Florida Keys shore dive locations?

[jwhitlock]

I'll look you up closer to march , are you in the local keys phone book ?

 

[wreckchick]

The website has all the relevant info... check there or call me when you're finalizing plans.

Rachel

 

[bilznut]

there is a place the locals call "Cuban cut" on the Gulf side. It is the only great shore dive spot I've heard of or dove (3x) in the Keys. It is at mile marker 38, Big Pine Key. At the marker on the Gulf side you will see a dirt road and opening in the thicket. There is usually a car or two there. Park, get out, lug your gear a good 50 yards to the Gulf. There, you will find a natural coral bowl shelf, where you can literally sit your gear on the lip of the coral bowl, suit up, and step off the ledge into about 40' of Gulf water. My girl and I dove this site 3x and have actually run across a manatee in these waters. There are always two or three locals fishing, relaxing there. The area was originally a cut for a bridge pilon that never was built. I learned of this shore dive from a friend who grew up on Big Pine and it is a well kept secret...until know.

 

[wreckchick]

Hey bilznut...

Are you sure that's Big Pine? MM38 is up the way a bit near Bahia Honda or Ohio Key. If you can give me a landmark or 2 I might be able to check it out for everyone.

Rachel

 

[jwhitlock]

Thanks for the info , I can always try to find while I'm down there..

 

[davisdiver]

Shore diving in the FL Keys can be a challenge to find. There is the horseshoe just north(East) of BPK on the right just past a bridge on the right. It is a sheltered cove. Vis is limited, but it's a dive if you need an underwater fix. Diving at Fort Zach in KW is where my husband teaches. There is alot of fish and intersting stuff the huirricanes have blown in. KW diving is in my humble opinion the worst the Keys has to offer. If you insist on diving this far south, I recommend Captain's Corner by the Conch Republic Seafood Co. They have the best rates in town and their staff is very professional and nice. Definately stay clear of the Key West Diving Society. The boat is terribly slow and unmaintained.

 

[jwhitlock]

Thanks I've read alot about accidents in the Keys involving different dive charters , I want to try to avoid any unsafe charters .

 

[deeper thoughts]

As soon as you pass the bahia honda bridge make the 1st right and you will find it

 

[KWBuddy]

there is a place the locals call "Cuban cut" on the Gulf side. It is the only great shore dive spot I've heard of or dove (3x) in the Keys. It is at mile marker 38, Big Pine Key.

When I first came to the Keys there were a lot of these that were billed as "Shark Free Pools." They are usually the result of some sort of dredge and fill operation and a few of them are interesting. The one on West Summerland Key (on the right just a few feet past MM 35) is an example. It has public parking and public access. The property is owned by Florida Department of Transportation. I had intended to dive this one and confirm whether there are actually lobsters and cars in the cut, but wimped out.

I have also noticed several others that seem to have public assess and will probably add them to my list of GPS locations for the Keys.

I have also been diving in the natural deep water cuts and these are generally either dredged for marine traffic or cut naturally due to strong current (or both). I wouldn't recommend diving these unless you are aware of the conditions and take proper precautions. Currents can carry you off and sometimes the marine traffic takes up the whole channel leaving you no room to avoid it.

That said, the shark free pools can have quite a bit of marine life, cars and other wrecks and fairly good visibility. This may be especially true if you are used to diving in lakes and the like.

--

Bud

 

[Buoyant1]

I'll concur with Davisdiver, Captains Corner is a great outfit and you can't go wrong with their prices! I've never used anyone else in KW..and I have to agree that the reefs off KW are beat! I just came back from a trip to Key Largo, and you OWE it to yourself to dive out of there! I used Blue Water Divers and they were awesome!

I would have a hard time not using them the next time I'm in Largo!!

Rachel, where do your charters go? I'm planning a trip, hopefully between now and October and want to do a few different locations, I don't have any contacts in your area yet. My plan is starting in Key Largo, going to Islamorada, and Marathon.. then ending up in KW, but would rather try a few different places since I've been to most of the better reefs off KW. (although Joe's Tug is something I wanted to see)

Ben