Backscatter
Contributor
Just got back from four days in Key Largo, 2-4 foot seas, stiff current, strong surge, and visibility ranging from 10 to 50'. Oh well, at least the water was warm and the fish plentiful.
Got to see (some) of the Benwood, French Reef, Molasses Reef, and a couple others. The wife dove on her first wreck, and got some experience riding the ladders. She lost a ring during one of her boardings, but otherwise did well.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Key Largo as part of the Sea Dwellers package. I guess some consider 18 divers a cattle boat, but it really wasn't too bad. On our last day (July 9th) there were some divers out of Moorehead City on board with us. Capt. Scott and crew Nick, Jerry, and Jessica were very friendly and helpful. Sea Dwellers takes your tanks off your back (and the BC) after you come up the ladder, that was a little different for us, but no biggie. I like the boat (50') layout, there was plenty of room for divers and gear, and you are allowed to go forward at anytime. The convenience of walking out of the hotel room and onto the boat can't be over estimated. Last time we stayed at Ocean Point Suites, which was very nice, but somewhat out of the way in Tavernier. A Divers Direct store is across the street from the Holiday Inn, but I managed not to spend too much on dive gear.
Apparently the conditions were very unusual for this time of year, but somehow I felt like I was home.
We also dove Epcot on the way down. Can't say I would have been impressed as just a land visitor, but the dive was awesome. I would definitely do it again. I understand that the new aquarium in Atlanta has started a dive program, I'm gonna have to check that out.
We finished out the week with a manatee snorkel tour and a visit to Ginnie Springs. The manatee tour was cool, I'd do it again. It was our third trip to Ginnie, but the first during this time of year. I'll probably stick to fall and spring, to avoid the crowds of snorkelers, floaters, and canoers.
Got to see (some) of the Benwood, French Reef, Molasses Reef, and a couple others. The wife dove on her first wreck, and got some experience riding the ladders. She lost a ring during one of her boardings, but otherwise did well.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Key Largo as part of the Sea Dwellers package. I guess some consider 18 divers a cattle boat, but it really wasn't too bad. On our last day (July 9th) there were some divers out of Moorehead City on board with us. Capt. Scott and crew Nick, Jerry, and Jessica were very friendly and helpful. Sea Dwellers takes your tanks off your back (and the BC) after you come up the ladder, that was a little different for us, but no biggie. I like the boat (50') layout, there was plenty of room for divers and gear, and you are allowed to go forward at anytime. The convenience of walking out of the hotel room and onto the boat can't be over estimated. Last time we stayed at Ocean Point Suites, which was very nice, but somewhat out of the way in Tavernier. A Divers Direct store is across the street from the Holiday Inn, but I managed not to spend too much on dive gear.
Apparently the conditions were very unusual for this time of year, but somehow I felt like I was home.
We also dove Epcot on the way down. Can't say I would have been impressed as just a land visitor, but the dive was awesome. I would definitely do it again. I understand that the new aquarium in Atlanta has started a dive program, I'm gonna have to check that out.
We finished out the week with a manatee snorkel tour and a visit to Ginnie Springs. The manatee tour was cool, I'd do it again. It was our third trip to Ginnie, but the first during this time of year. I'll probably stick to fall and spring, to avoid the crowds of snorkelers, floaters, and canoers.
