Key Largo - Looking for Seasoned diver thoughts

[The Chairman]

Hummmm, ok. So scratch shore diving off the list. What about public beaches. Let's say we want to take our Kindles and enjoy a relaxing afternoon and listen to the ocean. Thoughts on that?

As long as white sandy beaches are essential, then there's a few places. If you've got to have that sugar sand and surf sounds, then go back up to Miami! All the sandy beaches down here are imported. There's a few in Key West and they're nice, but no real surf. Pennecamp has Canon Beach and a few other areas. Again: no surf though. Anne's Beach (20 miles or so south, ocean side) doesn't have surf either and the "sand" has lots and lots of clay in it. It kind of oozes through your toes. We do have lots of mangroves and plenty of places I really like: just don't forget skeeter juice for them and no-seeums. The keys are affectionately known as "the rock" to a lot of us because we live on a fossil reef.

 

[JimJam2]

@

jringold - Thanks for starting this thread. I usually do Ocean Divers and pay hotel rack rates but last Thursday I booked through Rainbow Reef discounted hotel and diving trips for this coming June. If experience is good this is where I'll brings a couple of friends doing their OW certification dives come September. I also clipped the restaurant suggestions and will try some of them out!

 

[CajunDiva]

Have fun! You will love the gang at Rainbow Reef...they are great folks

For what it's worth, there is a beach area at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier:

Harry Harris Park

 

[sportxlh]

Bahia Honda state park has a decent beach. There's not a ton of sand before the water like Miami or Ft Lauderdale, but it's pretty in its own way. If a lot of seaweed blows in it can get a sulfer-like smell. There's also a snorkel boat in the park and if I remember correctly, you can rent kayaks.

 

[jringold]

Ok, if we wanted beach and surf, where is the best, closest public beach - I'm sure toward Miami, but since I know nothing of the area, what does more "marinated" members think - one that would be closest to KL?

 

[sportxlh]

Miami Beach. aka South Beach

 

[reefman]

another option is sombrero and coco plum beaches in marathon,,,,,,,,,,,for surf, the above recommendation of Miami beach is your best bet,,,,,,


City Parks and Beaches | City of Marathon Official Website

reefman
key largo

 

[Bubgrl]

I eat upstairs at the Galley, same kitchen, completely different crowd, more my style. The fish tacos are the best outside of San Diego and Baja. Several other good dishes, oyster specials... prices are modest.

I have dreams of those fish tacos. Seriously. We are 8 weeks out from KL and my mouth is watering at the thought.

 

[The Chairman]

Not much surf below South Beach: Miami's Best Beaches | MiamiAndBeaches.com. You're about the same distance to Miami as you are to Marathon and Sombrero Beach.

 

[idocsteve]

I will be diving in Key Largo 8/31-9/3 and have spoken to Rainbow Reef, they are my Op of choice as I have dived with them before. We're staying in a condo in Marina's Club we found on Homeaway.com. I am waiting for them to answer 3 outstanding questions in regard to one or two members of my group that include my sister and brother.

1- Does Rainbow Reef require AOW certifications to do the Spiegel Grove and any other deeper wrecks (I guess the only other two are the Bibb and the Duane)
2- Do they require logbooks showing recent dives and if so what are the requirements to do the deeper wrecks
3- Do they provide a weightbelt along with the weights

* * *

4 - They don't do the Eagle anymore, it's too far south for them. Any good Ops to recommend for that wreck dive?

5 - Does The Chairman want to do a dive with us that week?

Perhaps I can give him some tips on his buoyancy and trim.