key west

[JillGadget]

My hubby and just took our cert class in Nov. January we are going back to Key Largo to take advanced course. Have a few extra days and hopefully going to Key West (if we can find accomadations reasonable) Anyone know of any dive shops linked to hotels for deals? Recommend any dive shops? Thanks,
Jill

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

You can drive from Key Largo to Key West and back very easily, so no need for accommadations unless you plan on spending a couple days there, but the island is not that big. Key West, in fact does not have the best diving. Stop in Tavenier and see Conch Republic, or go farther down to Looe Key.
Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[dk2943]

You will find that diving in Big Pine, a bit north of Key West, has better diving, but there is nothing like the topside fun of Key West

 

[Cheekymonkey]

Imo do your diving in key largo and your partying in Key West, you dont wanna mix them.

 

[WarmWaterDiver]

We had good experiences with both Subtropic http://www.subtropic.com/ and Captain's Corner http://www.captainscorner.com/ in Key West late August 2004. The bigger boat of the Sea Eagle / Captain's Corner even went out one more day when the others stayed in port right before Frances (hurricane, that is). Both were top-notch operations.

We were unable to dive or stay at Key largo (we had planned to spend half our trip there) due to Frances. Had a good time in Key West both topside and U/W.

 

[AXL72]

I got my AOW from Lost Reef Adventures in Key West.

Bed and Breakfasts in Key West are a must, if you have not stayed at one before.

I recommend Harbor Inn. Close to everything and right at the Historic Seaport. Lots of choices on the rooms. They have a pool and a jacquzi. The Inn Keepers are wonderful.

Staying in Key West when you visit Key West allows you to get your drink on and walk back to your hotel/B&B, as opposed to staying sober and making the drive back North on US1. Too risky to drive drunk, as you might drive into the ocean off a bridge, into an oncoming vehicle, or you may kill Bambi (Key Deer).

Try asking for the "Heavy Metal Tour" in Key Largo and the keys just south (adjacent) to key largo. The heavy Metal Tour is a set of dives on the main artificial reeefs of the Duane, Bibb, and Spiegel Grove Ships.

They are deep dives (greater than 90 ft), so get the AOW cert and deep dive under your belt, first.

I recommend staying up North in Key Largo for your dives, then drive down to Key West at the end of your trip.

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

Subtropic (see post #5 above) arranges stay-and-dive packages with the Doubletree.

 

[Queen]

I've had great luck with Southpoint Divers. And I'll second the comments about finding a Guest House (B&B), a fantastic Guest House can really make your trip. Have fun!!

 

[deeper thoughts]

I just came back from a sat night stay in key west. Island city house is an excellent place to stay. While in there you must try Virgillios italian rest on Duval street, one of the best in all of the keys

 

[Queen]

I just came back from a sat night stay in key west. Island city house is an excellent place to stay. While in there you must try Virgillios italian rest on Duval street, one of the best in all of the keys

Just a note of caution, if you decide to try the place mentioned above be sure you look for "Island CITY House" as opposed to just "Island House".