convincing the girlfriend to dive

[merkin]

Alright, I've done the Spiegal Grove and the Duane, and I've seen the Benwood and Molasses reef... the girlfriend ain't going to dig that. She's OW and she doesn't want to dive deep, just wants to see pretty fish and coral. In my opinion, the reefs in Key Largo haven't compared well so far to West Palm Beach....

We're planning on spending a week in Islamorada and Tavernier for spring break (~ Mar 15th -23rd), so... I have 3 questions for knowledgeable Keys diving experts....

1) what good campgrounds are near this area (private or public)?
2) what dive operation do you recommend (for mostly gentle reef diving)?
3) what dive sites are good for fish and coral health + diversity?

I appreciate any help!

 

[DeanHayes]

I've had a VERY good experience with Conch Republic Divers.

They are located just across the bridge as you leave Key Largo on the right side in the Marina. They also hava a web sight at http://www.conchrepublicdivers.com

They charge $60 for a 2 tank dive, tanks and weights included (I think you can get $10 less if you don't need them). Friendly shop owner, good boat. A place to keep your gear locked up overnight without having to take it back to you hotel/motel.

When asked about package deals for lodging, they were usually able to beat anything I could by calling the local hotels or looking on the internet.

As for shallow reefs in the Tavenier area. My wife and I really liked Davis reef (There's a Buddah near the reef, Tradition says to rub it's head for fertility so be careful). and French reef.

Davis is between 20-35 feet. French was about 20. We were able to stay down for full hour.

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

have you dived?

 

[merkin]

Not sure where in Molasses Reef, I've only been once and didn't think it looked too healthy. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't terrible, but the few dives I've done in West Palm all seemed to have better coral and fish life.

What about Looe Key - someone recommended that as a good place to see marine life at reasonable depths (for the girlfriend...)?

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

if you time it right! Winds and tides seem to have a more adverse effect on visibility at Looe Key, and the lower Keys in general, but I've had some great dives there... loads of fishes and pretty corals... easy shallow diving when seas are calm.

For camping, or a day at the beach, be sure to check out Bahia Honda State Park, mile marker 37 oceanside, just south of the Seven Mile Bridge.

 

[ScoobieDooo]

Hi,
I dove with Horizon Divers while in Florida - great charter. They did a great job for us. It was a nice boat. Clean and professional. They had nice gear, were freindly, had refreshments for everyone, had a head, fresh water shower and went out of their way to make us feel at home. I'd dive that op again in a minute.

We couldn't have asked for more. They gave us a bit of a pre-dive briefing as to the sites history, reefs, wrecks, etc. Very interesting and had a blast!