I can think of few things as adventurous as putting on unfamiliar clothing, strapping on an external “lung” and heading off into a completely exotic and foreign environment. But for those who love to dive, scuba excursions are simply “fin-tastic” ways to spend some time. Depending on conditions and location, there can be a lot of gear involved in a trip to dive. But instead of packing it from home, consider the convenience of renting. Several retailers in the area carry a full line of gear. Some also offer guided dives and lessons for divers of all skill levels. If you already own your own gear, bring it in to one of the shops to have it checked for safety. Once you're all “geared” up, you can explore sand bars, artificial reefs or the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There are almost innumerable species of fish to see, and the peace and tranquility underwater is hard to march anywhere.