Florida Keys Diving

[dierenarts]

Planning a late October trip. Never been to any of the Keys. Thought we'd do Key West. What's the diving like there? Who to go with? Where to stay? or is it better at closer keys?

Thanks!!

 

[WB2GLP]

You will receive a flood of suggestions, but I usually rent a condo in Key Largo off FRBO.com and dive with Conch Republic just over the bridge in Tavernier. They are right on the water. No long rides through the mangroves with CRD. I could go on an on about why CRD has come to be my choice in the Keys after 26 years of diving, but I won't because I know others here will.

IMHO, Key West diving conditions are not as constant as the rest of the Keys. Do a day trip there and hit the Vandenberg.

Im sure some will disagree or have other suggestions, but we will all agree that you need to go.

 

[SC_Hoaty]

Driving or flying? If you are flying into Key West, that may be an advantage for diving there. If you are driving, it is hard to beat Key Largo. I've had a couple of good trips with Florida Keys Dive Center, which is pretty much across the street from Conch Republic. Also, October weather can be a bit variable with hurricanes, so keep an eye on the weather as the trip gets close.

 

[Rich Keller]

I just came back from the Keys and did the same as the others just said. I rented a condo 5 miles south of Conch Republic Divers and Florida Keys Dive Center. Did most of my dives with them and both are outstanding operations.

 

[Rescue Diver68]

You will receive a flood of suggestions, but I usually rent a condo in Key Largo off FRBO.com and dive with Conch Republic just over the bridge in Tavernier. They are right on the water. No long rides through the mangroves with CRD. I could go on an on about why CRD has come to be my choice in the Keys after 26 years of diving, but I won't because I know others here will.

IMHO, Key West diving conditions are not as constant as the rest of the Keys. Do a day trip there and hit the Vandenberg.

Im sure some will disagree or have other suggestions, but we will all agree that you need to go.

Me too! VRBO and Conch Republic = great diving vacation.

 

[trtldvr]

Be aware that the last full week of October is Fantasy Fest in Key West. This week and a half long celebration is the busiest and by far craziest time in a town already affectionatly called Key Weird. If you are looking for a great party, go for it; but expect to pay top dollar for any accomodations and expect to wait at any restaurant.

 

[sportxlh]

I've done a fair amount of diving in Key Largo: it is the best!!! But then again, there is not much by way of terrible diving in Florida either. Lots of dive sites and lots of good operators are located in the Key Largo area. Favorite dive operators include Conch Republic, Quiescence and Silent World. If you like camping and will stay in John Pennekamp, the dive operator in the park is not too bad if you only want to go to shallow reef sites.

If you stay in Key Largo: check out VRBO and/or FRBO: lots of condos for rent by owner. I've had good luck at this one located near Conch Republic..... Key Largo Hotels & Resorts | Ocean Pointe Suites | Tavernier & Florida Keys Oceanfront Resorts

I've only dove in Key West once and enjoyed the trip to the Vandenberg wreck. We rented a condo while in Key West and were happy with it given it was on the east side of the island. We could head to Duvall St. and Mallory Square for any action but then head back to our condo if we wanted to get away from the noise and activity. Coconut Mallory Marina & Resort, Key West - Online Reservations or Call 866.316.1843

I've tried to dive off of Marathon several times, but the weather has washed out each trip. I've heard that Loo Key has excellent shallow water dive sites.

By the way, while I've never been to Key West during Fantasy Fest, I have many friends who have and all wished they had picked a different week to visit KW.