Anyone been to the Florida keys?

[Acameron2]

Got married in key west this year. Had a blast snorkeling right outside of our condo with some basic snorkeling gear and a big recommendation of the use of water shoes since I only walked out around 4-6 ft deep. We love the keys!

 

[adamizy]

So what company's/ locations do you guys recommend for snorkeling

 

[ZoaCollector]

I'm pretty sure the triple hurricane that hit around 10 yrs did a lot of the damage. It's still recovering.

 

[recess62]

I spent 4 days diving in Key Largo this past summer. I was very disappointed in the quality of the coral and the diversity of the wildlife. The currents were very bad which limited bottom time. We were diving in Pennekamp. The biggest issue for me was that the dive operators are limited to one hour at a mooring. By the time the operator got everyone in the water and down the descent line bottom time was limited to about 30 min. I would not consider Key Largo as a go to dive destination. If you are visiting for other reasons then take a day and dive. If you are searching for a dive destination go to Cozumel. It is much cheaper and the corals are amazing

 

[Rjramos]

Like any other touristy place! You go the cheapest route that everyone goes to, (pennycamp),and you get taken to the moorings that everyone goes to, where there is lots of pressure on living things. You wanna see nice, keep driving south and find a dive shop or private licensed dive charter that will take you out. You will pay more, but as we all know, you pay for what you get!

 

[betelgeuse]

Pennecamp is great if you want to take a tour boat out to the reef but honestly you'll do fine getting a set of snorkeling gear and just walking in off of one of the many beaches... Just shuffle your feet for rays

 

[recess62]

Like any other touristy place! You go the cheapest route that everyone goes to, (pennycamp),and you get taken to the moorings that everyone goes to, where there is lots of pressure on living things. You wanna see nice, keep driving south and find a dive shop or private licensed dive charter that will take you out. You will pay more, but as we all know, you pay for what you get!

I went with a highly rated dive operator that I found through PADI and tripadvisor. I would have thought they would have the knowledge to get us to a decent site. I think you are right though that the diving does get better the further you go down the Keys. However I still think that if one is going to spend the cash for a dive trip there are better places to spend your money than the Keys

 

[Rjramos]

I agree, but if you are staying in the US mainland, you can't be safer diving. Drift wall diving in Cozumel, is definitely for the advanced, but they will put you there with a basic open water certification at a cheaper price if you'd like for sure! My honest opinion, safety is of utmost important.

 

[recess62]

I agree, but if you are staying in the US mainland, you can't be safer diving. Drift wall diving in Cozumel, is definitely for the advanced, but they will put you there with a basic open water certification at a cheaper price if you'd like for sure! My honest opinion, safety is of utmost important.

I agree

 

[adamizy]

Thanks for all the info everyone! But I found a great deal and I'm gonna go to the Bahamas instead! I've been there before and it was amazing so it should be lots of fun!

 

[saltysilverado]

Have fun and take pictures!

 

[adamizy]

Have fun and take pictures!

Oh I will! Be on the lookout after December 30th haha

 

[Vero1]

For a real treat, be sure to go around Halloween and catch Fantasy Fest in all of its splender. Quite an educational experience.

 

[spspirate]

We find Sombrero Reef to be quite a trip for the money if you want to get out and snorkel. Try using Spirit Snorkel about a half mile on the right in Marathon before the Seven Mile Bridge. Very healthy reef. Also don't hesitate to stop off the side of the road any where and get in!! booties and snorkel and your good!! You'll be amazed at what you'll find off the side of the road.

 

[WindeyD]

I've done lots of diving in the Keys; Molasses Reef is one of my favorites.

 

[adamizy]

I'll prob be going with Stuart Cove's snorkeling. I've went with them before and it was amazing. First stop is a gorgeous reef. Second is a plane or shipwreck and the third and best of all is the shark feeding frenzy! They drop a bait cage like 50 feet down and the Sharks swarm (easily 50+ sharks) and everyone goes in and watches from the surface of the water. It's something everyone should try lol

 

[adamizy]

They're also the ones that are on shark week