divetraveler:
Hi Everybody,
Just wanted to know how difficult the dive sites are to navigate? Have only done about three dives without a guide . . .and my buddy is new to diving. Thanks in advance. Happy/Safe dives to all.
Judging from the number of divers who surface far from and surface swim back to their boats on a daily basis, one would think so! But navigating in Key Largo is actually quite simple.
Your best bet is to orient yourselves at the base of your boat's mooring (or anchor) line at the beginning of your dive. Note any distinctive features that you'll be able to recognize upon returning there. Then pick a natural feature, such as a coral ledge or sand channel, and follow it out a short distance (100' or so) and back to your starting point. Then choose another feature and make another "out-and-back"... and so on.
A couple of things to keep in mind: first, you don't have to travel far (100' is plenty) to see a lot; and second, the slower you go, the more you'll see.
Stop along the way and check things out. Observe everything you come across. If you find a particularly pretty spot... hang there for a while, and see what shows up. Practice bouyancy control by hovering motionless. Point things out to each other, using a slate or waterproof notebook to communicate. Make a game of periodically asking each other "where's the boat".
Share navigational responsibilities, so that you both develop a sense of situational awareness, and self-reliance. Enjoy!