Key West or Key Largo?

[Drvngcrzy]

Going to Florida in December for 5 days and we are going to drive from Ft. Lauderdale. We will drive all the way to Key West but plan on stopping for a day or two in Key Largo to dive. Then, maybe a day or two of diving in Key West.

Will 3mm suits be good enough?

Any recommendations for operators in Key Largo, Key West or anywhere along the route would be helpful.

I am AOW and my friend is OW certified.

Thanks!!

 

[Cajuncru Diver]

If you are going to do several dives per day you might want to think about 5mm. The Keys do cool down in the dead of winter. In the Key Largo area check out Dive Key Largo, Islamorada, Florida Keys with Rainbow Reef Dive Center;scuba diving:diving, Florida keys, florida diving We dive with Rainbow every year and like their operation.

 

[Buoyant1]

Key Largo is the best place to dive....Key West is the best place to party! (well until they decide to get he V-berg sunk!)

Anyway...Key Largo.. use Blue Water divers

Tavernier use Conch Republic

Marathon use Capt. Hooks....

I've used Blue Water and Capt. Hooks and they are great outfits! I've only scheduled with Conch Republic for an upcoming trip, but they are great so far! (plus they come HIGHLY recommended!)

I've used 3mm's in January down there (well the locals used more...side note: Brent you still need to come dive some PA quarries! 41 degrees and very dark at 100 ft. last Wednesday! nice!!!) but I was comfy!! If you get cold easily 5mm's would be better.

 

[Trimix2dive]

Just got back from diving Key Largo. Great time - Good Folks. Used HMS Minnow - class operation. Can't testify to December diving - but better to warm underwater then to cold.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

I live and dive Key West. Don't bother until the Vandenberg is down. You can go half way to Marathon or even down to Looe Key and you'll have good diving there but not in Key West.

 

[FLDVR]

Actually December is still summer I'll have to vote for Key largo also. It not only has excellent wrecks, your visibility will be much better than Key West.
0Mil for reefs and 3mil for wrecks and deco dives works great.

FYI Do bring weather gear for the ride out and back. Your chances of a front or thunderstorm can make for a chilly ride and miserable SI

 

[Maui Bound]

It's been a couple of years since I dove both Key West and Key Largo (2005). Did both summer August and Nov/Dec. Both times I found 3mm sufficient.

As for Key Largo, I dove with Horizon Divers - good outfit but I think it has turned over ownership since I was there. This spring our dive shop did a trip and went out with Ocean Divers. They had many good things to say about their operation.

Better diving in Key Largo than Key West.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I'd say go to Key Largo. I think it has more interesting and varied dives available with shorter boat rides to dive sites. And remember that's just my opinion, but I'd go to Key Largo anytime! However, if you like bar hopping or shopping, you might like Key West better.

 

[Drvngcrzy]

Well, I dont get cold easily. I usually sweat too much even in a 3mm. I think that would be fine with me. I think we may do a night in Key Largo then a night in Key West to party. Maybe a night back up in either Marathon, Tavernier or Islamorada. Or we could drive back to one of the middle keys from Key West to dive in the morning and party in Key West in the evening.

What is the water temp in December in Key Largo or the middle keys?
What is better diving between Marathon, Tavernier or Islamorada?

 

[Buoyant1]

Well, I dont get cold easily. I usually sweat too much even in a 3mm. I think that would be fine with me. I think we may do a night in Key Largo then a night in Key West to party. Maybe a night back up in either Marathon, Tavernier or Islamorada. Or we could drive back to one of the middle keys from Key West to dive in the morning and party in Key West in the evening.

What is the water temp in December in Key Largo or the middle keys?
What is better diving between Marathon, Tavernier or Islamorada?

I don't have my log with me here, but the temps are in the very low-mid 80's if I recall.

Tavernier has access to most of the Key Largo sites, so in my opinion is probably a better bet. (well wreck wise) Reefs in the middle Keys aren't bad at all no matter where you go. I was at Molasses reef in Key Largo, Samantha's Reef, The Donut, and the Stake in Marathon, all had plenty of life to see!

I'll bet that the Islamorada charters hit some of the same sites.