Visiting the Keys

[F106A]

For diving, the Key Largo/Tavernier area offers the most sites. Water temps = ~80+.
Recommended reefs: Snapper & French, wrecks-Benwood (very shallow, LOTS of fish and stuff), Spiegel Grove & Eagle (somewhat deeper).
Dives ops: HMS Minnow (best 6 pack), Quiescence (excellent, 6-packs), Scuba-Do (34'/10 divers, nice operation), Conch Republic Divers (Tavernier-big & little boats, receive consistently high marks from just about all here on SB), Ocean Divers (2 big boats AND they'll go out if they have 2 divers). (For the deeper wrecks most/all ops require an advanced rating or you'll need to hire one of their employees to accompany you.)
(Aside to cappyjon431, I haven't noticed Dual Porpoise around for a few years; where is their boat berthed?)

 

[cappyjon431]

For diving, the Key Largo/Tavernier area offers the most sites. Water temps = ~80+.
Recommended reefs: Snapper & French, wrecks-Benwood (very shallow, LOTS of fish and stuff), Spiegel Grove & Eagle (somewhat deeper).
Dives ops: HMS Minnow (best 6 pack), Quiescence (excellent, 6-packs), Scuba-Do (34'/10 divers, nice operation), Conch Republic Divers (Tavernier-big & little boats, receive consistently high marks from just about all here on SB), Ocean Divers (2 big boats AND they'll go out if they have 2 divers). (For the deeper wrecks most/all ops require an advanced rating or you'll need to hire one of their employees to accompany you.)
(Aside to cappyjon431, I haven't noticed Dual Porpoise around for a few years; where is their boat berthed?)

Scott Fowler bought Dual Porpoise a number of years ago from the previous owner. He currently runs out of the marina just north of the Holiday Inn (mm 100, ocean side). I lived and worked as an instructor/captain in the Keys for many years (mostly at Amoray, who also runs a good operation), and I can honestly say that Scott is the MOST knowledgeable Captain/Dive instructor in the Keys. I also don't know anybody who has done more in Key Largo to help preserve the marine environment. For a look at the operation and Scott's credentials, look at:

Dual Porpoise Charters

 

[DeputyDan]

I use this op in Key Largo

DIVE KEY LARGO - SCUBA with HMS MINNOW DIVING CHARTERS, Florida Keys Pennekamp Sanctuary


However, know that they expect you to be a competent diver - no real hand holding provided - a good dive brief and see you in an hour -

 

[caymaniac]

I've returned from the Keys last month, diving really sucked as the viz was about 10 feet. It's been windy in the Keys. We stayed at the Continental Inn in Key Colony beach at Marathon. The hotel was nice, but not as nice as any Cayman hotel. For sight seeing Key West is a must as there is a train that takes you around Key West for a 90 min. tour and gives a lot of historical info as well as locations of sites. Mallory square at sunset is a must, we spent two days in Key West, the better diving is not in Key West, try Key Largo for better dives. Bahia Honda state park is also a nice spot in the Keys with a beach.
Key West:

Bahia Honda