Staying in Big Pine Key ...dive options?

[RaginCajun]

Hi all,

I'm staying in Big Pine key for the next few days, can anyone suggest dive options? I'm AOW but have 3 snorklers in tow. I need to manage the logistics of both activities. Any suggestions? In the upper keys it seems like there are ops that run both out of the same shop/dock but I'm not sure Abt the lower keys.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance !!

 

[JesperS]

Hopefully a local will chime in, but I think the #1 destination in that area is Looe Key, which should be suitable for both snorkeling and diving, and I believe the ops carry both. You may want to check with the Bahia Honda state park, I believe they run scuba/snorkeling trips there.

 

[Katch]

Looe Key Dive Resort has a big pontoon boat that caters to both divers and snorklers. Much of the Looe Key reefs are shallow enough for both to enjoy the sights.

 

[Busdiver]

I love staying in Big Pine Key and Looe Key Reef is a great dive site. Do not dive with Strikezone. The DM on the boat required that half way during each of my dives I had to surface and wave at him on the boat. You read that correctly. At the 30 minute mark of each dive I was required to swim up, hang out on the surface, and get his attention then resume my dive. No diver should be required to do that. It adds unneeded risk to your dive. There was also no reason to question my dive experience since I am active instructor with hundreds of dives. So, no to Strikezone.

There is supposed to be a small six pack operating in the area. Also, when you are down on Big Pine Key there is a dive op on the right hand side of Rt. 1 (if you are heading south). They run a boat. I cannot remember their name. You can also dive with Looe Key Dive Resort. They are one to two miles south of Big Pine Key.

You will love chilling out with the tiny Key Deer. Grab a pizza at the No Name Pub and if you can catch Howard Livingston for a set or two.

 

[RaginCajun]

Headed out on Thursday with Innerspace. Sounds like they have a six pack and would accommodate our group. Learning for me is to an ahead with reservations in advance they were booked...

 

[dkramer]

Tilden's, just over the bridge on marathon will also cater to both snorklers & divers.

 

[Katch]

Dove with Innerspace a few years ago. They're a great 6-pack. I don't know if the snorklers would enjoy it because of the small boat.

Tilden's may not go out to Looe Key (at least they didn't do it when I dove with them). On the other hand, Tildens would be perfect for the snorklers. They even did Snuba for the non-divers. I don't think Snuba requires any kind of certification.

 

[RaginCajun]

Had a great time with Capt Nick and DM John at Innerpace. We did a double dip on Looe Key. Snorklers had a good time while I dived. Despite my concern that a 25 ft deep reef might leave something to be desired I was not disappointed. I didn't notice any of the snorklers even though there were several snorkle boats and Capt Nick picked two great spots on the reef and the second was extra special. I saw all kinds of fish (many I can't name) including several grouper, hogs, snapper, a lobster or two etc...

Looks like John just bought the business a few months ago and he's off to a great start as one of the friendliest and most accommodating shops I've used. I had all of my gear sans an SPG (don't ask how I forgot that...) and they were so kind to allow me to use my kit and just borrow an SPG.

We had a minor mechanical issue that they handled with care and professionalism.

I look forward to visiting the keys again...and again....