vacation destination/Florida keys-dive?

[scubadog76]

I'm planning a trip to south Florida and know nothing about dive spots. Willing to drive all over. Where are good spots to go. Also, A buddy of mine is planning to take his PADI class and pool up here (Minneapolis) and take his open water down there. What are the names of the more reputable shops for this? Thanks in advance, S.dog76

 

[Popeye]

scubadog76 once bubbled...
I'm planning a trip to south Florida and know nothing about dive spots. Willing to drive all over. Where are good spots to go. Also, A buddy of mine is planning to take his PADI class and pool up here (Minneapolis) and take his open water down there. What are the names of the more reputable shops for this? Thanks in advance, S.dog76

If you're considering the Keys, this is my regular South Keys stop:

http://www.reef-divers.com/

Nice thing about Jim's place is that he's 1/2 hour from Key West. He has decent wreck and reef dives 15 minutes from the dock, has lodging recommendations and arrangements, and runs a 6-pack boat (although he has a larger one for groups). Jim is a PADI Master Instructor, and does referrals all the time. He's also a full service facility, trimix and rental gear.

My favorite trip with Jim is the Adolphus Busch at 100ft, and Looe Key or American Shoals for the rest of the day.

E-mail any questions you might have and get one-on-one service.

 

[Padipro]

Are you planning on going to the Keys or just to South Florida, ie Ft. Lauderdale or Miami? If you're planning on the Keys I'll let someone else post info on places down there, but if you can do the Ft. Lauderdale thing I can help you.

I've lived here for over 5 years now and have dived with many of the shops and boats in the area and IMHO the best is Pro Dive. They have a 60 foot custom built dive boat and have the most professional staff and crew of any shop I've ever dived with.

Check out their web site and give them a call, they can set everything up for you including the check out dives for your buddy. We also have some of the best wreck and reef diving around. I've been to the Keys and it's more expensive because it's a big tourist spot and the reefs are just as nice here as they are there.

Scott

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

Check out Subtropic dive shop in Key West. They are good. You will find the diving generall shallow reefs unless you are considered more experienced.

 

[seadog]

there are plenty of great dive sites. And I can recommend an instructor for your buddy if needed.

 

[scubadog76]

Updated agenda.... Thanks for all the help so far. My buddy has family in Naples and that is probably where he will get certified before we head all over the state. Any shops in Naples, Fort Meyers,Sanibel or Marco that would be good for him to get certified (PADI) at? Also, what is the average water temp down there. Up here it's 7mm or dry plus eating a couple of sticks of butter helps too. What does everybody use down there? Thanks in advance again for the great advice, S.dog76

 

[ReefGuy]

I just spent the weekend at the Upper Keys Dive Center in Tavernier (just S. of Key Largo). I had a great time and definately could recommend it. the water temp there was 72. I was in a 3m Farmerjohn and step in and was fine.

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

Check out our op at www.BlueWaterDiver.net

We dive Pennekamp Park (Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary), and offer friendly, personalized service. We're located in front of the Holiday Inn (mile marker 100 oceanside) in Key Largo.

When are you coming? Keys water temperatures range from the high 60's in winter to the high 80's in summer. The gulf coast is a different story... mmmuch cccolder nnnow!

 

[avs]

I am planning to go down to the Keys next month and scuba dive. I've no experience whatsoever. I do swim though. Can u guys direct me with some info. Thanks

 

[gentlegiant]

avs,

Even with an accelerated course you are probably looking at 4 days to get certified. Typically 1 full day is spent on book work (all of which you are expected to have read before class), another day is spent in the pool or other confined/depth limited water to teach the skills and then 2 days of checkout dives. Please note that this is an accelerated course and it might not be the best for everyone. Your other option is to pay for a dive-guide for every dive plus a "hotel course" on basic scuba safety. That would get pricey pretty quickly, in fact this option will probably cost more than you getting certified.

Your best bet is to find an insructor in your home town who can do the book and pool work then do a referral for your checkout dives. The typical referral fee is $200-250 and usually includes tanks and other rental gear.