Where to dive for four days, Keys?

[AZ_Zoner]

Four of us from Arizona are coming to Miami at the end of the month to dive. But we don't really know where. We're all experienced divers and like wrecks. We'd probably like to find one location to stay and dive for 4 days. We'll rent a SUV to get a round.

Any suggestions for Hotels/Resort and dive boat operation? Should we head for the Keys or back north up the coast?



Thanks for any info

Craig

 

[Big Mike]

Go to Key Largo. Try SILENT WORLD dive shop at 103.3 mile marker (shop is at 103 & dock where boat leaves from is at 106). They have a 5 trip package for $179 plus tax. Check out their web site. We used them in May and they were good & great price.

As far as where to stay, you have about 3 different choices. You have the "Key's Style" places (not fancy but cheap and reasonable clean), the chain hotels like Holiday Inn (Mile Marker 100)(about $150 a night) and then the "luxury" places such as condos like Ocean Pointe Suites (about 90 Mile Marker)(also have a web site). Every place in Keys goes by Mile Marker, since there is only 1 main road. 107 at top of Key Largo down to 0 at Key West.

Diving varies from easy reefs to more advanced wrecks. I suggest SPIEGEL GROVE - an awesome wreck that you can luck out on and have little to no current, making it an "easy" dive at 55 feet to the side of the ship; 100 feet to mid line; & 130's to the sand. If you feel like a "challenge" try the Duane or Bibb. They USUALLY have a strong current on them. It is possible to luck out with little current, but normally you are hanging off the decent line like a flag in a stiff breeze. Not uncommon to see divers miss/lose the line and drift off toward Miami. Definitely not for the faint of heart or less skilled diver!

Have fun!

Mike

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

Four of us from Arizona are coming to Miami at the end of the month to dive. But we don't really know where. We're all experienced divers and like wrecks. We'd probably like to find one location to stay and dive for 4 days. We'll rent a SUV to get a round.

Any suggestions for Hotels/Resort and dive boat operation? Should we head for the Keys or back north up the coast?



Thanks for any info

Craig

In the Upper Keys, the Bibb, the Duane, the Eagle, and the Spiegel Grove are all great wreck dives. The Thunderbolt in Marathon, and the Adolphus Busch at Looe Key are also worthwhile.

We can hook you up with excellent rates at the Holiday Inn, Ramada, and Marina Del Mar (all at mile marker 100) and we love diving wrecks!

 

[IndigoBlue]

Thanks for the info. My wife and I are planning a trip there as well.

 

[AZ_Zoner]

Sounds like we should head to Key Largo. How far/long of a drive is it from the Miami airport?

Have you ever heard of Horizon Divers? Are they in the same area?

Thanks again for all the info. You’re making our decision pretty easy for us.

Craig

 

[munkispank]

hey there Craig-
it will probably take you around a hour from Miami airport- adjustable depending on time of day and traffic conditions. Horizon Divers are OK- depends on your diving skills- if you want to do the wrecks, you will want a different operator- Horizon tend to have a few more novice divers. The wrecks off key largo are awesome by all accounts- I have a great fondness for the speigal - very impressive.
Enjoy.

 

[AZ_Zoner]

We're looking for more advanced diving. Our group is made up of two instructors and two DMs. Is there a dive op that caters more to the advance diver? I have nothing against novice divers, I dive with them all the time, but this trip we don't want to be limited on the dive sites we go to due to divers abilities. Wrecks and deep will be just fine.


I really appreciate all the PMs and info you guys are providing. This make it so much easier to plan when going to a new place.


Craig

 

[reefman]

divers city in tavernier(ask for barbara) and island ventures(brian) in key largo both accomodate advance divers; 10 divers max and flexible dive profiles. also provide custom nitrox fills. the above mentioned wrecks are great but dont overlook drift dives on the outer dropoffs(molasses and conch)(50 to 100ft). these 2 operators are among the few that will do 2 deep dives instead of the norm; deep dive followed by a shallow(30ft or less). good luck

reefman
key largo


www.diverscityusa.com