Trip to the Keys (January 2025)

[Zach The Diver]

Good evening, yall. I'm sure some version of this post has been beat to death here but I'd like to ask this anyway as I would like some tailored feedback from diving locals down in the Keys- I'd also like to hear this from the horse's mouth, so to speak. Looking for some feedback for my rough itinerary for the Keys in January- I'll have two or three other divers with me.

Looking at two full days at Key West hoping to do the Vandenberg and Cayman Salvage Master.
After that, drive up to Largo (with a stop at the History of Diving Museum) for three straight days of diving- trying to do the various awesome reefs, Spiegel Grove, and Duane.

Looking at Captain’s Corner and Horizon Divers as the probable choices of dive charter, but I'd like to hear about your experiences with them. I have also heard good things about Conch Republic in Largo.

In addition, I would like to hear suggestions regarding accommodations and shore diving sites (limited in the Keys, I know, and I already have John Pennekamp on my list).

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

Definitely Captains' Corner. There is no good shore diving in the Keys, anywhere.

Key Largo: Rainbow Reef, Conch Republic and Horizon are good choices DEPENDING on what type of service you are looking for

 

[Zach The Diver]

Definitely Captains' Corner. There is no good shore diving in the Keys, anywhere.

Key Largo: Rainbow Reef, Conch Republic and Horizon are good choices DEPENDING on what type of service you are looking for

Right on, definitely appreciate it. What distinguishes Rainbow Reef, Conch Republic, and Horizon apart in that regard?

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

What distinguishes Rainbow Reef, Conch Republic, and Horizon

Rainbow has free guides which is a good thing for novice divers.
Horizon caters nicely to tech divers
I've never been out with Conch Republic, but I understand it's a very nice boat.

 

[Wants2divemore]

Another vote for Captain's Corner. I just dove with them on Thursday (December 5th) and had 2 great dives on the Vandenberg. I was supposed to dive the previous 3 days as well but the wind and waves were too high so no one was going out. I haven't dove the Cayman Salvage Master before but have been told by many others that it's not that great (smaller, less to see) and you're better sticking with the Vandenberg.

Here's my review from 2 years ago. Nothing has changed except that they now have 30% nitrox if you want it.

Review Thread 'Captain's Corner dive operator in Key West'

Dec 3, 2022

I just got back from Key West and had a great experience with Captain's Corner.

Boat: Sea Eagle (approx 24 person, has marine head, 2 fresh water showers, 1 fresh water hose, 2 buckets for masks, 1 bucket for cameras, 1 large cooler for drinks/food, 1 large fresh water cooler for drinking).

Reef dives: They offer 2-tank reef dives in the afternoon. I did 2 days of reef dives in a row, each dive was a different site (Rock Key & Eastern Dry Rocks on the first day; Marker 32 & Nine Foot Stake on the second day). The captain says they choose the dive sites based on the weather and conditions...

• Wants2divemore
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Florida

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[FreqFlier]

Captain's Corner in KW - just keep in mind it's quite windy in KW in December/January, they will can the trip if it's too windy. Got our Dec 2 and 3rd trips to Vandy cancelled...
Conch Republic and Key Dives in Islamorada (KD puts a DM in the water for free)
Horizon is our preferred joint in Key Largo, though Rainbow Reef may be an option too. Too "cattle boat-y" operation for us.

 

[LI-er]

Shore diving is not limited in the Florida Keys. Excluding the algae infested, poor visibility and devoid of marine life in the over rated over priced Jules Undersea lodge lagoon, it's nonexistent.