#83
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The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to go on vacation and dive, or if you want to go on a dive vacation. If it’s the former, you’ll get in a couple of dives and be happy in either place. I have to say I enjoyed the diving in Tavernier (with Conch Republic Divers...they are just awesome) better than that in Key West, but this was before they sank the Vandenberg. I want to dive that ship bad! If you’re staying in Key West and only want to dive a couple of times, it might be worth the trip up to Key Largo or Tavernier. Horizon Divers in Key Largo is also a quality op, ask for Captain Bob, he’s a riot.
If you cruise to Cozumel, you’ll only get a chance for one dive trip (two tanks) and you’ll pay quite a premium to book through the ship. You can save a lot of money booking in advance directly with the op, but you risk the cruise ship leaving you behind if you’re late. Personally, I think cruising to Cozumel is the worst way to see the island. It’s got the friendliest people, wonderful restaurants and a really cool vibe. You’ll miss most of it if you’re only there for a few hours. If you do cruise there don’t let them scare you into staying on the main drag. You’ll get tourist quality everything. Go back a block or two, you’ll meet locals, you’ll pay half as much for everything, and it’s safe.
Now, if you want to go on a dive vacations, stay in Key Largo, dive every day, discover new things every dive. Many of the sites are shallow, perfect for newbies, and will allow you over an hour underwater on each dive. Take a drive down to Key West for the party scene and the sunset at Mallory Square, but stay where the primo diving is.
Cozumel is my favorite place on this earth. You need to be careful though, if you do your first dives there, very few other sites will live up! The first time I saw the coral heads stretching from 200 feet to within 30 feet of the surface, I was hooked. The beauty literally took my breath away. Contact Christi at Blue XT~Sea or Micheala at Liquid blue. Both wonderful ops.
In either location, if these are going to be your first post OW cert dives, I would recommend hiring a private DM for at least the first boat ride.
Below are videos of my first two trips to Coz. Yes, I’m blatantly trying to influence your decision.
2006: http://www.vimeo.com/989454
2005: http://www.vimeo.com/989363
topside: http://www.youtube.com/user/thebes11?feature=mhum#p/u/5/RaS9Q4YAuKA
Good luck with your choice, and remember, the best part, with these two options you can’t make a bad decision!
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