Looe Key Dive Resort in Keys?

[Gator]

I am planning a four day dive trip to the keys in April for the four members of our family. We are newly open water certified. What can board members tell me about Looe Key Dive shop? Their 3 tank package looks attractive.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[MikeS]

My wife and I just went diving at Looe Key last month. Deb completed her OW referral there. We dove with Paradise Divers http://www.paradivers.com/ that is located just down the road from Looe Key on Big Pine Key. Of the dives we did we actually enjoyed the reef at the Sombrero Lighthouse the best.

 

[100days-a-year]

Pretty cheesy hotel,but thier dive outfit got good reviews from my buddies who stayed there.Underseas Inc. has a good reputation.

 

[Beachman]

But the bar is gangbusters....a real local hangout.

Looe Key is a relatively shallow finger reef that is excellent for relatively new divers. Good experience, lots of sights, lots of fun.
It's a Specially Protected Area (SPA) that keeps the reef in pretty darn good shape considering the number of divers.

They run a wide, roomy and stable catamaran and the dive personnel are friendly and helpfull.

You also will not get blown out very often in this area on this site.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

I live 2 blocks from Looe Key Reef-Resort. Nice operation, good people. 40-45 people on the boat.

If you don't mind the cattle boat diving they are as good a choice as you can make.

If you like smaller boats with a few people....look elsewhere.

 

[Scuba Duffer]

My wife and I just returned from Florida and did the 3 tank trip with Looe Key. We did a wreck day so the first dive was on the Adolphus Busch.

The statement about cattle boat is fairly accurate - the do pack em on. Don't let that deter you though - the diving is worth it and they are a good operation.

The diving in the "finger" reefs is great if you are new to the sport. Max depth usually no more than 30 feet so each dive can be an hour of down time. Despite the shallow water, on the two reef dives we did we saw spotted morays, 2 giant green morays (5 - 6 ft), black tip reef shark, octopus, tons of fish - you get the idea. As far as critter watching goes, its great diving - and easy to navagate by yourself - so everyone goes off in thier own direction and it's very peaceful under the water. If and when we go back to the keys - that would be a definate repeat.

 

[Bob3]

... the bar is gangbusters....a real local hangout.

I stay with a buddy on Big Pine, sneak over to their "Tiki Bar" for happy hour & hot wings while listening to the band.

Looe Key is still a fun spot to visit for critter geeking.
Sombrero Light is nice too.
Nice lighthouse at American Shoals.

 

[100days-a-year]

See the Jewfish on the Busch? There is at least one large resident and a coupla "little" 100pounders.They stay aft right behind the pilothouse which is by the way full of empty spiny oyster shells.

 

[ScoobieDooo]

If in Key Largo check out Horizon Divers as well....great, professional charter op.

 

[mh1143]

Don't know if this applies but the last time I was in their shop, spring of 2001, they refused to fill my steel tanks. The person I dealt with nicely explained to me how steel tanks are too prone to exploding and wouldn't fill mine. The tanks at that time were two years old and had vis stickers that were three months old.

Ended up going to Paradise Divers at MM39 and found them to have a much more friendly and knowledgeable staff.