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#1647
Key Largo or Islamorada?
tjdiving - 7/09/2008 1:29 PM
Category: Travel
Replies: 6



I’m planning a dive trip to the Keys in August of this year and just wondered if anyone preferred Key Largo or Islamorada for diving? I have received pretty good rates from dive resorts down there for both spots, I just didn’t know which would be the best. We went diving in Looe Key last year, so I was trying to mix it up a bit and try another key.


We’re going to spend a couple of nights in either key and then head down to Key West for a couple of nights and some diving there. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
#3936
seawolfdiving - 7/09/2008 1:54 PM


I lived in Islamorada for quite a while and worked in Key Largo. Both areas have good dive operators. If you are staying at a resort, and if that resort offers dive services, then it is often more convenient to use their services.


I personnally like to Dive from Key Largo because there are a wider variety of services and operators available. But I think that as far as quality of service and access to good dive sites, they are about the same.


Personally I used Amoray, Divers City or Slates Atlantis when I went out of Key Largo. 


If the weather fails to cooperate or if you just want to get in and do a "tune up" before heading out to the reef, Key Largo also has a place called Key Largo Undersea Park (Home of Jules Undersea Lodge) which is located on Shoreland Drive. It’s a sheltered lagoon that is set up for diving including a dive shop, equipment rental, air, etc...


Where ever you go, it’s bound to be fun...


 
#1647
Subscribed
tjdiving - 7/09/2008 2:04 PM
Thanks for the info. I received a quote from Amoray and they’re more than reasonable. I was leaning towards them. I’ve been to Islamorada numerous times, but just as a 1 night break from the drive and to visit the Tiki Hut at Holiday Isle, of course. :-)
#113
GADiver - 7/09/2008 9:16 PM


I personally like Largo, however, I agree that you’ll find good operators at both sites. Choose an op based on how they cater to divers: ie. do you mind larger boats (if not, Rainbow Reef is good, or Ocean Divers); if you prefer six-packs where you have a better chance of choosing the sites, look into Silent World, or Quiescence. Both are great. Quiescence has 3 six-pack boats and are very good about diving based on your experience/comfort level. SilentWorld’s boats accommodate up to 14.
#3235
swatcopdiver - 7/09/2008 10:05 PM
I would have to choose, Key Largo. I have dove with both Silent World and Rainbow Reef out of Key Largo and I was very happy with the service and dive sites.
#2344
malibu - 7/09/2008 10:43 PM
I love diving Key Largo. I went with "Its a Dive" for most of my diving but I also went with Amy Slates as well as her ex’s boat Capt. Slate. They are are pro’s at their job!What is great about It’s a Dive is that they are in charge of all the water sports and activities at the Key Largo Marriott.( I think around mile marker 110?) Almost every place is good and everyone has their favorite. I found that by calling the places from home and talking to them is the best way to choose. Tell them what you want to do and most will do what they can to help you achieve your diving goals and dreams. The more professional on the phone, the more professional the trips are as well as the dive shops