Move over, “Florida Man,” Robert Ripley was doing unbelievable things in the Sunshine State long before the meme!
Once voted the most popular man in America, Ripley lived a life of daring adventures, wild discoveries, and larger-than-life curiosities. Now, his legacy is officially being honored with a 2025 induction into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame!
Let's take a look back at some of his unconventional Florida feats.
Shark Snacks and Live Radio
In 1940, Ripley dove headfirst into history at Marineland, hosting the world’s first live underwater radio broadcast. With a microphone sealed in a diving helmet, Ripley’s voice crackled over the airwaves as he described his surreal surroundings beneath the waves.
Audiences tuned in at home as he fed sharks live in real time. Yes, you read that right, Ripley fed sharks!
The broadcast blurred the line between entertainment and danger, cementing Ripley’s reputation as someone who would do anything to bring the unbelievable to life.
A Florida Life of Curiosity
Ripley wasn’t just passing through Florida; he made it a home for his curious spirit. He owned a Palm Beach estate, docked his iconic Chinese junk boat, the Mon Lei, in local harbors, and cheered from the stands at baseball games.
His love for the state’s vibrant culture and wild side was woven into everything he did.
From Castle Warden to Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Ripley’s fascination with the unusual led him to St. Augustine’s Castle Warden, a historic mansion he transformed into the very first Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attraction.
That spark lit the flame for the infamous attractions we know today, now entertaining millions across Florida and around the world, with attractions across 9 countries!
More Than a Florida Man
Ripley’s impact stretched far beyond Florida. In his lifetime, he traveled to 201 countries, an almost impossible feat at a time when international travel was rare and difficult.
The press nicknamed him the “modern Marco Polo,” and his syndicated cartoons and radio shows made him one of the most recognizable figures of his time. At the peak of his fame, he received more than one million fan letters every year!
Not bad for a man who made a living proving the unbelievable.
A Hall of Fame Legacy
Since 2001, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame has recognized visionaries who shaped the state into the unforgettable destination it is today. And Ripley, with his shark tanks, travels, and endless curiosity, more than earned his place.
Though born in California, Ripley’s heart and fearless sense of wonder will always belong to Florida. His adventures put the state’s wild spirit on the world stage, proving that truth really is stranger than fiction.
Next time you visit a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Florida attraction , remember: you’re walking in the footsteps of the original “Florida Man,” Robert Ripley himself, now and forever a Hall of Famer!
Celebrate With Us
But wait, that's not all! For a limited time, enjoy 25% OFF Single or Combo Tickets at all Florida attractions! Just use promo code: FAME at checkout! Valid: 8/28-9/12. This offer excludes VIP tickets.