Last minute dive trip to Ft Lauderdale / Keys, recommendations?

[Tyger]

Since I have some free time next week, my wife and I decided to take a break from our cold water California diving to visit Florida.

We will be there Sunday to Saturday (And late enough Saturday that Friday diving isn't out of the question). But when it came time to looking for dive trips (We're mainly interested in boat dives at the moment) we were overwhelmed by the sheer number of dive site.+

So I'm turning to the community; what dives should we absolutely aim for? What would we be remiss to miss before we leave? And where would be a good boat to get there? Obviously at the last minute like this we're looking for day trips; none of the liveaboards I looked at matched up with our schedule.

We've been diving for a year now, with 25+ dives and AOW certification.

Also any recommendations for diver friendly places to stay would be appreciated.

 

[OkByMe]

Hook up with Ocean divers in Key Largo they usually have a dive/lodging special this time of year. I always make a point to dive with them when I'm in the keys. They have any number of reef and wreck dives within your skill level. The have 2 good boats and make at least 2 runs a day.

 

[ft.lauderdale diver]

Ft. Lauderdale area--scubatyme, South Florida Dive Headquarters are both good operators.. lots of others.. regarding dive sites.. there are lots of neat wrecks around here. Captain Dan, Rodeo 25, Rebel, Jim Atria, Miracle of Life. Most of those are out of Pompano---just a little north of Ft. Lauderdale (15 miles)--

Wrecks range from 60 ft and deeper, so its also a matter of your comfort range.

If you head to the keys you should definitely do the Spiegel Grove..

 

[scubabudie]

I like South Florida Diving Headquarters in Pampano. I have been on multiple trips with them. Although I did not dive with Pampano Dive Center I did rent gear from them and they seemed very nice.

 

[CajunDiva]

Since you are new to the area, I highly recommend Rainbow Reef Dive Center. Dive Key Largo, Florida Keys with Rainbow Reef Dive Center;scuba diving:diving, Florida keys, florida diving

They are centrally located in Key Largo right at the head of the marina, surrounded by several hotels (which they can give you a package deal for) and restaurants. They put a dive guide in the water with you at no additional cost. You will get much more out of your first experience diving Key Largo that way.

Plus, they're a great bunch of people and we always have a GREAT time with them

 

[luscioman]

You can also try Amoray in Key Largo (Amy Slates). Amy Slate's Amoray Dive Resort Key Largo Florida

 

[iluvtheocean]

a shore dive or two at Blue Heron Bridge or Lauderdale by the Sea wouldn't be bad either..

 

[bilsant]

There are many good operations, but my favorites are (from north to south):


http://jupiterdivecenter.com

https://www.facebook.com/CAPTSL8R

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida-diving/386645-blue-heron-bridge-trolls.html

http://www.scubatyme.com

http://southfloridadiving.com

http://www.seaxp.com

http://www.meetup.com/goldcoastscuba

http://www.conchrepublicdivers.com

http://captainscorner.com


South Fla Dive HQ is more of a bare bones operation, but know their area very well, run a good, solid boat, and are very reasonable. At the other end of the spectrum, Sl8er, and Sea Xperience offer amazing personalized service - though sometimes you need to book in advance. If you're down, DO make it to Blue Heron Bridge and for more fun...check and see if Force E Riviera Beach is sponsoring a night dive there. Check in with the Gold Coast Scuba meetup if you want to do any shore diving in Broward...they do about 10 dives a week and can hook you up with other divers who know the area. Conch Republic Divers are my "go to" for any diving in the upper keys, and I only dive with Captains Corner in Key West for one daytrip - the Vandenberg, which they do very very well.

You picked a great week. Forecast in Ft. Lauderdale through Thursday shows 1' or less surf all week (except Tuesday which may blow out to almost 2').

 

[Tyger]

Thanks for all the tips!

For now we've booked a stay at Key Largo, and have some dives planned with Rainbow Reef and some with Ocean Divers, with a dip with dolphins as well. We're still working on the plans for Fort Lauderdale.

 

[Mike Walsh]

Go to South Florida Headquarters in Pompano . It's not to far of a ride about 1/2 hr. ride . There # is 1 800 771 3483
Have a good time ......................