Is Key Largo worth the trip

[jones1421]

Hi,

I'll be in South Florida in July. I'm going to start in West Palm Beach and am considering going to Key Largo. Key Largo looks like a haul. Does anyone know if the diving is much better in Key Largo than West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale? If so, what are the main differences in diving these South Florida areas.

 

[scubadog-uk]

hi yes yes yes went last year had loads of good dives and we dived with a small op tavenier divers. good dives

 

[Tavi]

My LDS uses Tavernier, I've heard nothing but good things about them.

Personally, I've had enough of Ft Lauderdale, and would prefer the more laid back attitude of the Keys.

 

[BILLB]

If you go just a little farther south to Lady Cyana Divers, you will not be disappointed. They are at the break between the main Key Largo Island and what most people call Holiday Isle (Islamorada).

They dive the Duane, Bibb and the Eagle wrecks. Not to be missed! They also dive some of the lesser known reefs after the wreck dives. If the Spiegel Grove is down then I am sure they will be diving it also.

Great dive shop with a moderate size boat. Tell them I sent you!

 

[Munin]

Lady Cyana is actually on the southernmost part of Plantation Key, the one south of Largo. The next one south (with holiday isle) is Windley Key, followed by Upper Matecumbe. 'Downtown' Islamorada is largely on Upper Matecumbe. Greater Islamorada (now "the village of islamorada") consists of all those islands.

So it's not on Key Largo. Just wanted to point that out.

Munin

 

[WreckWriter]

Key Largo is only a 2 hour drive from Fort Lauderdale. If you like pretty reef diving there's no comparisum. Most of the reefs in KL are still alive, many farther north are not. Lots of great wrecks in both though.

Tom

Originally posted by jones1421
Hi,

I'll be in South Florida in July. I'm going to start in West Palm Beach and am considering going to Key Largo. Key Largo looks like a haul. Does anyone know if the diving is much better in Key Largo than West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale? If so, what are the main differences in diving these South Florida areas.

 

[Dawn]

Hi!
We did drift dives out of West Palm Beach last summer and I loved it! It was so relaxing at 55 Ft. Much easier on the ears than reef diving in the Keys. But, next week we are heading for two weeks of diving in the Keys. So much to see! I still would love to go back to West Palm Beach and dive again.
Hope you have fun.
Dawn

 

[jbd]

I'll be diving with Dawn and her family on the 13th and 14th of June in Key Largo. I'll let you know my thoughts the following week.

 

[Dawn]

Hi Jim,
Scott & I are breaking in the new equipment on Thursday. Got to make sure everything works! Doc says I might have a small leak in that inner ear. 10 days of diving should tell me something now that I know what to look for. If we don't see you Thursday, we'll see you next week in the Keys!
What a trip!
Dawn

 

[caymaniac]

Key Largo is a thumbs up, some great diving, good reef life. Marathon and Islamorada are excellent as well. You dont have the diversity that the carribean has but still a good number of fish. Some very good size Barracuda and wrecks can be found in the keys. The diving is very shallow, I have had some two hour tanks with alum - 80s not ever getting below 40 ft. The vis isnt always the greatest unless the gulfstream comes in, but it still is great diving. I have been to eighty feet at the "deep ball" off Largo, try it you'll like it.
Caymaniac