Easy shore dive Key Largo? doesn't matter if there's nothing to see

[Manneca]

I'm taking my grandniece (13) to Key Largo and BHB next June. She was certified this past June. Is there a beach dive anywhere near Key Largo that we can do an informal check out dive? We'll have an instructor who isn't familiar with Key Largo with us. I don't want her on a boat first thing in case she needs more time. If worse comes to worse we might do BHB for a couple of days, go to Key Largo and then back to BHB, but logistically, I'd rather to to Key Largo first.

 

[Jonah Kowall]

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea offers great shore diving opportunities, particularly if you're headed to the BHB area. While boat dives are also a fantastic option and local operators are typically very accommodating, shore diving provides an accessible alternative. I was on a boat in west palm on Sunday with 2 discover scubas and an OW diver. The captain gave me my own drop on a different reef.

For those looking for a different experience, West Palm Beach boasts superior reef diving compared to Key Largo, with the exception of the USS Spiegel Grove wreck. The reefs in West Palm are renowned for their vibrant marine life and pristine conditions. Additionally, many dive sites in West Palm Beach, such as those in Riviera Beach, are conveniently located near the BHB area.

 

[Rae HalfTheHill]

The lagoon is probably the only "shore dive" option. The instructor will need to provide proof of insurance and add on Jules as an add't insured, IIRC.

If you go that route, I'd certainly try for the morning, before other divers have been in the water. The lagoon gets quite silted up and you can expect anywhere from 10' of visibility to near blackout.

 

[FreqFlier]

West Palm Beach boasts superior reef diving compared to Key Largo

You're absolutely right.

But in this case WPB and anything north of Pompano Beach is not a good option for freshly minted divers - depths, Nitrox, drift dives.

I'd say Jules lagoon (a bit murky though), BHB or FLbtS are the best shore diving options in SE FL.

Or potentially Pompano Beach boat dives, like Copenhagen or so.

 

[happy-diver]

I'm taking my grandniece (13) to Key Largo and BHB next June. She was certified this past June. Is there a beach dive anywhere near Key Largo that we can do an informal check out dive? We'll have an instructor who isn't familiar with Key Largo with us. I don't want her on a boat first thing in case she needs more time. If worse comes to worse we might do BHB for a couple of days, go to Key Largo and then back to BHB, but logistically, I'd rather to to Key Largo first.

How about a new open water course from a boat at Key Largo, with you and your instructor diving from a distance

 

[Manneca]

Thanks. Just to be clear, we will be diving at West Palm but logistics suggests that going to Key Largo for boat dives before heading back up the coast to BHB is the better way to go. I just want to get her in the water before we do the first boat dives. I don't do boat dives off West Palm because the boats are too difficult for me to board (I'll be almost 80 at the time), and I planned to dive off Quiessence boats at least twice.

 

[happy-diver]

Yes, if your grandniece is not diving for the preceding year, nice would be a refresher involving a boat
by herself with professionals, so she can forge ahead not worried by your fears and waning physicality