Key West in December

[kimbalabala]

We have booked flights to Key West for the holidays, planning to do some diving (not worried about cool water or air temps), but have begun to read some disappointing reviews of dive conditions there. We're not experienced enough to jump into wreck diving but we are thinking about the Vandenberg because it can be viewed without having to go really deep - but it sounds like the reef is very inferior to the Key Largo area (where we have been a few times). I'm also wondering if there is a stronger than normal current in December versus another time of the year - and is the current typically stronger than in the Largo area. We are planning to drive up to Big Pine to do some reef diving - we've read that the reef there is very healthy and there's a lot to see.

I guess I'm looking for someone to say "a trip to Key West will be GREAT in December!" - but please be honest about any pros and cons you can think of. Also, if there are specific dive operations you like I'd appreciate that as well.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Buoyant1]

KW's reefs are for the most part "tired"...YES there are fish, YES there is life, but not as nice as some other places.

If you want nice reef diving, take a trip a few miles up to Big Pine, and dive Looe Key Reef, they are VERY nice! The drive isn't that far, and it's worth it!

The Vandy is an awesome dive! Hopefully that takes some of the brunt off of KW's reefs!

December isn't bad for being in KW...the locals will dive in heavier suits, but most will be able to get by in a 3mm. The water temps I logged were mid-high 70's..

Have a blast!!!

 

[Wookie]

Ben is right, the reefs in Key West aren't as spectacular as in other parts of the Keys, but I find them quite acceptable as compared to other parts of the caribbean. Last time I was out, I saw a frogfish as well as a seahorse. The trick is to find a boat that will take you to the outer reef instead of the same old tired number nine stake or (god forbid) Sand Key. The Vandenberg can be an excellent dive, or it can kick your butt all over the ocean, depending on the time of month.

I live here, and I love the diving here, but I'm looking for what the area offers. If I want big goliath grouper, I go to Joe's tug. If I want to see big fish, I go to the Curb (a little deep for you, the way you've described yourself). If I want spectacular reefs, I go to Dry Tortugas or Looe Key. If I want muck diving, that's available about anywhere.

As far as the diving goes, a trip to Key West will be GREAT in December. As far as the weather goes, maybe you'll get lucky. I hope so, because I'll be in the Dry Tortugas on a very weather dependent trip.

 

[Jupiter31]

I guess I'm looking for someone to say "a trip to Key West will be GREAT in December!"


OK - I'll say it - KW is a great place; one of the most unique areas in the USA, and well worth a visit - and December can be nice (can also be windy and undiveable due to cold fronts, although it very seldom gets really "cold" in KW).

As far as the diving, its not as good as other areas in the Keys, especially Key Largo and Islamorada - but it beats the heck out of quarries and lakes and rivers in the midwest! Trust me - we lived in Peoria for 7 years and did our checkout dive in a quarry in Wisconsin back in the 70's. So you will likely enjoy it.

You mention wreck diving - in much of the Keys, and Florida for that matter - eliminating the real deep ones that you need to be tech certified to consider - you can dive 'em, including the Vandeberg - we aren't talking New Jersey wreck conditions here.

Maybe a little reasearch was in order before you booked (Ya think???), but assuming some luck from the weather gods, you should have a super time in a great place - even if you get blown out, KW is still worth a visit.

PS We went down in late Sept - The ghost tour sucked; take the one that uses a tram (vs walking) if you want to go.

PPS I'll anticipate you next post - the beaches are also sub par in KW, as they are in much of the Keys - so if its nice but windy, its pool time!

 

[kimbalabala]

Thanks everyone - keep it coming! No, I knew there aren't any decent beaches there - counting on a different dive vacation for beaches! We have gone to Key Largo several times and have loved it. We had hotel points to use and there was a place to use them at Key West! We're ok with driving up to Big Pine - or further if necessary. Wookie, I'm taking notes of the places you're recommending and warning against. We figure if the weather is bad there will be plenty to do on dry land as well - good, old fashioned sight seeing. Whatever happens it won't be a bust.

 

[Buoyant1]

The BEST beach in KW is at Fort Zachary Taylor! When I'm diving, my wife spends all of her time there, and I usually join her for the rest of the day....trust me, it's NOT the Jersey Shore, or like any beach on the East coast...but it gets you in the water, there is plenty room to sun yourself, and if you take your snorkeling gear, you can see a little sea life out by the coral boulders if you just hang out for a while.


Sunset there is great as well!

 

[Md Spear]

Well, hurricane wilma in 2005 really scrubbed a lot of key west tourist reefs clean, like white .

But , there are some unique diving sites there . 11 miles west of KW is the seamount called the Bar and the top is very fishy in the winter .lotta schools of big stuff , lotta caves.. its out past the reefline and rises up from 110 fsw. you dive the TOP coral ridges and enormous humps at 45 fsw.
I have hit the Bar 10 or 15 drops a year since 1988 and it nevers ceases to amaze me. only down side is you'll have to come off some bucks to see it as few operators take tourists there due to the distance. check out some 6 pcs like Capt Steve Moore's Home. Some super cool stuff to see there .esp if you drift dive it. the outcroppings run for almost a quarter mile.

pix is of the snapper schools out there. only a few 1000 in ea school

you will truley see 7000-10,000 fish on a drop on the Bar

I think some of the dive shops call an area of it "Trinity" but the reality is you will be diving a cool remote area where the reefs have no names. what could be better than that ?

I put a friend on it w/ scooter this summer and followed his bouy to pick him up when he was done . All he could say after that was "This is world class diving right here in Key West"

pix of my dive barge in KW this summer.