Scuba diving in upper Fla. upper keys (where?)

[beach bum]

Hi TRT's, now I know some of you out there live in Florida and I'm looking for a little help with planning a dive trip in May. The dates are set (24th thru 28th) as is the location, which will be the upper keys of Florida. My stepfather, who is arranging this getaway, has diving experience from all over the world and can handle more advanced diving, while my experience is limited to Nor Cal coastal (re: 7mil wet suit, thick gloves & booties, full hood) so this will be a new environment for me.

To be more specific we are looking at sites between "El Infante" and "North north Dry Rocks". I have seen some photos from Pickles Reef, Molasses Reef, and French Reef. Are those worthy sites, and are there others you would recommend? We'll have at least three full days to dive so we can probably see a number of sites.

Also, can you recommend a good dive shop in the area? And I definitely want to do some night diving!! Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

TIA, Chris

[Scodz]

Upper keys is really the best part of the stretch... many people head down to Key west but the diving is more plentiful and a bit better in my opinion. If you really want some good reef descriptions post or email me after thursday because I am away from home right now and cant scan any books... But deffinetly try out the amphitheater to see some sharks possibly, christ of the abyss is crowded and not all that spectacular but if you havent seen it before it is cool... I like north north dry rocks, grecian rocks have some nice elkhorn, Molasses reef is great and similar to french a few caves and ledges to poke around in. the eagle is a fun wreck but not to old sunk in 85 I beleive.... Anyway most dive boats will take you where they wanna go anyhow, depending on what they would call conditions The reef can get some strong currents in may stay inside the fingers and low once you get on the outside of a reef it can be abit of a swim. The cheapest way to go is to leave from Pennekamp a natinal park, however this is a lousy small boat and crowded (although May isnt to bad) unless you are chartering a boat just call plenty ahead of time and let em know what you are looking to see... that way they will plan the trip on you. I will try and remeber to post the name of a good boat I cant recall right now... ANy whicxh way the people will be super nice the weather gorgeaus and the seafood unbelievable! if you eat seafood enjoy!

[GaryG]

Key Largo is the best part of the keys for scuba diving. Unless you are really on a budget forget the dive boat that leaves from the John Pennekamp state park. The boats are crowded and they will only take you to baby sites. They often mix scuba divers with snorklers which is a real bumber. Go a little further down the road to the canal that has the Holiday Inn on it. There are about 4 or 5 dive shops along the canal. I have used Ocean Divers many times and have been happy with them. They have a web site and advertise in all the dive magazines so you should be able to contact them. It's not a bad idea to make reservations ahead of time.

[beach bum]

Hey thanks Scodz and Gary,

I'm really looking forward to it, I found a site called upperkeysdivesites.com (appropriate eh?) that was a good help too. How deep are the wreck dives in the area? I think my dad mentioned they were 100 ft.+ , never been down that deep (yet!)

I don't think we'll be on a tight budget, that's one reason I love travelin' with my dad so anything's possible really, just don't want to miss any of the "must see" type dives. But of course I have always found that any dive can be a good dive if you have good company and time to explore. Heck a good day of "viz" around here is 15 FEET!

On the map at the site I mentioned it shows the town of Islamadora (I previously had no idea where that was), so maybe if Jerel (or Bomber ) ) is reading this I can get a chance to see the "tank o' the month" in person Pretty please with sugar on top?

Chris

[Spanky]

Hey Chris,

Check with > http://ladycyana.com/

They run the best dives and dive boats around.

Let me know when you're coming!

Jerel

[Fishaholic]

In the upper Keys I have dove White banks and Molasses Reef. I like molasses better but white banks was a lot more shallow. I also seen a lot of inexperienced snorklers at white banks trying to poke thier heads out of the water and kicking corals in the proccess.

I do not know if I would commit to saying that the upper keys have the best reefs. It is hard to overlook all the color diversity that is present on Looe Key reef off of Bahia Honda.

I like them all and find that some of the best things I have observed are found on the patch reefs that most people zip right over on their way to the big boys.

[Pirate]

I know that there are folks out there who will lead you to some remote little spot called Islamorada to dive (sorry Jerel ) but I have to say that for the best in the keys you need to head to Marathon. Check out the Dive Site at the Coral Reef Lagoon. I have had many experiences with the folks there and find it not only the best area in the keys to dive but they are knowledgable and great to deal with. By the way there is some great diving in the upper keys I just like to harrass Jerel when I can. I have been diving the keys since 84 and love it there. I am sooooo. envious, can I go ?

[GaryG]

If you can find a way to dive on the Duane (sunken coast guard cutter) you will have a thrill. It is deep, but if you stay on the top deck you should be safe.

Have fun.

[beach bum]

Just wanted to thank you all again for your help, the plans are set. I showed pop's the replys and he just got on the phone and booked everything!

We will fly down on the 24th of May

25th- Davis reef / then mid-level diving in the afternoon, not sure where
26th- wreck dive on the Duane / shallow night dive
27th- morning dive, not sure where yet / maybe afternoon golf?
28th- fly home!

We booked all the dives with Lady Cyana Divers in Islamorada. I already can't wait, but it's still 4 and a half months away! Pops is a different story though, in February he's going on a 9-day live-a-board boat trip! I forgot where he's going, but the pictures I saw were phenomenal.

Thanks again,
Chris