can anyone tell me how the reefs in the keys compare to other destinations? We have a family of four and have done a liveaboard in the bahamas the last two years. Looking for a less expensive trip this year, we are considering the keys but are a little concerned about the condition of the reefs due to such high number of divers and their effect on the reefs. Would love some feedback from other divers before we book a trip. thanks.
If you have done Bahamas liveaboards then I think the Keys compare very well. The reefs all around the world are impacted by various factors such as divers, water quality, fishing, construction etc etc and the Keys certainly has its issues. However, we have the National Marine Sanctuary and the SPA's (Sanctuary Preservation Areas) in particular are extremely good. You wont see as many lionfish as many places in the caribbean for example, as we knew they were coming and there have been big efforts to kill as many as possible. I have been on dives in the Caribbean where the reef is literally covered in them, not so much here although admittedly they are still a huge problem.
I also talk to loads of vacationing divers who visit my shop and I have been shocked by the reports of Bonaire lately. Anyone would think the place had died of the black death, but you cant always go on these kind of reports because its all about the weather on the day.
For example - I can take you to reefs in Key Largo on a flat clam day with bright sunshine, clear skies when the water looks like glass where theres 100' of viz and the colors on the reef would literally 'pop'. The fish would be schooling and near the surface, a few eagle rays would swim by, then a pod of dolphins and you'd swear it was the best dive site you'd ever seen. On another day I could take you to the same reef with cloudy skies on a windy day with rough seas and surge. The viz would be say 30' the coral would be a dull white / grey color and the fish would be under the ledges and the rays and dolphins out in deeper water. You'd tell me it was OK, but not as good as when you went to the Bahamas
I suspect this is the same for many of the conflicting reports I hear from places around the world. The great Barrier reef is another one."its all dead and I spent a month touring around it" and "Best reef in the world" spring to mind.
As far as comparing to the South East coast of Florida, its a similar deal. West Palm Beach, Pompano etc, etc have some great diving, but its deeper, more drifts/ currents, usually requires a flag / reel / DM and can be more prone to Easterly winds. I love it up there for Wreck diving, but I would take vacationing in the Keys for my kids any day over anywhere up that coast. Too urban for me, too much crime and too fast paced. Unless your kids are all adult Advanced Open Water or above, its generally shallower, safer and easier in the Keys. (Caveat) When the weather is good
