Dive Buddy Wanted for Key Largo or East Coast Diving

[jpolonsk]

Hi All,

I'm headed on a business trip to Orlando and planning on going down a few days early. I should be available to dive next week on March 10th, 11th and 12th. I was originally OW certified in '00 and upgraded to AOW in '06 and usually dive once or twice a year. I haven't dived before in florida so I'm looking to experience all that it has to offer. Someone on couch surfing directed me here so I apologize if I'm not following the correct etiquette or protocol. For me, diving is much more about the feeling, there is always amazing days with crystal clear water, sea turtles, and amazing reefs but I'm also happy just being in the water even when its freezing cold and limited visibility. I would like to rent equipment from a local dive shop and spend 3 days diving with you as much as possible. Ideally you are a safe, experienced divers who knows the local spots.

Please also let me know if this isn't realistic and I should be arranging everything through a dive shop. I perused the forums quickly and it looks like Rainbow Reef is one of the better options.

Thanks,
Jonathan

 

[mselenaous]

Welcome to Key Largo, Dive Capital of the World (according to the Welcome sign).

There are more dive ops than gas stations here so there is something for everyone. Many operators participate here on Scubaboard so feel free to contact them by PM. There are small 6 pack boats if you have a small party, there are medium sized boats, and there are big boats (usually roomy and very stable for those that could get seasick). There are shops that cater to snorklers, hunters or rebreathers or tech divers. A few include a free diveguide (usually an intern), a few have their boats parked right outside a hotel, one op caters to non-English speaking Germans, French, & Spanish speakers, a couple that only sell gear, and several career development centers.

It all depends on what YOUR expectations & abilities are. I recommend you do a search in this forum as this is a very common topic and you will find many often praised ops, contact those ops to see if they match your expectations. I have friends at many ops and we all work hard so that you have a fun safe dive vacation and come back again.

I am an independent instructor and work with several shops in town. Feel free to contact me if you need any assistance with customized diving or accommodation recommendations.

 

[jpolonsk]

I am single, 30 year old male who will be renting a car and travelling around. The recommendations I was given are, to try diving anywhere between Melbourne and West Palm Beach or the many spots around Key Largo. Usually my once or twice a year diving trips are with an instructor because my friends or whomever I'm with is not certified. My best diving experience so far has been diving with my cousin who is an experienced diver and was knowledgeable about his local spots, mostly because we were both excited to dive and I didn't feel like I was being babysat. I don't mind doing a refresher dive to be checked out since I do prefer to be on the safe and conservative side.

I did search through the forums but I don't actually see a whole lot mentioned for extended trips for lone divers or individual divers as part of group trips.

 

[iluvtheocean]

more than a few dive ops in the keys or south florida may require a short refresher if it's been a while since you dove. It really depends on what you want to see. plenty of dive guides around either for private hire or thru the charter. some are better than others. The shore dives in Lauderdale by the Sea and Hollywood are easy and you can usually find people wanting to dive there of all skill levels. Blue Heron Bridge is also worthy of diving at least once if you're visiting. Do you want to dive from the shore, boat, see wrecks, reefs, sealife, etc? all is possible in south florida (yes i'm including jup & vero in this)

 

[jpolonsk]

Thanks and for your question the answer is Yes. I love diving whether it is shore or boat to see wrecks, reefs or sea life. It sounds like I should just play it by ear, do a refresher dive at one of the shops, maybe do a guided trip. Then see if I meet up with other divers otherwise just do some sight seeing.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

If you are interested in the Ft. Lauderdale area, I may be available as a guide. PM me for info...

 

[iluvtheocean]

If you are interested in the Ft. Lauderdale area, I may be available as a guide. PM me for info...

+1 for Jenny. She knows a lot of the local area and just diving with her will help your diving in general