Which Key in Feb?

[thuston1]

Hi All,

My GF and I will be flying into FLL on Feb 8 and staying a week. We currently have planned to camp and dive in the keys, but basically nothing except the flight is set in stone yet. Neither of us has spent much time in Florida but I was looking at where to stay and decided it would be best to find a campsite on the island that has t he best diving.

Here are my prerequisites for "best".
1) Neither of us are particularly experienced divers. She has a basic cert, and I an advanced cert, but only 20 dives so not exactly looking for something challenging or risky.
2) Both of us are nature lovers, and while I dont think fishing/hunting would be totally out of the question, im not sure it particularly appeals to either of us. Observing life in various forms is what we both enjoy, so reef dives and/or wreck dives seem like they might be more up our alley.


I had originally been looking for a place to stay on Key West, but by reading these forums it sounds like perhaps Key Largo would be a better diving hot spot? More people sound like they are planning dives there? Or maybe one of the other islands?

any and all recommendations appreciated!!!!

 

[DebbyDiver]

You may have a really difficult time finding a campsite available in the Keys in February. If you are dead set on camping, try to find a spot first and then ask us about dive ops in that area.

 

[DebbyDiver]

I just did a quick search for you, Sugarloaf Key KOA might be your only option. You can dive Looe Key Marine Sanctuary from there, perfect for beginners, and you can drive to Key West and party from there.

I used http://www.reserveamerica.com/ and put in "Marathon, FL" as the city...that's smack dab in the middle of the Keys and finds spots from Key Largo to Key West (and beyond).

 

[Captain_Bob]

I am going to the Keys in Feb. too, I will spend most of my time in Key Largo diving and at least one day in Key West. I don't know of any campsites maybe Pennecamp state park. Maybe I'll see you there.

 

[DebbyDiver]

Pennekamp has nothing available. Getting any campsite in a Florida Keys state park during season takes an act of God! OK, I know someone is going to come along behind me and say that you could get lucky, show up at the park and if there is a no-show you can rent that spot but if I were coming from out of town, I'd want more solid reservations.

 

[Jupiter31]

Key Largo area is your best bet for diving - however, as my friend Debby points out, a campsite may be difficult to come by.

I'll make 2 recommendations for dive ops -

HMS Minnow in KL, and Conch Republic in Taverner (south end of KL)

I'd contact both, and see what they can tell you/help you with lodging.

 

[Rescue Diver68]

I believe there is a Campground behind the Publix and KMart at MM102ish in Key Largo. You've got several dive ops in the marina behind Holiday Inn at MM100 Scuba-Do, Ocean Divers, Horizon Divers.

I think it is called Key Largo Campground. There was a group of students from UMass staying there over the holidays and diving with OCean Divers.

 

[Rescue Diver68]

If you can find camping near Tavernier Creek defintely dive with Conch Republic. I have tried two other ops and Conch Republic is still my fave. IMHO they go to better dive sites- Conch Wall for example is a great dive.

 

[Jupiter31]

Read the OP comments, RD 68:

"1) Neither of us are particularly experienced divers. She has a basic cert, and I an advanced cert, but only 20 dives so not exactly looking for something challenging or risky."

Conch Wall does not look to be in their future, at least this trip. Nor do the deep wrecks.

Do agree w/ your comments about Conch Republic - great operator.

 

[Rescue Diver68]

Read the OP comments, RD 68:

"1) Neither of us are particularly experienced divers. She has a basic cert, and I an advanced cert, but only 20 dives so not exactly looking for something challenging or risky."

Conch Wall does not look to be in their future, at least this trip. Nor do the deep wrecks.

Do agree w/ your comments about Conch Republic - great operator.

Well um O.K.. My 12 yr old nephew loved Conch wall, he has about 30 dives. Stayed within his limits and saw lots of cool stuff. It was no challenge for him but if the current was ripping we would have gone to a different site.