Newbie Diver in the Keys

[lionvoice]

I, like a few I've seen on the board, have moved my family's trip from Cozumel to the Keys. We'll be there the 1st/2nd week in January. We're staying down in Key West to give our non-diving member a bit more shopping to do... It looks like the better diving is further up the Keys from Key West' we'll have a vehicle so that's not a problem.

Could any of you recommend some sites for a couple of newbie (I have 16 dives, nitrox/night cert, my father has 6 regular dives) divers? How about operations that might cater to us greenhorns (and not spoil a more advanced diver's time)? I've seen a couple ops mentioned on the board, but it seems like most are looking for small ops (to arrange specific dives, etc)--we're basically looking for an op who can provide patience and some decent, easy diving for a couple of enthusiastic newcomers....

 

[StSomewhere]

The best diving in KW is actually not in KW but in Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary up the Overland Highway a half hour's drive. IMO.

Specifically in KW most of the shops cater to snorkers and divers alike, which means fairly shallow reefs and easy dives. Schedule a wreck dive (Cayman Salvager and/or Joes Tug) if snorkelers on the boat bothers you. If you don't need to rent equipment, Captains Corner is cheaper than Dive Key West and Subtropic, but they all do a good job taking care of the new diver. Call ahead of time to make sure they are open for business, Wilma did a bit of a number on the keys but I think most places are back open.

Oh, and throw back a few at Jimmy's for me while you are there (after you're done diving of course!).

 

[ABQdiver]

I think the diving is best up in the Key Largo, Tavernier areas. Really great shallow reefs, with abundant coral, soft corals and lots of fish!
We took a group of nubies from NM down there in August and they were all raving about the great diving.

Here's a fun link: Key Largo Dive Sites you will find lots of info there! Safe Diving!!

 

[tvictory]

Try Looe Key Reef Resort on (I think) Ramrod Key. They run daily 3-tank trips that take snorkelers and divers alike, so everybody gets a shallow dive. Non-intimidating for new divers.

 

[StSomewhere]

ABQ, the problem is that Key Largo isn't nearly as much fun as Key West for the non-divers in their group. OTOH, once you've seen the first 3 KW t-shirt shops, the other 297 are pretty much the same.

Looe Key Reef Resort is fine, again, assuming you aren't bothered by having snorkelers on the boat. A more experienced diver would probably like to get out to see the Adolphus Busch while they are in the neighborhood (which I haven't managed to dive yet due to getting blown out).

 

[raf]

There are so many great places to dive in the Florida Keys. Key Largo might be your best bet. If you're interested in a safe easy wreck, try the Benwood. For a nice reef with great swim-throughs, try French Reef. The Keys have everything from easy shallow dives to awesome deeper wrecks!

 

[cleung]

You are right that there's better diving in the Key Largo area. I have an article on Keys diving in the Articles section of this board.