Voyage for the soul

To watch a video version of the story through Feb. 15, 2011, click on the camera icon to the right.  Travel information on costs, location and logistics appears below the story.

We're 16 days into the new year. How's that New Year's resolution working for you? If you planned to reduce your stress, head to the Florida Keys.

As the northern states spend time digging out from winter's wrath, one boat captain has a better use for moon boots. Near the southern-most point of Florida, you'll meet one of the Florida Keys greatest modern characters.

"I teach everything above and below water,” Captain Victoria Impallomeni explains to a group of new passengers. But Before you pass judgment, Captain Victoria has a word of advice.

"Each person may have a preconceived idea of what I do,” she says.

At the helm by sunrise and armed with a degree in environmental marine science, Captain Victoria's tours depart from Stock Island just east of Key West for a spiritual awaking.

"Prepare to howl,” she cries at passengers as they pass under the famed U.S. 1 Highway and into clear green waters.

The exercise begins to separate riders from the mainland and their old feelings.

Here, Captain Victoria hopes to awake what she calls your water spirit and then clear your energy field through sound.  Using tuning forks, Captain Victoria slams the metal rods together creating a chiming sound before moving the forks around volunteer Patty Pullen's head. The fresh salt air, warm sun above and vista of nothing but a tropical oasis surround Pullen, who lost both of her grandparents in the past year. She came seeking spiritual peace.

"There is a calmness and peace. Even flow through your body. Everything is working right,” Pullen explained to onlookers. And after the chimes, somebody paid the boat a visit.

"I think I just saw one, Captain Victoria gasps.

Right on queue, wild dolphin visited our boat.

"They showed up when we did the chimes,” Patty remarked.  Captain Victoria says the visitation happens often.

"Open to receive your blessing you guys. Tell them what you're about on the planet,” she instructs passengers.

During the half day and day-long tours, Captain Victoria also stops on a reef known as Boca Grand Beach for a marine walk among the four hundred-year-old mangroves and warm beaches.

"There is a segmented leaf called calcareous algae and the critters can eat it, Victoria shares with those strolling along the sandy shore. “There is a sea shell."

But all too soon, it's time to head back to the dock.

“All Aboard!"

To watch a video version of the story through Feb. 15, 2011, click on the camera icon above.

Dancing Water Spirit Charters with Captain Victoria 
 
A vibrant personality greets you for a boat trip rooted in  self healing, spirit awakening, sound therapy and dolphin watching. Visit a wildlife refuges off of Key West Florida aboard the IMP II, a 25-foot shallow draft power boat. 
 
Where:
Stock Island, next to Key West
Monroe County
 
Hours:
Reservations required.
Three tours offered:
Morning:  8 a.m. to noon 
Afternoon:  12:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. 
Full Day: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
Tickets:
Morning: $500 per boat
Afternoon: $500 per boat
Full Day: $700 per boat
Fuel Costs: Current rate
Note: The cost is per boatload.  It is shared between the 1-6 persons per trip.
 
Parking:
Free at the marina.  Check in with the marina office upon arrival.
 
Info Line:
(305) 304-7562
(888) 822-7366

E-mail:
seapriestess2010@yahoo.com
 
Tankful Before You Go Info:
There are no age limits, young or old.
Credit cards are NOT accepted.
Captain Victoria traditionally leaves from Murray's Marina.
A bathroom is not on board.  Go before leaving the dock.
 
Marina Address:
Murray's Marina 
5710 US Highway 1
Mile Marker 5
Stock Island, FL 33040
 
GPS Longitude & Latitude:
Latitude: 24.5746091
Longitude: -81.7358202
 
Latitude: 24N 34' 28.5918"
Longitude: -81S 44' 8.952"
 
Drive Time:
From Orlando: 6 hours, 45 minutes
From Tampa: 7 Hours, 15 minutes
 
Map:
Click for a map of Stock Island
 
Website:
http://www.captainvictoria.com/