Dive Key West around Halloween

[shellbird]

Originally posted by MSilvia
I'm not so particular about where we stay, but if it's going to be booked and expensive in Key West, and the diving is better in the middle keys, maybe it makes sense to get a place between and within driving range of both Key West and the good dive spots.

I think getting the best of both would be ideal! How about us New Englander's start a thread on making the treck to FLA together. I'ld love to share a cocktail with you at the airport!

As for accommodations, I may have a place to crash in Little Torch but haven't made contact yet.

I would also be interested in sharing cost into a condo or cottage just for the chance to meet some of you!!

Either way, we should have a central point to meet up even if we all end up doing our own thing. A SCUBABoard rondezvous!

 

[MSilvia]

I'll split a room or condo, crash in Little Torch, or whatever. If there's a kitchen, great. If not, I can get by just fine on sandwiches and dinner out. I'm really not that picky, so long as I get to dive and spend a couple nights at Fantasy Fest.

Shellbird, drinks at the airport sounds great!

 

[aquasport]

I've dove marathon and islamorada its really cool. I really think we can do much better in this area. There are lots of places to stay in marathon i think i can get a place for 50 a night, i will call. If we can meet in fll we can rent a car i can drive us there. I know some good bars on the way.

 

[aquasport]

Scubagator thanks for your help.

 

[scubagatorgal]

I went to a dive club meeting tonite and met some folks going to the Keys to dive and they are renting a house from a friend of theirs for the next two weeks. I will call them tomorrow and ask them the location of the house and what they charge and pass that on to you guys to consider.

The antique Key West thread resurrected has grown legs...

 

[SCUBAKristey]

I'm easy going...would prefer a place with a kitchen but hey, McDonald's is cheap too! Fantasy Fest is something that'd be a lot of fun to hit for a couple nights, but if it only ends up being one night...oh well. (Like I said, I like to take it easy!) In any case, I'd really like to see some nice dive sites.

Scubagatorgal- Thanks for all your help with this! We all really appreciate it.

Take care and happy diving!

Kristey

PS...not-so-dumb dumb question about the Spiegel Grove...Do you have to be AOW or wreck certified to do that dive? Remember- I'm VERY new to SCUBA (doing my first non-class dive Saturday a.m. at the lake!!! YAY!) and probably won't have time to do this before we go on this trip. Thanks!

 

[KZMAN]

Although, I put in my 2cents a few pages back, I'm still interested, and very flexible. This thread sure has grown legs, and ideas, all of which are interesting. Maybe a vote, for all those sincerly interested, would be in order. Tme , Location/Accomodations etc. I think this was started, in reference to the festival, although I personally would enjoy that for the nights festivities, I would be more geared to the best dive spots; Speigal Grove etc....So far I like the shared accomodations idea, to get to know some of you, and to help deffer the overall costs. (as this would be just another unplanned trip for me this year). Even those whom could not make an extended stay, this seems the most economical.
Well to all those that want to go, I would sure like to meet you, and I'll need a buddy, as I'll come alone. Keep the interest and posts coming, and maybe, just maybe, we can put this together.
ut:

 

[scubagatorgal]

Originally posted by SCUBAKristey


PS...not-so-dumb dumb question about the Spiegel Grove...Do you have to be AOW or wreck certified to do that dive? Remember- I'm VERY new to SCUBA (doing my first non-class dive Saturday a.m. at the lake!!! YAY!) and probably won't have time to do this before we go on this trip. Thanks!

ScubaKristey,

I have not been to the Spiegel Grove yet as it is very crowded (dive boats waiting in line for mooring buoys). Hopefully it will thin out by September and I will be able to answer your question first hand.

Many people have said that the dive should be an advanced dive due to currents (ship is cross current and at times can be a bit tricky). Most of the ship can be explored at 50 to 80 feet. The lower decks have been sealed for safety and the upper three have had access holes cut for penetration as well an the original doorways. I don't know if any ops are requiring advance certification. I DO suggest that you get your advanced as soon as you can as the skills you learn will enhance your diving experiences and pleasure.

If you haven't been certified for wreck or overhead diving you should not penetrate the ship. If you get in plenty of dives before October you probably will be fine to do this dive. When you get witn an op down in the Keys schedule the Grove last and they will be able to tell you whether or not you are up to it.

 

[seabass]

I looked on travelocity and it looked like there was a lot of availability in key west. I am not sure where exactly in key west you are looking to stay, but one example is the radisson (it may be the cheapest):

Nights Rate per Night (Before Taxes) Total Price


Nights Rate Total
1-3 99.95 299.85

4-5 109.95 219.90

Taxes and Fees 72.25

Total 592

 

[scubagatorgal]

Seabass,

When I originally called the discount service (not travelocity) they quoted me a higher rate for the Radisson and so I just called the Radisson direct and they quoted me 219.00 for the 22nd and 23rd and 299.00 for the 24th, 25th and 26th.

I asked her why the rate was wrong on Travelocity and she said the rooms were discounted on the net. Apparently they WILL honor the Travelocity discounted rate. That is savings of over $600.00...great find Seabass!

Here is my suggestion for the perfect dive/fantasy combo: Check with Paradise Charters for their availability on your dates. They have positive reviews on Rodales and run 6 packs as well as larger boat. They charge 50. for a two tank dive and always put a guide/dm in with you at no extra charge. You can also charter a boat for the day for 6 including a meal for $600.00 with them. There is a nice condo (Ocean Suites) very close that has 2 bedroom units for 119. a night and has some rooms left for your time frame. Scuba Kristey may be able to get it cheaper being in the travel biz. Book you last night in Key West through Travelocity for Fantasyfest. Both Paradise and Ocean Suites have websites if you do a search they will pop up.


What costumes are you guys going to wear?

P.S. Scubakristey, I talked to a friend of mine who just dove the Spiegel Grove with Lady Cyana and they only required that you have done a 70+ dive in the last year. Don't know what the others are requiring... Also said the Grove is crowded weekends but not as bad during the week.