Florida Keys, Best Dive center/boat and the best Reef to dive

[Brian Robinson]

I want to always make the best decision on where to spend my very hard earned money. I/we need to know "Who is the Best Dive center/Boat to book with?" and "Where are the best Reefs to visit?" in the Florida Keys. I want to book a trip soon. And I want it to be a good experience for the money.

Thank You in advance for all of the great advice.

 

[Saniflush]

I think you are going to find that opinions vary but this would be good place to start trying to answer your question.
Florida Diving

 

[PatW]

I believe that the best reefs are off of Key Largo. I think that there are two reasons for this. First, the marine park provides some protection against fishing. It is not complete. My wife brings up dozens of yards of monofilament and bright shiny hooks after every dive.

The Largo reefs seem to have the healthiest corals. I think that the increased population on the keys pumps out nitrates and phosphates into the water from septic tanks. The fertilizer causes algae to grow and smother corals. Key Largo has a wide buffer strip of mangrove swamps that act as a nutrient sink. That means fewer nutrients make it out to the reef. Even so, the coral reefs have declined. There used to be acres of staghorn corals. Now one is lucky to see any. You used to see giant brain corals the size of Volkswagen s. Now it is rare to see an unblemished coral colony.

At Key Largo, I dive with Quiessence. They run 6 packs. Their captains know unmarked spots that are rarely dived. You can also dive the deep wrecks like the Duane or the Spiegel Grove.

But I cannot tell you what the best dive is. It depends on the diver. One diver may be thrilled with seeing a nurse shark or a Goliath grouper. Another diver may not be impressed with the big stuff but be ecstatic about finding a splendid sea goddess.

 

[OldPhotog]

Key Largo should be your starting point. I dove with Rainbow Reef and had two weeks of fun with no complaints. Motels are within easy walking distance of the boat. The best reef to dive would be the one your boat captain takes you to on that day. They know that current and visibility changes a dive site's characteristics. RR runs shallow boats and deep boats, so you can sorta pick your preference. Other than that, trust the boat captain to take you to a good site. There are other dive operations in Key Largo that have a stellar reputation as well. I just have no history with them.
YMMV

 

[SandyRobinson]

I have had good experiences with Horizon, Silent World, and Conch Republic. Have heard good things about Rainbow, Ocean Divers, Sailfish Scuba, and probably some that I have forgotten about. Ditto what the above poster said about where the captain takes you. Remember, they WANT you to have a good experience. Most have a 3 or 5 day package which will save you a few bucks.

 

[The Chairman]

The best dive op in the Upper Keys is undoubtedly...

Spoiler

THE ONE YOU'RE ON!!!

Have fun: post often!​

That being said, I mostly dive Rainbow Reef. It's where I feel the most welcome. I'm not the only one. They are always full for a reason, but I never feel too crowded.[

 

[arew+4]

If you are not diving from your own 100'+ private yacht your never going to get the "best", "and all the really good looking girls will still go out with the guys from camp Mowhawk, because they have all the money!"

 

[pepperbelly]

If you are not diving from your own 100'+ private yacht your never going to get the "best", "and all the really good looking girls will still go out with the guys from camp Mowhawk, because they have all the money!"

It just doesn't matter if we win or we lose! :>)

 

[arew+4]

I knew some one would get it.

 

[Wookie]

I knew some one would get it.

Here I thought you were talking about the best reefs in Florida, which are undoubtedly in the Dry Tortugas, which is best dived from a private 100 foot yacht, at least for another year......

I guess you could dive in Key Largo, but why go where everyone else does.....