Just stepped off the Spree from the Dry Tortugas +

[Amazz]

Frank and Melanie run an outstanding operation. The boat is immaculate, the food incredible and plentiful. The diving exceeded my expectations. I expected nice diving. From my personal experience, this is the best diving in Florida. The protected marine sanctuary hosts a ridiculous number of large groupers, snappers, and hogfish. The number of tropicals is astounding. It's been years since I have done a full trip report with pictures. I'll post one in the next few days. My only complaint: the trip wasn't long enough.

 

[sportxlh]

I took a trip on the Spree two summers ago & also had a nice time. Aside from what you noted, I also found some of the coral formations to be spectacular. Glad you had fun.

 

[Amazz]

Unmatched by anything else I have seen in Florida.

 

[coldwaterlloyd]

Is it overgrown with algae like Bahamas ?

 

[Amazz]

I don't know where you were in the Bahamas, but we went to the N. Exumas last summer and the reefs were covered with algae. Fish life was sparse and I wonder if it was due to the algae or overfishing by the locals. The Tortugas reefs are covered with lots of gorgonians and fans. It's gorgeous. The glass gobies were extremely numerous and schooled to make the reefs come to life. Not exaggerating: one site had at least 50 dog snappers in the 15-20 pound range in several different schools.

 

[Chugwhump]

Lion Fish?

Chug
Wants to go on the Spree someday.

 

[Chuckitall]

Very few lion fish. In 8 dives in the Tortugas I saw 3. We did an additional two dives on the Vandy and none there.