Could use SE Florida/Key Largo advice

[CPDiver]

I just got the golden hall pass and will be in FLA for some R&R later this week and next.

I could sure use some advice since this unplanned trip is just a few days away.

1) Can anyone reccomend a good dive operator near Lauderdale? And are there any shops that run shore dives in the area?

2) Any reccomendations on a shop to dive the Spiegel Grove with in Largo?

3) I know this is an absolutely crazy question, but does anyone know of any reasonably priced motels/lodging in Key Largo that just might be available for a couple of nights during Easter week? I will be flying solo so all I need is a clean room. Like I said I know this is probably and insane question.

Thanks for any advice you can share with a sun starved New Yorker.

 

[Jcsgt]

I don't have any opinions about the Ft. Lauderdale dive operations. However, when you want to do the Spiegel Grove, if you can handle a smaller boat, I would highly recommend HMS Minnow http://www.hmsminnow.com/hmsminnow/aboutus.asp

The outfit is run and operated by Jeff Jarvis--he's wonderful. Six divers max. and he gets you out to the best sites before the cattle boats. Also, he doesn't charge any more than the big op's. He doesn't have a shop, just the boat, his first mate (and wife), Betty, and his boat. However, you can rent equipment with him.

As far as cheap digs over Easter weekend, you might be out of luck. You'll probably have to shop around on the internet and see who isn't full.

Have a great time--I'm heading down there, myself, in May!

 

[waterbearer]

Lauderdale dive op (I haven't used them personally, but have heard good things)
http://www.prodiveusa.com/diving.html

Boynton Beach (about a half hour to the north) has some phenomenol diving and a great dive op I use myself.
http://www.splashdowndivers.com/

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

try the Hungry Pelican or Ed & Ellen's.

www.hungrypelican.com
www.ed-ellens-lodgings.com

Enjoy!

 

[Walter]

1) Can anyone reccomend a good dive operator near Lauderdale?

Sunstar Aquatics in Deerfield.

And are there any shops that run shore dives in the area?

You don't need an operator for a beach dive.

2) Any reccomendations on a shop to dive the Spiegel Grove with in Largo?

When did they move the Grove to Largo?

 

[ctmax]

2) Any reccomendations on a shop to dive the Spiegel Grove with in Largo?

2 buddies and I just came back from a trip to Key Largo and we dove with Key Largo Brent, BlueWater Divers of Key Largo. He runs an exceptional boat. He went way out of his way to make each dive trip better than the one before. His knowledge of the area on the surface and below made the stay unbelievable. The boat never had more than 5 divers on any trip even though he said that he will take a max of 10. I looked at several other boats and shops in the area and can tell you that I will be back to dive with Brent again.

By the way I woud dive the Duane over the Grove any day. I felt that the Grove was highly over rated. Nice dive but my buddies and I agreed that the Duane was a much more exciting, enjoyable dive.

The Minnow looked like the same type of operation but I didn't have the opportunity to stop and talk.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Amy Slate's is a great operation. Clean, cheap accomodations, good captain, good crew, and good dives.

http://www.amoray.com/

 

[HowardE]

I just got the golden hall pass and will be in FLA for some R&R later this week and next.

I could sure use some advice since this unplanned trip is just a few days away.

1) Can anyone reccomend a good dive operator near Lauderdale? And are there any shops that run shore dives in the area?

2) Any reccomendations on a shop to dive the Spiegel Grove with in Largo?

3) I know this is an absolutely crazy question, but does anyone know of any reasonably priced motels/lodging in Key Largo that just might be available for a couple of nights during Easter week? I will be flying solo so all I need is a clean room. Like I said I know this is probably and insane question.

Thanks for any advice you can share with a sun starved New Yorker.

1) Also... a nice op from Deerfield, is Dixie Divers. Pro-Dive is good right off of Las Olas and A1A. Pro-Dive does a wreck and a reef every day except thursday, and they run in the afternoon. Boynton Beach has by far the best reef drift diving in the area, and Splashdown is one of the BEST ops around.

We're trying to organize a conch dive @ splashdown next Sunday http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=136295

If you want to do a shore dive...you can rent tanks from Fill-Express, or Scuba School (on Oakland Park and A1A) and just go. You will need a dive flag, or you can try to hook up with another Conch Diver who has a flag. The reef is easy to find. Just swim out to the first set of bouys, then drop down, and continue East until you're on the reef (not far at all)

2) Key Largo has a TON of top notch dive ops. Brent's Blue Water Divers, and Capt Gary's Conch Republic Divers are highly recommended, and they're SB members.

3) I wish I knew more Hotel options for you. Some of my friends stay in Florida City to save money - it's about a 30 minute drive from there to Largo. We usually use hotel points, and stay at the Sheraton (for free).

Have FUN!

 

[RussR]

Scuba-Do (www.scuba-do.com) - Small operation, very knowledgeable and freindly. Also the service on the boat is top notch ! For lodgings i think the Humgry Pelican is cheapest.

 

[cmalinowski]

1) Also... a nice op from Deerfield, is Dixie Divers.

I'll second dixie divers. It's who I dive with when I'm down there. Very easy going people.

I'm heading to Key Largo in June, so any info I get is great. But it truly looks like there are a bunch of great dive ops down there.

Chris