Keys Diving

[Blowin' Bubbles]

I'm going to the Keys over spring break this year and wanted to know of some good dive sites. Last time I went, I was in Key Largo and went on a couple mediocre dives, but I'm hoping you all can help me out with any reccomendations and such.

Also, does anyone know what the water temp down there is? I'm going in two or three weeks, will it be any warmer?

Thanks!

 

[geoff127]

I just got back from two days in Key Largo where we did a total of 4 dives. Did a 2 tank charter with Conch Republic and 2 tanks with Silent World.

Conch Republic has a very friendly staff, and nice shop and great prices, especially with a SB discount. Both of our dives were very shallow (I think the deepest I got was 26 feet) because we were with a bunch of OW students. However, the sites were pretty nice, lots of life, great viz and amazing warm water (72 degrees), but everyone else was complaining about being cold, to the point where several people skipped the second dive. So, if you get cold easily keep that in mind. My biggest complaint with Conch Republic is the larger boat, which wasn't bad because there were only about 14 people on our charter, but I'd imagine it would be fairly uncomfortable if it were completely filled. The boat crew wasn't bad, they didn't seem to jump up and offer any assistance at first, but once they noticed something or you got their attention they were very helpful and friendly.

Silent World I was initially unimpressed with. The people in the dive shop were rather cold and not overly pleasant when we checked in the night before our dive. The price was good, and the boats in pretty nice condition. The boats are rather small, which is great if they aren't filled (we had 7 people with us) but if they were filled (capacity is 12 or 14 I believe) it would be a very tight, very uncomfortable fit I'd imagine as the 7 was getting cramped. Again, we were with a group of students, so again very shallow dives, one to the City of Washington and the other on S. South Ledge. Again, nice dive sites and plenty of life. Water temperatures still 72 degrees. The boat crew was very nice and helpful, and made up for the cold reception we got the night before. The boat is also easier to get on in waves than the Conch Republic boat was.

I would book again with both of these operators, especially with Conch Republic. I would, however, try to find a six-pack to go out on, because I'm a fan of smaller, more personal boats.

The seas were choppy when we went, 4 foot seas at times which led to some fairly strong surges at times and a few upset stomachs. They all said the water was a bit cooler than normal, but as of March 2-3 the temps were 72 at 20 feet.

I would also like to highly recommend Rib Daddy's Seafood and Steaks (MM102.5) for dinner. The service was amazing, the food was excellent and the prices fairly decent. Nothing too fancy, just good BBQ.

-Geoff

 

[Blowin' Bubbles]

I agree with you when you advise to find a smaller group, it gets rather crazy on large dive boats.72 sounds warm, especially when comparing it to Tampa Bay water lately. Thanks for the advice, I'll take that into consideration, especially the BBQ.

 

[Missdirected]

Go with Captain Gary and Admiral Brenda at Conch Republic they will get you on the right spots. Here is their number: Conch Republic 305-852-1655

Geoff - FWIW Captain Gary never fills the boat completely.:no He tries to keep everything comfortable and accommodating.

 

[geoff127]

Geoff - FWIW Captain Gary never fills the boat completely.:no He tries to keep everything comfortable and accommodating.

That is definitely good to hear. If I make it back to the Keys next year I'll more than likely dive with them again.

-Geoff

 

[Makai]

I agree with Missdirected and Geoff. When I dove in Key Largo last year, I went with Conch Republic Divers. Everyone in Key Largo and Tavernier pretty much goes to the same wrecks, but Conch Rebuplic does some of the wrecks that are farther south. They also go to some pretty kick-ass reef sites. I can check my log book for specific sites if you like, but I've found that different people know the sites by different names.

 

[Shark Gal]

Thanks for letting us know. It always comes in handy when returning to the Keys.

 

[Blowin' Bubbles]

Thanks for the number. Conch Republic Sounds like a good place.

 

[Upwelling]

I don't know if you've already left for your trip, but...

I've gone with Captain Slate's every time I've been there and always had a good time. It does get a bit crowded on their boats at times, though--sometimes there are non-divers on the boat as well.

I would echo what geoff127 said--definitely take a dramamine or something if you get seasick (luckily I don't), because I was on one trip there where almost everyone was puking after the first dive (although that's not the norm). One other issue is that some of the dives are so shallow--at some points the reef is only about 10 feet below the surface--that if you're nearing the end of your tank you keep popping up to the surface.

 

[eandiver]

Just a suggestion, avoid Dramamine and try Bonine. Does the same thing as Dramamine but with no side effects. They are in the same section at your drug store.