Need diving and snorkeling recommendations for the keys.

[sportxlh]

rjla67: great videos: I guess one can learn something new everyday. This one in particular seemed to show the diversity of life one can see a Bahia Honda. Freediving Bahia Honda - YouTube

Was this taken near the ocean side of the old bridge or the site that is on the other side of the mangrove trees (where you need to follow the path behind the concession stand)?

 

[rjla67]

That was what we saw and I took video back in July at Bahia Honda at the location on the bayside by the marina by the mangroves. That was our first time to snorkel that spot and it was really good. Best of all no one goes there for its not an obvious spot to find but we enjoyed it.

Also wanted to mention they have a boat that leaves twice a day from the park to Looe Reef and it is really cheap. We did that once too and really loved it too (there is a video on my YouTube to show that too). Snorkeling is a bit more challenging for you won't see a ton of stuff like all the guys and gals who dive, you have to be patient and take it slow and really look but you will find stuff and be rewarded if you do. The kids will love it no matter what!

 

[DiveLvr]

Is there any place inm the keys to dive off the beach?

 

[sportxlh]

Is there any place inm the keys to dive off the beach?

Is there any place inm the keys to dive off the beach?

This has been discussed in the past and the consensus seems to be that there is no real beach diving. With that said, one of the moderators of this forum whose also an instructor indicated you can dive from the beach in Pennekamp park, but doing so is a poor substitute for the actual reefs.

See the 9th and 12th posts in this thread.... http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida-diving/411019-shore-diving-around-key-largo.html

Here's a thread with responses I asked about quarries in the keys: I've never tried the dives.............http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/fl...oon-big-pine-key-really-decent-dive-site.html

Bahia Honda state park indicates that it allows diving but from what I've heard, it is better for snorkeling..

 

[rjla67]

I dont know of any good place to shore dive as the water is really too shallow. I too have seen the info posted about shore diving around Bahia Honda but I've been all around that island and can't see how you could do it. Only place maybe is under the old bridge but the current there is way to strong and I've seen sharks patrolling that area so I don't think I would go there.

 

[DiveLvr]

Thanks guys.

 

[Rich Keller]

You can snorkel at Founders Park on the bay side of Plantation Key.

 

[JesperS]

Learned a lot on this thread. While shore snorkeling sites may be few in the keys, they certainly do exist.

 

[CajunDiva]

Learned a lot on this thread. While shore snorkeling sites may be few in the keys, they certainly do exist.

ScubaBoard is such a great resource for researching destinations...so many friendly people here who are willing to help those with questions

 

[turtlemoye]

Thanks RJLA67, that's the type of information I was looking for.