any suggestions for after Christmas trip

[Reeflover]

I live in Key Largo, Florida and the weather and water is warm here all year round. We have a large variety of reefs and several wrecks including the new Spiegel Grove.

On land the activities are too numerous to mention!! Come on down





Reeflover

 

[Red Rover]

In the spirit of Christmas, what about a trip to Christmas Island!

I couldn't think of a better way to kep the holiday spirits alive!

Red Rover

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

The winter weather here is unbelievable. You probably won't want to leave. The Keys are home to the world's third largest barrier reef... the only living coral reef in the continental U.S.A. For diving, snorkling, and fishing, you just can't beat Key Largo!

Winter is also the best time to visit nearby Everglades National Park. The waterways within the park offer some of the best canoeing and kayaking anywhere. The trail systems (paddling or hiking) are extensive and well maintained. Birdwatchers flock here from all over the world to view their feathered friends in this wonderful natural habitat.

 

[blawler1]

The Keys, Hawaii, Bahamas, Cozumel or anywhere in the Caribbean would be a warm alternative to Minnesota and great for diving during the period after Christmas; however, winter fronts can hit the Keys, Bahamas and Yucatan that time of the year and bring cool weather and high winds.

My personal favorite for that time of year is Bonaire. Not only is it the shore diving capital of the Caribbean, but because of its extreme southern location (about 12 degrees north) you get longer days than any of the other locations and 80 degree water (I only take a shorty and sometimes just wear skins) and it has never known temperatures below the mid 60's for overnight low. While this can be the rainy season, the island only gets 20 inches annually and any showers typically tend to move off rapidly thanks to the constant trade winds.

 

[Starfish]

So far The Keys and Bonaire are sounding good.

We have been to Cozumel twice in the last year, so we'd like to try something different.

We have been to Key West.

Any hotel or dive operation recommendations for Key Largo?

Catalina has appeal to. DH and I both have the 7mm suits; even in the summer it's necessary in Minnesota.
Socaldiver and recommendations on places to stay etc. so I can check it out?

Thanks bunches for the ideas everyone. --Starfish MNStarfish@att.net

 

[socaldiver]

Starfish,

I would suggest you check out www.catalina.com . You will find all kinds of information about Catalina on this site. They also offer different packages with transportation, diving and lodging.

My own personal preference is staying at the Seabreeze up on the hill. You have a nice panoramic view of Avalon. However, you are about a 5 minute walk away from the activity in the village. But of course at that time of the year there is not much going on in town anyway. They will also transport you to Casino Point.

 

[Asta1227]

Starfish once bubbled...
[
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Any hotel or dive operation recommendations for Key Largo?

QUOTE]

I prefer diving with DiversCity,USA while in the Keys. They have a nice boat and will take 10 divers on it. I think they are pretty accommodating and helpful and are willing to take "requests" as long as the conditions are decent. They offer aluminum and steel tanks and will store your gear for you overnight.

I used to stay at Rick's Place, which was across the street from DiversCity. DC has moved up to Gilbert's which is located right at the draw bridge, so it would not be very convenient to stay at Rick's. Gilbert's has a resort, but I've never stayed there.

The one down side to using DC and staying at Gilbert's is that it' not very close to the main Key Largo "attractions" like Hobo's or Mrs. Mac's. Howerver,there is a pretty good restaraunt close to Gilbert's called the Buzzard's Roost.

Hope this helps!

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

In Catalina... I've stayed at Zane Grey's Pueblo, way up on the hill above Casino Point, and loved it! They shuttled us back and forth to Avalon, where we arranged our boat diving with Catalina Divers Supply. CDS also provided us with tanks and weights for shore diving at Casino Point, which was outstanding!

In Key Largo... the Holiday Inn is nice, and centrally located. It's on Key Largo Harbor, which is home port to a variety of watersports, restaurants, and clubs. Contact BlueWater Divers (http://www.bluewaterdiver.net) to arrange accommodations and/or diving. Let me know if you need more local information.

 

[Reeflover]

As a resident of Key Largo I have to say the winter weather here is great. Origionally from Pennsylvania, I can't get over an 80 degree day in December when my relatives are dealing with sleet, rain, snow and 30 degree weather

As far as dive ops, I like diving with Bluewater Divers. You can check out their website www.bluewaterdiver.net. They are very experienced, helpful, and do their best to make sure the divers are happy and see what they came to see. I believe they can put together dive and hotel packages for you.

Wherever you go have a great time !



Reeflover

 

[chepar]

Starfish once bubbled...
Chepar
I thought that Christmas was "high season" in your neck-of-the-woods?

But since 9/11, the tourist industry has taken a beating here. Even now the number of tourists are still down. You may be able to find a good deal as far as the hotel. Of course, the airfare . . . may be a different matter.