globe are increasingly dedicated to offering eco-driven designs and immersive experiences, working hand-in-hand with local organizations to foster a healthier marine ecosystem.
This echoes the efforts seen in other prestigious resorts like Oil Nut Bay in the British Virgin Islands, which offers turtle tagging experiences that support marine conservation, and Villa del Palmar in Mexico, recognized for its eco-friendly initiatives.

As World Oceans Day reminds us annually, there’s a pressing need to take action against pollution and climate change affecting our oceans. The Under the Sea Lagoon Experience at St. Regis is not just fun; it provides a valuable lesson in appreciating and protecting our natural resources. In this vein, visitors to Longboat Key can enjoy both luxury and a sense of duty towards marine preservation.

So, as the summer sun shines down, why not dive into the adventure at The St. Regis Longboat Key? Whether you’re interacting with friendly rays or soaking up knowledge about marine ecosystems, there’s something here for everyone. It’s clear that this resort isn’t just about luxury—it does a good deal to encourage guests to engage with and appreciate our oceans for generations to come.