Trip to the Keys in February

[gfisher4792]

Hey all,

My wife and I are planning a trip to the warmer waters of the FL keys in February, and I was wondering if anyone had opinions on whether we should dive nearer to the Key West end or Key Largo end. I would also appeciate any opinions on places to stay at either area. Thanks in advance.

 

[cudachaser]

Air & Water temps are essentally the same for KL and KW

Water temps hover around 70 in Feb and DT highs fluctuate between 65 and 80 depending on cold fronts. Key is better located after cold front passage

 

[CAPT HOOK]

Key Largo would be my choice - lots more dive sites.

 

[Wristshot]

Key Largo.

We have been there a couple times, and we are going again from Christmas to New Years. Great diving, lots of choices of Dive Operators, and some good restaurants.

There are a good variety of dive sites for various tastes and skill levels in the Key Largo area. It is billed as the diving capitol of the world. (self-proclaimed no doubt)

We recommend Horizon Divers as we have had very good experiences with them. They have "arrangements" with a couple of the local hotels. Last year we stayed at the Ramada within walking distance of Horizon Divers, and it was only $89 a night since we were "with" Horizon Divers. Horizon has been the highest rated Dive Op in recent surveys.

Others have recommended other Dive Ops here on Scuba Board. Lots of opinions in the archives.

Wherever you go, have a great time!


Wristshot

 

[bobert]

I also recomend Key Largo, better diving and more variety. I also am a Horizon Divers fan, in fact I dove with them yesterday. While I live in Miami, I took a four day trip to Key Largo this last September and found that I could get room at the Westin Key Largo for $69 on priceline.com.
My brother and I took an afternoon side trip down to Key West for the sunset ,a FABULOUS dinner at Lattitudes on Sunset Key just off of Mallory Square and a fun evening on Duval Street. Key West is better for atmosphere and fun than it is for diving and doing it this way gets you the best of both.
I strongly suggest that you try diving the Spiegel Grove in Key Largo, if conditions permit.
Be prepared for either warm or cool days and nights depending on the cold fronts.

 

[DIVERTOM]

Theres lot of good diving from Cujoe Key to Key Largo and
even nearby Biscayne National Park. I have photos on
my web-site from all of them.http://divertom.net/

Diver Tom

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

IMHO. Key West is party central!

Along with dozens of others, our boat, the BlueWater Diver, is located at Key Largo Resorts, mile marker 100 oceanside. We offer great rates at the Holiday Inn, Ramada, and Marina del Mar.

The complex is centrally located, and offers lots of activities and alternatives... all within walking distance of your room. Enjoy!

 

[dive4funOften]

Florida City has rooms with a fridge for $39. It is only a 20 min dive to most boats in Key Largo. Crocker Reef, Hens an Chickens , and Minnow Cave are good. There is a variety of fish and several nurse sharks that usually hang out on the City of Washington.

 

[Toolbox-13]

Hello All,
I just got back from a fabulous Dive Vacation in Key West. I took AOW, & Nitrox courses together and had 8 great dives in 4 days. I went through Captains Corner Dive shop in Key West and the folks there are great they make you feel like your family. Leslie the owner is great and there staff of instructors and Divemasters are top notch. The water is crystal clear and the marine life on the reefs are breathtaking. Some of the sights I saw were a reef shark, 6 nurse sharks, a spoted eagle ray, hundreds of barracuda, parrot fish, a scool of beautiful anglefish, lots of spiney lobster, just to name a few. The Dive boat is the Sea Eagle and we dove 4 different reef sights and 2 wrecks. The captain is very knowledgeable and they bend over backwards to make your dive great. They have apartments in the compound and its only 2 blocks to the boat. If anyone is looking for a great dive trip check out Captains Corner in Key west. They also do a deal for students if you take any class with them you get free equipment rental any time you go back and for as long as your stay you only pay for boat trips. www.captainscorner.com check out there web sight

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

I have found more healthy reefs in the Lower Keys (except for key west) than the upper keys.

Looe Key is the best reef I have dived in the Keys....Many would agree.
:devious: