FL Keys info

[nauifins73]

I know I know - do a search. But I don't want to :).

A friend and his son needs to do their open water check out dives. He is wanting to do to the Keys. I have read that Key Largo is the best in the Keys for diving. I was wondering who to suggest they check with and is that area good for beginners?

Thanks

[scububa]

I know I know - do a search. But I don't want to :).

A friend and his son needs to do their open water check out dives. He is wanting to do to the Keys. I have read that Key Largo is the best in the Keys for diving. I was wondering who to suggest they check with and is that area good for beginners?

Thanks

I could answer, but I don't want to...do a search.




All kidding, the guy I dove with there is no longer there. Sold his consession and moved to the northeast. I didn't get the impression that that environment is the best for check out dives. We dove the Spiegel, Duane, and Eagle, AIR. I wouldn't recommend them as checkouts. We dove one little reef. Good checkout environment, but a long way to go for a pretty stale dive. That's the extent I know.

[MgicTwnger]

I've been down there for the last three years diving with Conch Republic in Tavernier (just south of Key Largo). They arere terrific both for beginners and advanced. PM me if you want more info.

[theskull]

Amy Slate's Amoray Divers would be good for checkout dives -- and there are plenty of beautiful, easy, shallow reefs in the Key Largo area.

www.amoray.com

theskull

[juls64]

I've been down there for the last three years diving with Conch Republic in Tavernier (just south of Key Largo). They arere terrific both for beginners and advanced. PM me if you want more info.


Ditto the vote for Conch Republic!

[DeepDiverBob]

here is a list of peoples opinions from my shops staff, names have been omitted to protect the innocent:

From xxx:
Conch Republic was the best.

From xxx:
I dove with Sea Dwellers, they launch from the Holiday Inn dock - step out of your room and right onto the boat. They're on Key Largo. They have a larger boat, that can sometimes get full, but they do package deals with the Holiday Inn which can make it more economical, as well as convenient.
I also dove with Captain Darryl out of Banana Bay Resort, key largo. He launches from their private marina. He has a smaller boat, max 6 people, Not sure if he's still in business, but when we went, we were the only ones on the boat and we could direct him wherever we wanted. He also does package deals with Banana Bay Resort, which we thought was quite nice.
We have also dove with Aqua Nuts, key largo, which is right by the Hobo restaurant, great food by the way, and they have newer Newton boats that were rather nice.
I would recommend any of these outfits.

From xxx:
I have used Southpoint Divers out of Key West. They are reasonable and adequate – nothing spectacular. www.southpointdivers.com (http://www.southpointdivers.com/)
Dive Key West is supposed to be ok too. www.divekeywest.com (http://www.divekeywest.com/)
Captains Corner is the only one I know that “might” cater to advanced divers – for $2500.00 you can charter them for a day on the wreck of the Atocha! www.captainscorner.com (http://www.captainscorner.com/)
Most of the dives from Key West are mid to shallow reefs and 3 wrecks of moderate to low interest but, they are still worth doing.

From xxx:
I am with you, mostly Key Largo, Ocean Divers there or in Tavernier, a little farther down, is Conch Republic, that is about it for me.

From xxx:
Rainbow Reef has a shop on the Islamorada. Gives guided dives for NO additional charge. Also has a shop in Largo.
My son in law did his open water cert with them and was very pleased. Has a busy but great WEB site. Has very good discounts for housing on the site too.
Additionally has a sister group that does WONDERFUL snorkel only trips with script in masks for the visually impaired.



From xxx (who lives in the Keys):
Here is the shop that I teach for.....but please don't feel an obligation (although we would love to have you!)
www.silentworldkeylargo.com (http://www.silentworldkeylargo.com/)
It's always great to see people from home!!!

From xxx:
Well, Key Largo is in the Florida Keys! But if we're looking outside Key Largo ...
We've had good experiences with Conch Republic in Islamorada. Nice boats, service-oriented, safe attitude. Owners have a nice apartment they rent, too.

From xxx:
In Key Largo, I have dove with Amoray, Horizon Divers and Ocean Divers. I would recommend Horizon or Ocean over anyone else.

[terrapinken]

I had great luck with Conch Republic

[nauifins73]

Thanks for info - Mrs "friend" has decided to go in this trip and she has made reservation on St Thomas.