Florida Keys Diving in late October

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I really appreciate all of this advice….It’s definitely shaping and reshaping our vacation for sure.

I was wondering why hotels in Key West were $300+ a night in late October. Now I know :D….thanks for the heads up. My wife will enjoy the festival and it will be a great add to our vacation. That being said, I think that settles that we will keep non-Key West and enjoy Key West on a dry day. Although I am very disappointed to find out about Dry Tortugas fort and not be able to dive it this time around. Wow…that place looks amazing.

Now it looks like Thursday night arrival in Ft Lauderdale and stay at a hotel that night. Get up early and drive through the Upper Keys in the morning to dive someplace Friday noon or afternoon. I was thinking Key Largo…but now you have me thinking Conch Republic in Tavernier. Maybe we’ll stay there for a couple of nights (Fri-Sat) and then marathon for a few nights(Sun-Wed). I had settled on staying at Marathon for 4-5 days but your advice is swaying me to make that northern/middle key stop for a couple of days instead. Part of me wants to just settle in one hotel for most of the week but we might make an exception if the diving is better and recommended non-Marathon (like Tavernier). And then, we would spend Wednesday day-Thurs noon in Key West to finish off the trip.
 
Jason at CRD is great: he'll be a perfect guide. Tavernier and Key Largo are close together. I'll often stay at mile marker 100 or 104 in KL and drive to Conch Republic Divers for my dives: takes 15 mins maximum. I've stayed at the Hungry Pelican, which is OK if your not too picky, the Marriott Courtyard and Holiday Inn aren't far away either. But if you can find a better hotel deal in Tavernier, that would be optimal. I've stayed at Ocean Pointe condos which are close to CRD; most of the units are quite nice. But with the condo fee you pay, it only makes sense if you stay 3 or more nights.

Personally, I'd stay in KL or Tavernier or Islamorada for most of the trip if diving is your priority since I think the diving in the upper Keys is the best, especially for a newer nervous diver. But if night life and taverns/bars and shopping is the priority, then stay closer to Key West.
 
I suggest possibly driving to Homestead, which is an hour south of Fort Lauderdale and an hour north of Key Largo. Minimizes the drive for the day that you dive and you can get a good room for $40-$50 a night.
 
Another big shout out for Conch Republic Divers. Also check with them for room rates, Brenda or Gary can get you special deals. During Fantasy Fest, you can expect room rates in the entire island chain to be very expensive, if you can even get a room at all.

As someone else mentioned, if you are unable to secure affordable lodging in the Keys, you can always stay in Florida City/Homestead. Just be real careful and read reviews. There is some decent lodging up there, but half of them are roach motels. Also, your drive time from there will vary from 30 minutes to three hours depending on what time you hit the "stretch".

If you haven't booked your lodging in the Keys yet for late October, I'd get on it asap. Seriously.
 
I really appreciate all of this advice….It’s definitely shaping and reshaping our vacation for sure.

I was wondering why hotels in Key West were $300+ a night in late October. Now I know :D….thanks for the heads up. My wife will enjoy the festival and it will be a great add to our vacation. That being said, I think that settles that we will keep non-Key West and enjoy Key West on a dry day. Although I am very disappointed to find out about Dry Tortugas fort and not be able to dive it this time around. Wow…that place looks amazing.

Now it looks like Thursday night arrival in Ft Lauderdale and stay at a hotel that night. Get up early and drive through the Upper Keys in the morning to dive someplace Friday noon or afternoon. I was thinking Key Largo…but now you have me thinking Conch Republic in Tavernier. Maybe we’ll stay there for a couple of nights (Fri-Sat) and then marathon for a few nights(Sun-Wed). I had settled on staying at Marathon for 4-5 days but your advice is swaying me to make that northern/middle key stop for a couple of days instead. Part of me wants to just settle in one hotel for most of the week but we might make an exception if the diving is better and recommended non-Marathon (like Tavernier). And then, we would spend Wednesday day-Thurs noon in Key West to finish off the trip.


Hey Condeman00

Drop us an email at dive@conchrepublicdivers.com requesting a $200 VIP Club Card and we might be able to save you some money. The cards give you access into a private travel club website and have some good prices. I'd be glad to send you one.

Good Diving,
Capt Gary
Conch Republic Divers
 
Hey Condeman00

Drop us an email at dive@conchrepublicdivers.com requesting a $200 VIP Club Card and we might be able to save you some money. The cards give you access into a private travel club website and have some good prices. I'd be glad to send you one.

Good Diving,
Capt Gary
Conch Republic Divers

Capt Gary...I'm so sorry I didn't see this sooner. The "notification" is not working on the site. I hate that I didn't see it sooner and just wanted to tell you that I appreciate it.

We signed up for one dive afternoon with Conch Republic on our way to Marathon from Ft Lauderdale. While in Marathon, we are diving with Abyss and hopefully a dive with Looe Key one of the days as recommended. We're looking forward to the trip! Thanks all.
 
https://xf2.scubaboard.com/community/forums/cave-diving.45/

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