CosbySweater
Contributor
There is plenty of diving in Key Largo for you. No need to make the drive down to KW unless you really want to go. Largo has the Speigel, the Duane, the Bib, and the Eagle. Molasses deep and French deep are also good deep reef sites (70'-90', they are usually drift dives).
I've done ~50 dives with Rainbow Reef and have nothing but good things to say about them. They are professional, the guides are great, and they are reasonably priced. They have a lot of customers so if you're looking for the 6-pack experience then you'll have to look elsewhere. That being said, I've never felt like their boats were crowded and I never felt herded or rushed. The benefit with RR is that they run 8 boats, 6 of which are either 42' or 46' Newton Dive Specials so they are comfortable on crappy weather days and downright luxurious on nice days. They also provide a good variety of dive sites on any given day.
Islamorda Dive Center is another dive operation you might want to try. I don't have personal experience with them but I've heard good things.
Novemeber can be tricky weather-wise. As long as you're not expecting flat days on the water you should be ok though (again the bigger boats make for a much more comfortable ride).
I'm another vote for staying in Homestead or Florida City. I've stayed at both the Florida City Travel Lodge and the Quality Inn. I had a good experience at both. Average price per night is $65-$75 all-in. I know the Travel Lodge lets you cancel for free up to 24 hours before, which is a big perk if you're watching the weather.
I've done ~50 dives with Rainbow Reef and have nothing but good things to say about them. They are professional, the guides are great, and they are reasonably priced. They have a lot of customers so if you're looking for the 6-pack experience then you'll have to look elsewhere. That being said, I've never felt like their boats were crowded and I never felt herded or rushed. The benefit with RR is that they run 8 boats, 6 of which are either 42' or 46' Newton Dive Specials so they are comfortable on crappy weather days and downright luxurious on nice days. They also provide a good variety of dive sites on any given day.
Islamorda Dive Center is another dive operation you might want to try. I don't have personal experience with them but I've heard good things.
Novemeber can be tricky weather-wise. As long as you're not expecting flat days on the water you should be ok though (again the bigger boats make for a much more comfortable ride).
I'm another vote for staying in Homestead or Florida City. I've stayed at both the Florida City Travel Lodge and the Quality Inn. I had a good experience at both. Average price per night is $65-$75 all-in. I know the Travel Lodge lets you cancel for free up to 24 hours before, which is a big perk if you're watching the weather.