Florida Keys in April

[Splitlip]

Hitting a coral head is usually due to inexperience or not paying attention. Doesnt sound like bad luck except for the coral.

I.E. Operator error.

 

[Reck Diver]

Hitting a coral head is usually due to inexperience or not paying attention. Doesnt sound like bad luck except for the coral.

I recall an area in Stuart, FL where I hit bottom "in the channel". It can happen. Is it certain the vessel hit a coral head?

 

[scallop]

We were just there for the week of Christmas and stayed at Ocean Point Suites. Pretty nice place, large pool, marina and small beach. All are individual owned condos so be sure to ask for one of the newer renovated rooms. They treated us right and we had a fantastic stay. Large master bedroom with own bath, couch will pull out bed in living room, full kitchen and washer/dryer and another room with two twin beds that connected to another full bathroom. Think it only cost us around $500=600 for the week.
Key Largo Hotels & Resorts | Ocean Pointe Suites | Tavernier & Florida Keys Oceanfront Resorts

 

[deeper thoughts]

I recall an area in Stewart, FL where I hit bottom "in the channel". It can happen. Is it certain the vessel hit a coral head?

I dont know, I only commented on what was said on this thread

 

[jimw]

I recall an area in Stewart, FL where I hit bottom "in the channel". It can happen. Is it certain the vessel hit a coral head?

The water in the inlet shoals badly and an emergency dredging will start soon, but most inshore waters here are very shallow too. We are out regularly on the Indian River Lagoon which takes us to the St Lucie Inlet near Stuart, FL--the water averages 3 ft deep and the channel is usually deeper only because it is dredged. If you were out on the wide St Lucie River near downtown Stuart, it looks like big water but only horizontally!! lol Sorta like they describe the Rio Grand in Texas...........

I, too; would like to know just what Sea Dwellers hit?

 

[reefman]

the sea dwellers vessle apparently hit a coral head(the masters opinion)(on a AM trip to the spiegel) along with a rainbow reef boat providing assistance after the incident a week ago friday. ironically both boats were pulled out at the key largo harbor marina and are being repaired only meters from the dry docked, "get wet". i heard between 2-4 weeks for the sea dwellers vessle to be operational. nothing moves quickly over the holidays(monroe county students return to class this coming tues),,,,,,,,,,,,,


reefman
key largo

 

[moneysavr]

QUOTE=PotatoC;6167461]I want to take my bride down to the Florida Keys in April... I have never planned my own dive trip and do not know about finding good dive charters and places to stay. We are both certified and experienced, I am just not sure how to go about booking all this logistics type of stuff. Does anyone have any direction or suggestions they can give me? Thank you so much.... TJ[/QUOTE]

One thing,Key Largo is a good base camp to start no need to pre book as season winds or winding down, get a list of shop owners and boat no#s try booking day before with a call back,lots shops boats dont run unless a min is met and then a trip to what? first call some times gets the trip location if it can be done,Beware some opps trade you off to a another boat! SO ASK! Some trips may be lame training trips or a reef/ reef ASK!!
My choice would get to town if flying you will need rental gear and this takes time and limits you to shop with boat's
If you drive down make a stop off at Boynton Beach for some sweet reefs ,then finish the drive to Keys.
Day 1 Tour the park, and you can do a dive trip out of park but large groups,,,
http://www.pennekamppark.com/

Day 2 Do a charter wreck & reef 6 Pac my choice and lots of choices do your home work!
http://www.fla-keys.com/keylargo/
Day 3- road trip! Do a dive with, CR Great shop & Boat's
http://www.conchrepublicdivers.com/

after words grab a WORLD FAMOUS FISH SANDWICH AT CRAIG'S! This is a must do after diving!
http://craigsrestaurant.com/

Now hit Robbie's to nock down a few cold ones and feed the Tarpon!
http://www.robbies.com/tarpon.htm

After that man you make the call one day drive down to Key Nuts=ooops I mean West,
Remember always turn right! TURN RIGHT =even if you need to go left you will get it!
Drive fast take chances!
You will fit right in [Have fun!

 

[RonFrank]

I always recommend Conch Republic at MM 90. They have a very nice Newton (46') and a smaller boat as well. I have been on both and they are comfortable with water and snacks provided. This is my favorite dive shop in the upper Keys. Say Hi to Gary and Brenda!
Conch Republic Divers

Rainbow Divers is another favorite at MM 100. They provide guides at no charge which is a nice service especially for new divers or new to the area.
Dive Key Largo, Florida Keys with Rainbow Reef Dive Center;scuba diving:diving, Florida keys, florida diving

Key Largo divers is where one may run into Netdoc. They act like a six pack but the boat is comfortable with room to enjoy the trip out and back. Call or stop by and check them out.
Key Largo Dive Center | Reefs to dive for!

Here is one of my favorite places to eat in Key Largo.
The Fish House Restaurant and Fish House Encore in Key Largo, Florida Keys

Good Luck and have Fun!

 

[Yogi6407]

All that I can suggest is to call ahead and make sure that you ask whomever you dive with if they will have any big groups coming in at the same time that you will be there. I had a problem with Amoray the last time that I was down due to a large group that took up all of the resources. Not trying to down them but just give you something to consider.
Key Largo is a good "Base Camp". I also agree with Ron, The Fish House Restaurant is good!