lfpsteph
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I've never been to Key West or Key Largo and just starting some research. Can anyone recommend a top notch dive shop/operator and place to stay? Want a 5 star dive shop ie: safety conscious and personal service and decent accomodations. 
Key Largo - dive shops and places to stay?
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Welcome to the board.
There are a lot of good dive ops in the Keys however most of the best diving is from Key Largo to the mid keys, Key West is where you go to party and maybe dive a little. 2 ops I have had recent experience with are Island Ventures and Silent World. Both have reasonable size boats- 12ish divers, run good operations and have great captains. My gear is still drying from diving with Silent World this weekend. Not sure what you are looking for in the way of "personal service" but few Keys ops supply a DM as a guide. If you want a DM/guide it's extra so don't expect to have someone in the water with you or someone to set up your gear. They load the tanks on the boat, you pick where you want to setup and do so.
Accomidations run from 5 star fancy to very basic. For me, as long as the shower is hot, the AC cold and there are no major bugs any place will do. That said, I have stayed at the Pelican (this weekend) and Sunset Cove. They are your basic 60's building, old and out of style but functional and at around $100 per night about as inexpensive as you can get. I go to dive, as long as the above requirements are met, I am happy.
There are a lot of good dive ops in the Keys however most of the best diving is from Key Largo to the mid keys, Key West is where you go to party and maybe dive a little. 2 ops I have had recent experience with are Island Ventures and Silent World. Both have reasonable size boats- 12ish divers, run good operations and have great captains. My gear is still drying from diving with Silent World this weekend. Not sure what you are looking for in the way of "personal service" but few Keys ops supply a DM as a guide. If you want a DM/guide it's extra so don't expect to have someone in the water with you or someone to set up your gear. They load the tanks on the boat, you pick where you want to setup and do so.
Accomidations run from 5 star fancy to very basic. For me, as long as the shower is hot, the AC cold and there are no major bugs any place will do. That said, I have stayed at the Pelican (this weekend) and Sunset Cove. They are your basic 60's building, old and out of style but functional and at around $100 per night about as inexpensive as you can get. I go to dive, as long as the above requirements are met, I am happy.
pickens_46929
Contributor
I would 2nd absolutely everything that Herman said.
And for about $100 you can also get in at the Suites at Key Largo which is described off of Silent World's website. It was a bit more modern than the Pelican but a tad noisy for my tastes.
And for about $100 you can also get in at the Suites at Key Largo which is described off of Silent World's website. It was a bit more modern than the Pelican but a tad noisy for my tastes.
robint
Contributor
I've never been to Key West or Key Largo and just starting some research. Can anyone recommend a top notch dive shop/operator and place to stay? Want a 5 star dive shop ie: safety conscious and personal service and decent accomodations.
there is a Florida Forum here on SB...... you should look there for answers.
ericjespersen
Registered
I too am planning a trip to dive around Key Largo, in the first week of June. With a group of 4 Divers. I was certified last April, aprox 10 dive to date.
Most memorable spots, good dive boats?
Any places/shops to avoid?
Any input is appreciated.
Thanks,
Eric
Most memorable spots, good dive boats?
Any places/shops to avoid?
Any input is appreciated.
Thanks,
Eric
Having four divers puts you in the driver's seat because you can charter a six-pack boat and choose your own sites. For six-packs, I like HMSMinnow and have heard good things about Garden Cove divers as well.
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Hi Ifpsteph,
I have a lot of experience with Ocean Divers in Key Largo (94 dives over 5 years). Very professional, reliable transportation to dive sites, go to Spiegel Grove or Duane every day, both on Sunday, will always go out with as few as 2 divers (see my Undercurrent report). Large, stable boats in rougher conditions. They show good judgement in diving when conditions are borderline. I stay at Holiday Inn, often eat at the Galley next door to Ocean Divers.
Good luck in your planning. PM me with any questions.
Good diving, Craig
I have a lot of experience with Ocean Divers in Key Largo (94 dives over 5 years). Very professional, reliable transportation to dive sites, go to Spiegel Grove or Duane every day, both on Sunday, will always go out with as few as 2 divers (see my Undercurrent report). Large, stable boats in rougher conditions. They show good judgement in diving when conditions are borderline. I stay at Holiday Inn, often eat at the Galley next door to Ocean Divers.
Good luck in your planning. PM me with any questions.
Good diving, Craig
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Lots of info in the FL Conchs Forum about Keys Diving (one of my personal favorite dive destinations) and in this sticky http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida-conch-divers/231435-florida-keys-guide.html. You might also check www.fla-keys.com.
If you use the search feature
for Key Largo, you will probably find 1000 posts covering everything from restaurants & accomodations, reviews of good dive operators, favorite dive sites, training requirements, etc.
I second the above opinions on Garden Cove Divers, Silent World, and Conch Republic...all of whom frequent Scubaboard.
Have a blast!
If you use the search feature
for Key Largo, you will probably find 1000 posts covering everything from restaurants & accomodations, reviews of good dive operators, favorite dive sites, training requirements, etc.I second the above opinions on Garden Cove Divers, Silent World, and Conch Republic...all of whom frequent Scubaboard.
Have a blast!
Speargirl
Contributor
If you have any specific questions about the Florida Keys guide I will be more than happy to answer them for you. As stated above the best diving is in Key Largo in the Marine Sanctuary.
Lots of dive shops here to choose from. Lots of places to eat a few I would not recommend.
Becky
Lots of dive shops here to choose from. Lots of places to eat a few I would not recommend.
Becky
i highly reccomend Silent world in key largo. Did my certification dives with them, and just booked a return trip to dive with them in may. they also offer special rates for lodging.
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