|
it would all depend on the type pf diving you want to do. if you are up for some springs dives, upNorth Central Florida is where you want to be. if it’s ocean diving you want - there is a lot of places from Jupiter down through West Palm. if you want to do a cool wreck dive, look up the Oriskany off of Pensacola.
|
|
|
Well what I understand is that the diving in Key Largo was fine... But it is the nite life you are looking for to entertain your none diving friends..Key Largo is not a beach town you are correct...First rule is not to take non diving friends on a dive trip.. Do one or the other.. The nite life is in S. Beach / Miami and the diving is in Key Largo... Dive trip or party trip ?
|
|
|
Although I disagree about the nightlife in Key Largo (there are some great, new restaurants and a casino cruise) if you want great diving and great nightlife then Key West is a great choice. Tons of stuff to do for divers and non divers.
|
|
|
All the people come along ARE divers. They’re just being picky of want to go to nice restaurant, and do something else at night.
We had a trip together to Key Largo two years ago, basically we finished our dive trip about 4-5 pm every day. By the time we woke up from our rest/nap, it was like 7 pm and there isn’t much to do in Key Largo, it was a bit of long drive to Miami from Key Largo. Back then we went to a couple restaurants at night, and that’s it. I don’t care much for the night activity as I would prefer to do night dive if possible. I wish I have some divers friends who’re not that picky in term of dive trip.
So, I think I should narrow it down to Key West?
Speaking of night dive, is it legal (for the boat) to let divers to dive at night without advance PADI? One of my friends did a night dive last year (I forgot where, but it’s in the US), and I told him he should get AOW since we want to do night dive, and he insist we don’t need to as long as there is a dive master. When I was in Malaysia, as soon as the divemaster found out I didn’t have AOW, he wouldn’t let me go below 18m during the day, and absolutely no night dive at all.
|
|
|
GO TO KEY WEST!!!! BUT YOU MAY NOT HAVE ENOUGH ENERGY TO DIVE
|
|
|
|
Ok, I have went to YouTube and check out footage of diving in Key West. I think it’s a good area to dive. Now, can someone suggest a good and reasonably priced dive shop? As far as dive sites, I think I will have to talk to the dive shop before I would know.
Thanks!
|
|
|
In Key West, Lost Reef Adventures is great. The dive shop is just footsteps away from the dive boat. The crew is really good and if you need an instructor, ask for John Borg. He is awesome. Very very nice and accomodating and well worth the extra cost. I was there in November 2008 and use he and them and it was well worth it. John is just an all around good guy and very good instructor.
|
|
|
All depends upon the type of diving that you want to do. Basically every port of call has wrecks. The Gulf Coast is shallower/farther out, the Atlantic Coast is deeper/closer in - plus you have the Gulf Stream pulling in the deep blue waters. The farther south you go the clearer the water. The Florida panhandle and middle Florida have some nice springs and caves to dive. Panama City has some nice wrecks fairly close to shore and great nightlife. There are several spring fed rivers in the panhandle with crystal clear water to dive for fossils/indian artifacts. Venice Beach has fantastic shark teeth and other prehistoric fossils (personally my favorite dive - contact fossilbabe and she can help arrange a nice trip). Lost of nice dives in the Keys - but the nightlife outside of Key West is low key. I would suggest Bahia Honda/Looe Key area for great shollow reef diving. Recently did a great dive out of Lighthouse Point on some great wrecks. Lot’s of info, but we are very diverse in the types of diving opportunities available in Fla.
|
|
|
You should go down further in the Keys. Looe key is the best.
|
|
|
From tweetie711us: You should go down further in the Keys. Looe key is the best.
Oh I hope you didn’t stay at Looe Reef Resort, the first time they overcharged me I assumed it was a mistake, the second time was the last. They only seem to go to one site six days a week and the crew is too busy selling chicken dogs to help you back on or watch your bubbles. When you get back to the dock the dive Nazi makes you stand in line while she makes sure you are not trying to steal her rental gear even if you didn’t rent any.
|
|