About the Captain
Born & raised in Miami, Fl, Capt. Charlie was very fortunate to spend his weekends and summers in the fabulous Florida Keys. His passion for the ocean, drove him to start his business, Key Largo Adventures, in Islamorada, Florida, specializing in an all-inclusive private boat charter with Islamorada sandbar BBQ and party, flats fishing, snorkel tour, paddle boarding around the Mangrove Islanda. The Captain’s service and the Tiki Tiki’s boat charter and tours are unsurpassed in the Florida Keys.
Born from Cuban parents, Capt. Charlie is fluent in Spanish. His love for the ocean stemmed from his maternal grandfather and his commercial fisherman brother. Since 1979, Capt. Charlie Filpes has been boating, fishing, scuba diving, spearfishing, hydro-sliding, paddlebaording, and even hydroplaning the spectacular waters of the Florida Keys. He spent most of his summer time while a young child and teenager in the Florida Keys. His playgrounds included a variety of SandBars, mangrove islands and coral reefs throughout the Upper Keys. This explains his vast experience and ability to put you in the best spot at the perfect time.
Mr. Filpes has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology/Anthropology from Florida International University (FIU) and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Barry University, as well as being certified in Physical Education. For the past 19 years, “Mr. Filpes” has also been teaching elementary students in Miami-Dade County. He has taught grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in Liberty City, Kendall, Hialeah, and currently Miami Gardens. He is also certified in lifeguarding and swimming instruction since 1989; and is also certified in CPR/First Aide and PADI scuba certified since age 12.
During his tenure as an Elementary School teacher, Mr. Filpes developed a nutritional program for his class and after-school Health Club. His results from implementing the after-school program were unprecedented in the State of Florida– as an astounding 72% of his 96 obese students reduced their BMI. Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” Campaign Florida Representative publically stated that, “The Best Childhood Obesity in the State of Florida is at Mae Walters Elementary”, (June, 2011). True!
Additionally, on May 2008, Mr. Filpes co-authored an article which was published in The Journal of School Health. Based on BMI calculations, the article depicted the overweight and obesity rates at Mae Walters Elementary (53% and 36%, respectively) to be the highest in the nation!
As a teacher, one of Mr. “F’s” favorite activities was sponsoring a Boating Adventure to the Florida Keys for his most deserving students (and one parent). Mr. “F”, the classroom teacher, then transitioned into Capt. Filpes, the boat captain, who taught them how to snorkel, fish, paddleboard, and explore the captivating shallow flats. He has sponsored over 100 students since 1999 (and many fortunate parents) on an extraordinary Marine Eco-Trip these children will never forget. In fact, these eco-trips have been showcased not once, but twice in the Miami Herald Newspaper and National Public Radio (NPR).
As an amateur marine photographer Capt. Charlie has been published full-page in Ocean Drive magazine and several of his photos have been showcased in Florida Sportsman Magazine. His expertise is at your disposal since as he is your official photographer for the day and averages between 100 & 200 photos on your 7 hour Key Largo Adventure boat charter.