Keys vs Cozumel, December

[kyjellyfish]

Hi all,
I'm trying to plan a trip for mid-December of this year and deciding between the Keys and Cozumel. I haven't been to either place and wanted to get an idea of weather, dive conditions, operators, wildlife, etc.

Thanks so much!

 

[deepstops]

In general, the Keys have about a dozen wrecks you'd be able to dive, Cozumel has a single wreck.
The Cozumel reef systems are generally deeper than those in the Keys.
Visibility is almost always gin-clear in Cozumel but not as often in the Keys.
I think getting blown out by weather is less likely in Cozumel but there are no guarantees in either location.
Big animal encounter probabilities would be equal IMO.
Operators galore in both locations.

You can probably get to Miami/Fort Lauderdale for less $$$ than Coz but you probably won't need a rental car in Coz.

The Keys can be day trip from where I live and but I'm spending a week in Coz in November.

I like 'em both (different, but both good).

 

[RonFrank]

The vis is going to be better in Coz in general, and especially in the winter. Water temps in Coz will be warmer (upper 70's) vs likely 5-10 or so degrees colder in the Keys.

In general the Keys kinda slows way down for the winter and Coz does not. The Keys is a bit cheaper to get to, but you will need a car. No car required in Coz. Ensure your passport is in order going to Coz.

Overall costs are similar for Diving, food, hotel everything except airfare.

If it were me I'd do Coz again over FL.

 

[Garrobo]

Coz wins. Better beer.

 

[aquaregia]

I did the Keys without a car and it wasn't a problem. Water's terribly warm, and though the wrecks were pretty nice the reefs weren't as good as Monterey.

 

[kyjellyfish]

...the reefs weren't as good as Monterey.

Haha nice! How's Germany treating you?

 

[aquaregia]

Also not as good as Monterey Cold though.

Actually Italy was nice. Comfortable temperature (65F at depth), good invert life, some larger fish (mola mola, tiny barracuda, etc). Will probably try to go back there. Wrecks are way too deep for me (50-90m) but the reefs were lovely.

 

[RonFrank]

How the heck did you do the Keys without a car (I'm thinking Largo)?

 

[aquaregia]

I got the Keys shuttle to and from where I stayed, which was walking distance to Horizon, Ocean Divers and most importantly, Sharkey's.

 

[deepstops]

How the heck did you do the Keys without a car (I'm thinking Largo)?

To get from Largo to the Keys is about 270 miles while Key Largo is in the Keys.