Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Wandering waterways
Boat tours highlight effects of human activity on South Florida ecosystems.
As the Water Shuttle sailed along the New River, tour guide Paola Espitia ignored the mega mansions all around and instead discussed the water, trees and animals sprinkled throughout the urban landscape.
It’s a different focus for the Water Shuttle, which in March launched the Blue Discovery Eco Tour in partnership with Ola’pi Creative, a Fort Lauderdale media production studio owned by Espitia and her boyfriend and business partner, Pay Aponte.
“I believe that when people have a positive experience on water, it makes them really care for the ocean,” said Espitia, who is a marine biologist and photographer. “I feel so strongly about its beauty and its value. It provides so much to our lives. The more that I can spread off that type of energy and get people to care about the ocean, the more we’re going to be more mindful of our actions.”
The tour, which lasts about two hours, leaves from the Riverfront Plaza, in
front of Briny Irish Pub, and sails along the New River through Port Everglades and the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. It costs $35 per person and typically is offered every fourth Saturday of the month. Because of Memorial Day weekend, however, this month’s tour is scheduled for May 20.
Along the way on a recent Saturday, Espitia related the history of the New River and explained the connection of the Florida waterways, the importance of mangrove forests and coral reefs, and the effects of human activity on our local ecosystems.
"It's going to be different every month. We’ll be seeing other things," she said. “Another reason I wanted to do this tour is to give ideas of what you can do to help preserve the environment and our ecosystems.”
Espitia graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2013 but ended up going into the communications field, starting Ola’pi with her boyfriend. They produce a weekly online video series on Ola’pi’s Facebook page and YouTube channel that features local eco-friendly businesses.
“I don’t do research science anymore, so instead I do ocean communications,” she said.
Alla Mihailenco, 32, of Fort Lauderdale, said the tour was a nice contrast from her everyday job as a computer programmer.
“I’m interested in ecology and it’s a good opportunity to see Fort Lauderdale,” Mihailenco said. “I want to see nature because every day I’m in the office.”
Photography enthusiasts Kelley Tanner, 58, of Plantation, and Alejandra Quesada, 32, of Davie, often do outdoor activities together and were excited to try the new boat ride.
“Being able to drive a couple of miles and experience this is great. Sometimes you have to drive a lot to experience nature,” Quesada said. “Knowing more about this area makes me appreciate more where I live.”