I've done the Grove 3 times to date. Once with Slate's Atlantis, once with Tavernier D.C., and last time with Silent World. Atlantis & Silent World are both docked at same cove in the 106mm area. Atlantis shop is right there too. SIlent World shop is at 103mm. BOth seem to be good ops. We actually did a 5 trip (2 dives per trip) option with SW for $179 (by time taxes & surcharge for Grove were added in it was $202), which is VERY INEXPENSIVE. SW had 2 boats of 30 something feet, nice crews too. SW was more "hands off" as far as dive profiles. PRetty much "pool's open", but then again we had a boat full of DM's with recent deep and wreck experience. Slate's was more, "here is our program, GET WITH IT". WHich is OK too, as long as you are aware of it. Mike at Tavernier Dive (90 mm) is great. We use him annually for the whole week. He will customize trips if you bring 5 or 6 or more divers with you. Will let your group decide where the boat goes. We did a GROVE with him. It was A LONG BOAT RIDE from Tavernier. To make it worth the trip we did a long Suface Interval & then did a second dive on the Grove. It was GREAT, but the weather was VERY COOPERATIVE too.
Bottom line is after 4 dives on the Grove, I've still only seen the FRONT HALF of it. There are 7 bouys on it, as it is a BIG wreck. You get "pot luck" on which bouy you tie up to, because there is often a bunch of boats tied up and some waiting. You CANNOT SEE IT ALL in 1 (or 2 or 3) dive. If you go into it with that frame of mind (seeing it all) you will be disappointed. I THINK IT IS THE BEST WRECK in KL. I've done the DUANE & the EAGLE too. The Grove is hands down winner, IMHO. Duane & Bibb, can be great or dreadful depending on currents. Most often dreadful as current is usually ripping. Can go thru several thermals on way down too. (Note: If white caps are rolling off the bouy when you arrive at Duane, tell boat to take you somewhere else!)
As far as accomodations, yo u can stay at the "chains" like Holiday Inn or you can stay at mom & Pop "Keys style" places. Holiday Inn is nice and is almost always crowded (especially on weekends), but there prices are high (start at $150/night) too. Keys style places are more a sleeping room, but can be had from $50/night & up. Other than diving, there is not much to do. No real beaches in the Keys. Pennekamp Park has a man made one, which is small, but is on ly beach to hang out at. Restaurants & bars for eating and entertainment. But mostly time to sleep and get ready for next day's diving!
Mike