Key Largo dive sites, picks for new divers

[pickens_46929]

Means you have more control over where the boat goes... Captain absolutely has the last word but when you charter the boat... you can generally go where you want to go within reason... Carysfort for double dip? Yes please... Benwood and then City of Washington... sure, no problem.

 

[bradlw]

The more I think about it, the more I like this private charter idea! I think I'm going to explore it. Thanks for the tip!!!

Tips are never required. If I'm basically ignored by the crew, and do my own thing I don't tip at all.

I hear ya! That's funny to me though because back when I was very active and proficient, I'd PREFER them to ignore me. Leaving me alone is a tippable performance! Well almost anyway.... I guess be close just in case, but I don't want them doing everything for me.

I still am that way, although this time around with four new divers in tow and me being very rusty, help for the family will be good so I can focus a little more on getting my own act back together.

Even with that, I think I'd prefer the kids to mostly do their own thing too so that they can learn.... maybe not so much for my wife. For her, it's different. She's not all that into it, and I want a really enjoyable first dive trip so that she'll not throw a wet blanket on planning future family dive trips

 

[Rae HalfTheHill]

@bradlw

As a captain for Rainbow, and given the prices you quoted for both outfits, I too would go with a private charter and Quiesence. Nothing beats having the boat entirely to your group! I've been out with them and they do a great job.

All operators out of Key Largo more or less have the same capacity to go to all of the same sites, most of which are nearly identical in depth. Conditions vary daily, but a lot of us captains are in a group chat and share that information as up to date as possible with each other.

I'd just communicate to the crew what you have communicated here and they will be able to more specifically cater to give you a great experience. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Johnoly]

Conditions vary daily, but a lot of us captains are in a group chat and share that information as up to date as possible with each other.

That's what we do also in West Palm & Jupiter. Find captains that talk to each other on the radio or in chats and those captains will put you on the very best dives. Because of the way the currents flow & wiggle, sometimes even just picking a dive site 1 mile away will double the visibility underwater.

 

[FreqFlier]

RR $655
Queissence $685 $729

For extra $15 pp it's a no brainer. Ask them for some tiny discount based on a multi day diving and there you go. Cattle boat experience is a good thing to miss.

 

[FreqFlier]

Mainly because I can pick and choose the sites.

That and a relative freedom of diving your air, not RR's clock.

 

[bradlw]

ok.... I booked the private boat with Quiescence! My wife said yes and I'm really looking forward to it!

I love the idea of picking my own sites.... but that's based more on when I was proficient and familiar, and diving more serious stuff. That would have been a dream to have a say in the schedule. As it is for this trip though, i'm more excited that I can lean on the captain's local knowledge to get us to the best places possible given the group's inexperience!

I actually don't have a problem with "cattle-boats". Not fun when they're packed to the max, but I've had plenty of good experiences on them. Honestly I think the other folks onboard can be good company...or good entertainment....or both. In this case though I think it makes sense... and I appreciate your straight words @Rae HalfTheHill !! I'll definitely have no pause in calling ya'll for our next dive depending on group size and plans....

Now, I need to work out what to do with our dog while we're diving (he told me about a kennel to reserve). I hope that doesn't break the bank!

And I need to see if I can find better lodging. I have a place reserved at waterside suites but as best as I can tell it's not really big enough for all of us.

 

[Rae HalfTheHill]

Since you're chartering the entire boat maybe the dog can come along.

The worst they can say is no.

Unless the dog can sign a liability waiver I'd imagine they would probably decline the K9 guest

 

[Michael Greenberg Manfish]

Call Quiescence ... for 5 people you can charter the whole boat fairly easily.

There is no better diving small boat operator in the Florida Keys.. Quiescience is the leader in environmentally responsible diving and training.

 

[JtotheG]

With 5 people, it’s the way to go!!

Quiescence - great run operation! i would agree much nicer to have the boat to yourself if you are that many and then you know for sure you will be doing the dive sites you want. We dive a lot with Horizon because we are only two and we did the shallow boat a number of times because my wife wanted to do the statue took about 4 charters because other divers didnt want to do it. (nothing against Horizon they are great! )