Key Largo trip

[smithfielddiver]

I will be going to Key Largo on Jan 18th. We will be staying at the Holiday Inn. I need some inside info on dive operators in this area. We basically have 2 divers and 2 snorkelers. We are looking at diving on the morinings of 19th, 20th and 21st. I am not sure how much snorkleing the non divers are planning on doing but the two divers (one male and one female) are sure going for all we can get. The signifigant others are the snorkelers so we have to look out for them and please them all at the same time. Any help from the locals and anyone else who has experienced the same will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

[BKP]

Our last trip was with Rainbow Reef, and we were pleased (www.rainbowreef.us (http://www.rainbowreef.us)). The Tropical Voyager, that we were on, is a larger boat (we had a large group), however, I understand they also have a smaller one.

The Keys are usually a bit choppy in the open ocean unless you nail it on a good day... might be less then perfect for the snorkelers.

There's a Dive Op on SB, "Blue Water Divers," I believe. You might want to PM Brent. (Check this thread for much more input = http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=157752 )

[reefman]

bluewater divers is located in the canal behind your hotel room. in my opinion, don't look any further. highly respected dive(snorkel) operator on SCUBA BOARD as well as here in the upper keys,,,,,,,,,,,

reefman
key largo

[Divingguy]

Another vote for Brent and Blue Water. He is literally right next door to the Hotel, and will take good care of you. His boat is a "ten pack". That time of year the snorkelers definitely need a Plan B. they are likely to get tossed around. Have a great trip.
Tom

[JillGadget]

Blue Water, Horizon Divers, Rainbow Reefe (can't remember the other shop name) are all in the same harbor. I believe they are all associated with the Holiday iINN as well as the Ramada Inn (just next to Holiday INN) If you book with the dive shop ahead of time they can get you a discount with the hotel. We are diving Jan 12-18th (with Horizon) Our room at the Ramada is normally 150./night but with Horizon booking it, it is only $79/night. We dove with Horizon in Nov and found them awesome! Whoever you go with, have them book for the savings... more savings ... the more dives you can take:popcorn:

[PARADISE HUNTER]

Dove with Blue Water earlier this year and I stayed at the Holiday Inn as well. Big props for Blue Water. Nice guys, small boat, real laid back atmosphere. I will dive with them again for sure. They don't have a big shop but don't let that fool you. Will take you where ever the group wants to go.

Horizon is a bigger (not necessarily better) operation. Pros: more organized dive schedule that hits all the highlight dives, Big boat that goes out in virtually all conditions. Cons: Big boat means you can have alot of people (cattle boat), less personal. Both are located on the marina on the same side as Holiday Inn.

[Cheekymonkey]

I stayed at the Holiday Inn as well and went to pennekamp right up the street and used their dive boat, worked out as a nice economic vacation.

[MsParamedic]

I would suggest looking at everyones suggestions, and then look at websites and make phone calls. Find a shop that meets your needs and personality and go with it!

Hope you have a great time in the Keys!

Pat