Keys In Feb-march

[yknot]

I would like to come to the Keys in late Feb. or very early March and stay in Islamorada area (MM85ish?). First, I have found some sites offering homes and condos for rent by owner. There will be two couples and we would rather not get a hotel room. Any body have any experience with private rentals in the area? I see two bedroom condos on the ocean side going for about $1200 a week at this time of year. Also, I am the only certified diver in the group. My brother in law, (other half of group) had problems during training here and never completed cert. but has indicated a desire to maybe do a resort type course while in the Keys. We would be looking for recommendations then for a local dive center for OW training. Lastly, as I may be diving alone anyway and as I new to diving myself, I would like suggestions for area reef dives on the shallow side, say 40ft range. Any suggestions for any of my quesions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[raxafarian]

almost all the reefs that the dive ops go to are shallow. A lot of them 20ft or less.

I found a 2br condo for around 700.00. Same timeframe.

 

[Magwitch]

for xmas, kids gave us trip seed money & thinking of Keys around Mar 9. Hmmm

 

[yknot]

Raxafarian-$700 a week sounds great. How did you find that deal? Was there a broker involved? The stuff I've seen also mentiones 11% tax and I bet most charge for cleaning ($1000 wk + 11% + $75 for cleaning =$1200 apx). I am willing to pay a little more to be able to walk to the water from my accomidations. Last year we had a hotel room on the ocean. How is the bay side? I do have to consider the non divers in my group also. Has anyone done any shore diving in this area (is it even feasable)?

 

[Bomber]

Yknot,

Most of the folks that stay with us will either dive with Lady Cyana or one of the other local Islamorada dive ops. By and large, they all seem to be more than pleased with Lady Cyana though. They do resort to full certification and I'm sure they would plan shallow dives for you as the Garden Area is directly in front of their shop.

We have a two bedroom cottage on the water and we cater to divers, MM86 on Snake Creek. If you're interested, PM or contact me offline.

http://ladycyana.com/

Apartment Link
http://rockyshores.saltyzoo.com/Apt/

Bomber

 

[Big Mike]

YNOT

I 2nd the response to try Lady Cyana. THey are right near the 85MM and right next to the creek that exits to open water. No long boat ride to get to open water. I have dove with them TWICE before and like them. Gloria is the owner and her people work hard to give a good trip. They have 2 boats, LC III & LC IV. III is an older 65 footish boat. Enter water from side (seems like a 4 or 5 foot drop), has descent line right there - can't miss it. Re-board on stern. Lots of room on deck. Cabin area in case it is cold or windy. LC IV is your basic 40 foot dive boat. I usually dive this time of year and is not too crowded. Was on IV one time with 3 other divers. DM was like my own personal "scuba valet". I recommend this shop!

Mike

 

[yknot]

I will be taking these recommendations with me. Have sent deposit for room- 2 br condo on ocean side- $1000 a week complete, second to third week of March. Also may try something further down, say MM50 or so if the non divers allow me to.