Dive Key West around Halloween [Archive]

TexasMike

July 4th, 2001, 12:13 AM

Anyone up for planning some dives on/around Key West during the Halloween Weekend? I hear their Halloween fest is one of the next best things to Mardi Gras and I'd love to dive the area.

Perhaps if there is enought interest, we can talk Natasha in to assisting us with bookings.

seaangel

July 4th, 2001, 10:20 AM

Texas Mike, I am originally from Key West and yes Fantasy Fest, which they may now call Halloween Fest is somewhat Mardi Gras style, should be fun. The water should still be great, however when I was growing up the locals had little to do with the water after September. How silly we were. We actually thought it was cold sometimes. I may be down there myself this October, I am helping my Dad to get things organized at their house. My mother has Alzhimers and is in an assisted living home near my home in Augusta, GA. I am going to be making several trips to Key West up coming and hope to get some dives in during these trips. Hope you enjoy the Keys. They can be beautiful.:)

rtapia

April 18th, 2002, 10:47 PM

I am interested, more info? $$, etc.
Let me know:jester:

Spectre

April 18th, 2002, 11:32 PM

I could potentially be interested. I'd like more information if the trip goes forward...

-Jeff

Scubarescuepd

May 16th, 2002, 12:21 PM

just got back from pompano beach florida.. would love to head out to the keys.... keep me informed :)

juls

May 16th, 2002, 03:10 PM

I would be interested in this trip.

Julia

tchil01

May 16th, 2002, 05:46 PM

Mike

I love Key West and would love to head down with you guys. The Only thing that would hold me back is my son might be doing his OW around then. He turns 12 in October and is itching to get certified.

Anyway, keep me in mind.

Ty

shellbird

June 6th, 2002, 09:31 AM

the Keys are where I had my first snorkelling experience that brought me into diving in the first place and I haven't been back! I am in, send info please! Mangrove Mama's - here I come!

SCUBAKristey

July 3rd, 2002, 02:51 AM

I'd have a couple people interested in doing this! Is it too late or ??? Send me some info!!!!!!!!

scubagatorgal

July 3rd, 2002, 09:39 AM

If you all want to do this trip you need to decide what kind of trip you want.

Key West itself will be crowded and lodging will be more expensive due to the Festival. The diving is not as good in the Key West area as it is in the Middle and Upper Keys. Staying in the Key West area will eliminate traveling A1A and diving is available.

If diving is more important that the Festival I would stay in the Marathon area and you can either dive there or go north for some of your dive trips. You can also go South to Key West for some of the night events...warning: traffic will not be fun and patience will be needed.

High season does not start until November and you may still find some deals if you start looking now. Weekly condo rentals can save a lot of money if you do some cooking and have enough people to split the costs. These are fairly easy to locate through the web along with all the resorts. Lodging starts at about $40.00 a night in a standard no frills motel.

Many dive shops help you with your accomidations and travel plans. If you can all agree on where you want to stay and where you want to dive you can start looking for a dive op for your stay. They can advise you on the best lodging in their area.

One of you needs to volunteer to research some of this stuff for the group and everyone reimburse the phone expense.

Hope that helps...

Cathy

Here is the website for Fantasyfest: Fantasyfest (http://www.fantasyfest.net)

juls

July 3rd, 2002, 10:23 AM

I can do some research, and I won't need to be reimbursed for phone usage..:) I guess we would just have to decide how many of us going, for how long we want to stay, what events we want to attend (check the website that Cathy provided) etc etc etc. Send me a PM if you are interested.

Julia

scubagatorgal

July 3rd, 2002, 11:37 AM

I will pick up some discount magazines from the interstate area today and see who's chopped rates in the Keys...

will let you know...

aquasport

July 3rd, 2002, 02:52 PM

I was certified in the keys i would love to go if you can arrange a trip. The diving is better in islamorada. I was in marathon in october and its extremly windy that time of year 2 out of3dives got canceled. Email me i know alot about the keys. marathon and loone key is nicier than key west. JCJCCCAC@AOL.COM

TexasMike

July 3rd, 2002, 03:51 PM

Whooo boy....

Talk about resurecting an old thread.....

Take a look at the original date....>>2001!!<<

I'm still sorta interested in going...but can't take the reigns for organizing a trip.

So if someone wants to step up to the plate and do the planning, I might be willing to join in the festivities....

juls

July 3rd, 2002, 05:08 PM

As I mentioned before, I am willing to do the research and planning. Butttt... since I've never planned any group trips before, you all better start pointing me in the right direction..:)

scubagatorgal

July 3rd, 2002, 10:15 PM

To book a room in Key West during Fantasyfest it is a good idea to start a year in advance...Middle Keys are the best you will do at this time. Diving is better so don't get bummed yet...

Lodging ranges from the cheapest of roadside motels at $40.00 to renting your own private island for tens of thousands. Moderately and diver friendly is Holiday Inn in Marathon with a Marina and Abyss Dive Center on property. They run fast 6 packs and get good reviews. Diving will be @ 68-70.00 2 tanks. Rooms will be 70.00 to 80.00 booked through the dive shop.

If any of your group are willing to brave hanging out together in a villa or condo you can sleep 6 and get a kitchen for cooking for 85.00 and up.

Based on double occupancy and 2 boat trips and 2 tanks it will cost @ 980.00 per person not including air, transportation to the Keys, food, tips, souveniers etc...

If you rent the island it will cost $12,789.00 for the week + diving.

SCUBAKristey

July 4th, 2002, 02:43 AM

SO I have this gross inability to read the YEARS on this thing. DARN! WOuld love to go sometime though,as Halloween on Key West just seems like SO much fun!

Kristey:eek:

scubagatorgal

July 4th, 2002, 10:06 AM

Even if it a year old it is very timely for 2002. There are rooms available in Marathon or Islamarada and some people have expressed interest. The parade and another night will probably be enough for you of Key West unless you love touristy locales.

Anyone who is thinking of this trip needs to check airfare next.

juls

July 5th, 2002, 03:40 PM

about the whole week, but rather a long weekend (say, arriving Thursday night or Friday morning, and leaving on Monday). I definitely cannot do the whole week. Kristey and others, let me know what do you think.

Julia

SCUBAKristey

July 5th, 2002, 07:01 PM

Friday am through Monday would be perfect! (And MUCH MUCH easier for me to arrange!) Airfare airschmare....I NEED A ROOM! (One of the "lucky" ones to be employed by an airline.) I'll need to drive from Miami, but that can be handled easily, as from what I remeber...WHAT A DRIVE! :) (Hey, I usually see nothing but city or dried out desert when I drive somewhere.)

Kristey

KZMAN

July 5th, 2002, 09:57 PM

Just returned from 26 days in Ft. Lauderdale and surroundings, I intended to make the Keys, but never made it, was having too much fun where I was. It would'nt take much too twist my arm to return!

Someone needs to take hold of the reins, conclude on the best site for the best deal. Accepted by all that are seriously interested! I can if neccessary.

KZMAN

July 5th, 2002, 10:18 PM

Everybody can also travel at there leisure, book their own arraingements, and some of us can meet at a predetermined spot to dive?

Just another thought?:)

SCUBAKristey

July 5th, 2002, 10:24 PM

Assuming we're all going to do the long weekend thing...

Since Halloween is on Thursday, do you want to go the weekend before or after? Also, what type of accommodations do you want? (I'm all for renting a condo and cooking while there! Much easier on the pocketbook!) And...how many people can we scrounge up for this? I can plan on my sister and I going, maybe my hubby if he's certified by then.

Any advice from those experienced in this part of the world???? (I haven't been back there since I lived in Key West as a small child!)

Kristey

SCUBAKristey

July 5th, 2002, 10:28 PM

I'm all for you taking the reigns on this! (As a former travel agent by trade, I am wanting to take a break from the travel arrangement maker- as I still do it for my entire family!:D )

I'm easy going and can deal with just about anything you come up with!

Kristey

PS...I will also check out a couple of websites and see if I can get an airline employee deal on a condo or something if enough of us go!:idea:

KZMAN

July 5th, 2002, 11:00 PM

Originally posted by SCUBAKristey
I'm all for you taking the reigns on this! (As a former travel agent by trade, I am wanting to take a break from the travel arrangement maker- as I still do it for my entire family!:D )

I'm easy going and can deal with just about anything you come up with!

Kristey

PS...I will also check out a couple of websites and see if I can get an airline employee deal on a condo or something if enough of us go!:idea:

Kristey,
Glad to do it if every one else agrees, the only conflict is, I have a couple of trips untill then; (liveaboard, Bahama's, then Coz), But I'm sure that between the two of us and a little research, we could come up with some thing! My first concern is our base? Which Key? My experience is Largo or Marathon, best for diving, and we have a brand new wreck there, that is already famous.
But there also seems to be a climate for the festival?

Some more IMPUTE, Everybody!!!:)

KZMAN

July 5th, 2002, 11:09 PM

Originally posted by SCUBAKristey
Assuming we're all going to do the long weekend thing...

Since Halloween is on Thursday, do you want to go the weekend before or after? Also, what type of accommodations do you want? (I'm all for renting a condo and cooking while there! Much easier on the pocketbook!) And...how many people can we scrounge up for this? I can plan on my sister and I going, maybe my hubby if he's certified by then.

Any advice from those experienced in this part of the world???? (I haven't been back there since I lived in Key West as a small child!)

Kristey

Kristey,
I like the Condo idea, Most depends how many are interested in this type of deal. How many to accommodate.etc.....Once knowing this we can find a pkg. deal.

juls

July 7th, 2002, 08:10 AM

Kristey,

The Fantasyfest is from Oct 10 - 27th, so I guess we would have to be there before the actual Halloween in order to catch the festivities.
I am also OK with staying in condo.
I've been diving only Key Largo (stayed at Ramada Inn last year), so I can't say anything about other islands. But driving to Key West would probably be a problem during the fest.

aquasport

July 7th, 2002, 10:42 AM

I would like to go. I have dove the middle keys, its great. Much better than ket west . There are good dive ops there ,loone key, lady cyana in islamorada. The air from bwi is about 200 the best airfare i found is southwest flying to fll than drive to the keys. The hotels will be about 80 a night

scubagatorgal

July 7th, 2002, 12:09 PM

If you guys want to change your date to August I will join you all for bug hunting and bring my 28 foot pontoon boat down! Can't do October (too cold) and hate touristy Key West. If you are dead set on October and Fantasyfest here is what I recommend for you guys.

The best way to save money and have diving freedom is to rent a house and split the costs. A house that week with 3 bedrooms that sleeps 14 on the water will cost around $2000.00. Local ordinances say that only 2 adults per bedroom and unlimited kids. (Don't know if they actually do head counts or not)

Secondly, a group of your size can rent a boat for all or part of the week and hire a local dive guide/dive master. If you can entice a local diver to join you and all of you are experienced you can possibly avoid the need for a paid local. HUGE savings but would caution that releases for all concerned be signed. Would also suggest that before you get "married" to the group for a week on your own rented boat everyone is agreed on what level diving and local dive sites to be visited.

If that interests you all here is a website of a lady that owns a typical house that is available for Oct. 20 - 27. It will cheaper pp to rent it for a week and not use all the days than to rent a motel room for 4 days. Not to mention what you will save cooking instead of eating out every day.

Here is the info on the house...Marathon house for rent (http://www.goin2travel.com/lukes.htm) There are many properties similar to this throughout the Keys...

scubagatorgal

July 7th, 2002, 12:28 PM

19 miles from Key West and only $1000.00 for the entire Fantasy Fest! 11 days accomidations for six adds up to pennies. Sleeps six and is in a resort community with Marina, pool etc.. Privately owned and according to the website still available. A small charge from the resort to use facilities. Read the website...

It is a mob/cottage but looks pretty nice and for the extra days and 20 minutes from the festival it is a steal! You guys better send me a postcard...

Here is the link and contact info...Cheap dive digs (http://www.a1vacations.com/thegoldenhibiscus/1/)

aquasport

July 7th, 2002, 02:55 PM

If we are lookin at diving the summer would be better. If you all vacation / dive then halloween is better. If you are serious about this trip i would love to go.

scubagatorgal

July 7th, 2002, 04:58 PM

August = sunny days and open season resulting in lobster for dinner every night.

October = cold weather and funny looking people in crowded Key West.

aquasport

July 7th, 2002, 05:18 PM

Sgator summer is much better, lets see if anyone is interested

SCUBAKristey

July 8th, 2002, 05:34 AM

How about early fall? Cannot do August as I already have a week long trip to Akumal, Mexico planned and paid for. (Funny enough, the only refundable part is the airline tickets! LOL. Little perks of working for your travel!) But, I wouldn't give that up for a trip that's so easy for me to make.

If we can do mid to late Sept, that would be fine with me too. Otherwise, if there's enough interest in two trips, October for Fantasy Fest would be best for my sister and I. (And I'd LOVE to meet everyone in FLL or MIA and drive over! Save on rental car costs!)

Kristey

juls

July 8th, 2002, 09:11 AM

October for FantasyFest works best for me.
Cold in October? I dove in Key Largo last Novermber - the water was balmy 75 degrees, and air temps were around 90's. But then, I am from NY...:)

SCUBAKristey

July 9th, 2002, 03:19 AM

October also works best, then I can adctually AFFORD to go! (Try desperately not to use my lone credit card...trying to be a good girl!)
The water was 75??? Sounds wonderful! (Coming from someone who keeps buying blocks of ice to throw in her kiddie pool to cool it off!) And 95? Bit muggy I'm sure, but I'll take it!

WHo else is in for October????

aquasport

July 10th, 2002, 07:49 AM

How about mid sept . October will be very booked in the lower keys.

scubagatorgal

July 10th, 2002, 09:56 AM

To date it looks like it's Aquasport, Scuba Kristey and Juls. I found you a place for $1000.00 for 11 days 20 miles from Key West. Thats 333.00 each and if you get 3 more divers it will be $166.00 each. That is a little over 16.00 a day! You will never find it cheaper or closer to Key West. See my post that has cheap dive digs hyperlinked. Each of you should give the lady your credit card numbers individually for 1/3 and if you don't make it you need to sell your 1/3 to someone else. Each of you find a dive buddy or bubble watching friend to go with you and you are set.

MSilvia

July 10th, 2002, 10:44 AM

I'd love to hit the keys for a long weekend during Fantasy Fest, but any more than 4 days is pretty much out of the question.

I started diving this year when the water was 42 degrees, so I'm pretty sure that what you Floridians are calling cold water is warmer than I'm used to seeing in August. If I don't have to wear 7mil, that's bathwater.

Again, if the weekend before Halloween works out, I'm in, but if it's going to be a 7 to 11 day trip, it ain't going to happen, bargain or not.

Sharing a condo rental is fine with me.

juls

July 10th, 2002, 11:36 AM

Same with me. I will do only long weekend, so the condo bargains for 7-10 days or more are useless for me.

"How about mid sept . October will be very booked in the lower keys" - the FantasyFest was the actual purpose of this trip, besides diving, wasn't it?

MSilvia

July 10th, 2002, 12:30 PM

You got it Juls... if this trip has changed from "Let's go to fantasy fest and get some diving in" to "Let's go dive in Florida when it's easy to book a room", I'm not interested. If I just want to dive in Florida, I'll stay with relatives and save my money for equipment upgrades.

SCUBAKristey

July 10th, 2002, 03:13 PM

More than four or five days puts me out of the trip too. Would y'all want to stay in Key West, or stay in the middle Keys and drive down to Key West, or would you rather stay in Key west and drive to the better diving? Let me know and I'll start looking for a condo for us all!

Kristey

MSilvia

July 10th, 2002, 03:18 PM

I'm not so particular about where we stay, but if it's going to be booked and expensive in Key West, and the diving is better in the middle keys, maybe it makes sense to get a place between and within driving range of both Key West and the good dive spots.

TexasMike

July 10th, 2002, 03:25 PM

and say that if'n we want to do the long weekend thing in Sept or Oct (Fantasy Fest not withstanding) I'd might be in on things too. Especially if we can get a group large enough to get our own boat.

Plus, let's not forget that the Speigel Grove is in that general region. So we could plan at least one day's diving there.

Spectre

July 10th, 2002, 03:35 PM

Long weekend + Fantasy Fest + Possibly Spiegel? I'm in!

aquasport

July 10th, 2002, 05:47 PM

Thats to long for me. I can do a long weekend. september would be good but i can do october

scubagatorgal

July 10th, 2002, 07:44 PM

and am not even going on this trip with you guys but logically here is the situation.

Most rooms are sold out in Key West and the rates are outrageous. For example, they do have some space at the Key West Quality Inn with these rates on standard room with two double beds.
Oct 22 is 79.99
Oct 23 is 89.99
Oct 24 is 139.99
Oct 25 is 289.99
Oct 26 is 289.99

Which computes to the last 4 nights for a total of 809.96 / 4 = $202.49 each. This unit does not have a kitchen and so you will be eating out every meal costing more $$$$.

Now the mob/cottage sleeps six for 11 days and covers two weekends for $1000.00 and has a kitchen. If you only used 4 days for 6 people and LEFT IT EMPTY for the other SEVEN days it would cost each of you $166.66 and you would have a kitchen and outside BBQ facilities. Not to mention the marina etc...

Now if you found 6 other people to use your unused 7 days you could split the cost and it would only cost you each 83.33 each.

I had recently researched rooms for lobster season and that is why I knew about some of these places and rooms. Just trying to help you guys and it is entirely up to you how you plan and spend your vacation.

The link to the lady who owns the place with her email and telephone is on page two at the bottom of the thread. The hyperlink says cheap dive digs.

Hope that helps....

juls

July 10th, 2002, 11:04 PM

I think that it makes sense to stay in Marathon or Islamorada. They have nice dive ops, and yes, I would LOVE to dive Spiegel Grove (and - Duane - anyone?..). It would be probably better than to stay in Key West. And we can always car-pool and drive to attend a party or two there (costumes, costumes - everyone!)
Kristey, I did some research also, mostly on dive ops and the hotel/dive packages. I am sure we'll be able to find something!

SCUBAKristey

July 11th, 2002, 02:05 AM

Well, there is definitely enough interest to do the cheap dive digs that Scubagatorgal has mentioned! Frankly, I wouldn't have a problem letting the place go empty a few nights. Cudjoe Key is pretty centrally located in the Keys, allowing for (it looks like) an OK drive time to anywhere we'd want to go.

Juls...what have you found out??? This place would allow us to sleep UP TO 6 people, and it looks like we may have 8 or 9.

Thanks!

Kristey

scubagatorgal

July 11th, 2002, 09:28 AM

juls is right about the diving being much better middle and upper keys and rooms will not be as much of a problem up there. In the Keys a mile is like two because of traffic and that weekend will be very congested.

Personally I think you would be much happier diving the best spots and suffering through a lengthy drive to Key West on one night. This is something you each have to decide...I was under the impression that the Fantasy Fest was the most important part of your plans rather than diving.

It's time for a vote! I vote for better diving...of course, my vote doesn't count since I am not going and ony kibbitzing...

shellbird

July 11th, 2002, 12:44 PM

Originally posted by MSilvia
I'm not so particular about where we stay, but if it's going to be booked and expensive in Key West, and the diving is better in the middle keys, maybe it makes sense to get a place between and within driving range of both Key West and the good dive spots.

I think getting the best of both would be ideal! How about us New Englander's start a thread on making the treck to FLA together. I'ld love to share a cocktail with you at the airport!

As for accommodations, I may have a place to crash in Little Torch but haven't made contact yet.

I would also be interested in sharing cost into a condo or cottage just for the chance to meet some of you!!

Either way, we should have a central point to meet up even if we all end up doing our own thing. A SCUBABoard rondezvous!

MSilvia

July 11th, 2002, 12:57 PM

I'll split a room or condo, crash in Little Torch, or whatever. If there's a kitchen, great. If not, I can get by just fine on sandwiches and dinner out. I'm really not that picky, so long as I get to dive and spend a couple nights at Fantasy Fest.

Shellbird, drinks at the airport sounds great!

aquasport

July 11th, 2002, 08:57 PM

I've dove marathon and islamorada its really cool. I really think we can do much better in this area. There are lots of places to stay in marathon i think i can get a place for 50 a night, i will call. If we can meet in fll we can rent a car i can drive us there. I know some good bars on the way.

aquasport

July 11th, 2002, 09:01 PM

Scubagator thanks for your help.

scubagatorgal

July 11th, 2002, 11:01 PM

I went to a dive club meeting tonite and met some folks going to the Keys to dive and they are renting a house from a friend of theirs for the next two weeks. I will call them tomorrow and ask them the location of the house and what they charge and pass that on to you guys to consider.

The antique Key West thread resurrected has grown legs...

SCUBAKristey

July 12th, 2002, 12:24 AM

I'm easy going...would prefer a place with a kitchen but hey, McDonald's is cheap too! Fantasy Fest is something that'd be a lot of fun to hit for a couple nights, but if it only ends up being one night...oh well. (Like I said, I like to take it easy!) In any case, I'd really like to see some nice dive sites.

Scubagatorgal- Thanks for all your help with this! We all really appreciate it.

Take care and happy diving!

Kristey

PS...not-so-dumb dumb question about the Spiegel Grove...Do you have to be AOW or wreck certified to do that dive? Remember- I'm VERY new to SCUBA (doing my first non-class dive Saturday a.m. at the lake!!! YAY!) and probably won't have time to do this before we go on this trip. Thanks!

KZMAN

July 12th, 2002, 01:54 AM

Although, I put in my 2cents a few pages back, I'm still interested, and very flexible. This thread sure has grown legs, and ideas, all of which are interesting. Maybe a vote, for all those sincerly interested, would be in order. Tme , Location/Accomodations etc. I think this was started, in reference to the festival, although I personally would enjoy that for the nights festivities, I would be more geared to the best dive spots; Speigal Grove etc....So far I like the shared accomodations idea, to get to know some of you, and to help deffer the overall costs. (as this would be just another unplanned trip for me this year). Even those whom could not make an extended stay, this seems the most economical.:confused:
Well to all those that want to go, I would sure like to meet you, and I'll need a buddy, as I'll come alone. Keep the interest and posts coming, and maybe, just maybe, we can put this together.
:out:

scubagatorgal

July 12th, 2002, 08:57 AM

Originally posted by SCUBAKristey

PS...not-so-dumb dumb question about the Spiegel Grove...Do you have to be AOW or wreck certified to do that dive? Remember- I'm VERY new to SCUBA (doing my first non-class dive Saturday a.m. at the lake!!! YAY!) and probably won't have time to do this before we go on this trip. Thanks!

ScubaKristey,

I have not been to the Spiegel Grove yet as it is very crowded (dive boats waiting in line for mooring buoys). Hopefully it will thin out by September and I will be able to answer your question first hand.

Many people have said that the dive should be an advanced dive due to currents (ship is cross current and at times can be a bit tricky). Most of the ship can be explored at 50 to 80 feet. The lower decks have been sealed for safety and the upper three have had access holes cut for penetration as well an the original doorways. I don't know if any ops are requiring advance certification. I DO suggest that you get your advanced as soon as you can as the skills you learn will enhance your diving experiences and pleasure.

If you haven't been certified for wreck or overhead diving you should not penetrate the ship. If you get in plenty of dives before October you probably will be fine to do this dive. When you get witn an op down in the Keys schedule the Grove last and they will be able to tell you whether or not you are up to it.

seabass

July 13th, 2002, 02:00 AM

I looked on travelocity and it looked like there was a lot of availability in key west. I am not sure where exactly in key west you are looking to stay, but one example is the radisson (it may be the cheapest):

Nights Rate per Night (Before Taxes) Total Price

Nights Rate Total
1-3 99.95 299.85

4-5 109.95 219.90

Taxes and Fees 72.25

Total 592

scubagatorgal

July 13th, 2002, 09:47 AM

Seabass,

When I originally called the discount service (not travelocity) they quoted me a higher rate for the Radisson and so I just called the Radisson direct and they quoted me 219.00 for the 22nd and 23rd and 299.00 for the 24th, 25th and 26th.

I asked her why the rate was wrong on Travelocity and she said the rooms were discounted on the net. Apparently they WILL honor the Travelocity discounted rate. That is savings of over $600.00...great find Seabass!

Here is my suggestion for the perfect dive/fantasy combo: Check with Paradise Charters for their availability on your dates. They have positive reviews on Rodales and run 6 packs as well as larger boat. They charge 50. for a two tank dive and always put a guide/dm in with you at no extra charge. You can also charter a boat for the day for 6 including a meal for $600.00 with them. There is a nice condo (Ocean Suites) very close that has 2 bedroom units for 119. a night and has some rooms left for your time frame. Scuba Kristey may be able to get it cheaper being in the travel biz. Book you last night in Key West through Travelocity for Fantasyfest. Both Paradise and Ocean Suites have websites if you do a search they will pop up.

What costumes are you guys going to wear?

P.S. Scubakristey, I talked to a friend of mine who just dove the Spiegel Grove with Lady Cyana and they only required that you have done a 70+ dive in the last year. Don't know what the others are requiring... Also said the Grove is crowded weekends but not as bad during the week.

SCUBAKristey

July 14th, 2002, 05:24 AM

We need to do a head count so we can really get some legs on this and get some more info and some things set up. (Especially where we're all going to stay!)

Who's in for sure??? (I think we've all decided on a four day trip, so we'll go with that. October 25-28th)

Kristey

aquasport

July 14th, 2002, 09:43 AM

October is for sure? Are you guys going to stay in key west or upper keys. We have to get all this on the board. who is flying into what airport. Who are we diving with?? If we are staying in the middle keys i know some good people to go with.

SCUBAKristey

July 14th, 2002, 10:17 AM

I think we should stay in the middle keys and put up with the traffic going down to Key West for the Fantasy Fest. I'd kind of like a headcount of who all is interested so that I can look for a condo/house/hotel accordingly. (No sense getting a place that'll sleep 6 if there's going to be more than that, and vice versa.)

Kristey

juls

July 14th, 2002, 07:27 PM

If we arrive on Friday morning, we can try to get an afternoon dive in (and maybe a night dive, if anyone is interested?).

I did some research on dive ops for Marathon and Islamorada. I sent out emails (was too busy @ the office last week to call) with charter rates request.
All of the dive ops have hotel/dive packages. All have rental equipment. I chose the dive ops after reading positive comments on Rodale's Message Board.

Here is the info from the web sites so far:

Lady Cyana (Islamorada) - $48/ 2 dives
Florida Keys Dive Center (btw Key Largo and Islamorada) - $45/2 dives
Tavernier Dive Center (Tavernier) - $50/ 2 dives, $60 - wreck, $95 - three-tanks trip to Spiegel Grove. Tanks are included in the cost.
Abyss Dive (Marathon) - $73 dive package (Holiday Inn + two dives), $54 - night dive
Quiescence (Key Largo) - $44/2 dives, $89 package with Marina Del Mar hotel
Paradise Charters (Key Largo) - full day charter for up to 6 people is $600, which includes a meal, fruit, bottled water and sodas. At least 3 dives (charter is 6-7 hours). Individual rates $ 49.95/ 2 dives. $94.95 dive package with Ramada Inn.

I will post charter rates as soon as I hear from the ops.

scubagatorgal

July 14th, 2002, 09:39 PM

is currently in the upper keys...don't know where she will be in October. They don't know either as it depends on how busy things are with the Speigel Grove.

MSilvia

July 15th, 2002, 12:29 PM

I'll be flying out of Boston or Providence (whichever is cheaper).

aquasport

July 16th, 2002, 09:25 AM

I talked with a guy in marathon yesterday. He said thats a real bad time to come because of the party in key west. I found a place for 85 night. We need to book soon or it will be booked He told me that last year a1a had a 10 mile car line before key west thats how backed up it gets. If we go another weekend i can get the rooms for 45 a night not per person ,per room. He also told me there's alot of drugs and fights in key west then. I think we might want to think about another date. The hotel is the sea dell 305-743-5161. It has a pool and its clean.

MSilvia

July 16th, 2002, 12:52 PM

...but what about hiring a boat?

Just speaking for myself, but I'm neither suprised nor worried about the drugs and fights. After all, it's Fantasy Fest, not a tea party, and that sort of crap is bound to pop up.

I want to dive, but I also want to go for the party. Going when the Fantasy Fest isn't happening makes it awfully hard to do both. If there's interest, maybe there should be a separate thread for people who'd rather spend less, not deal with the hassle, and just dive.

In my mind, the diving is only half the reason I want to go.

scubagatorgal

July 16th, 2002, 01:27 PM

Stay in the middle/upper Keys for most of the trip and spend the last night at Key West. You can still get a reasonable room over the internet if you book soon. It will start getting booked up if you wait much longer...

Traffic will be ugly but as noted crowds are part of the event...

juls

July 16th, 2002, 01:38 PM

Originally posted by MSilvia
I'll be flying out of Boston or Providence (whichever is cheaper).

Where does everybody (who is interested, that is..) plan to fly to - MIA or FLL?

MSilvia

July 16th, 2002, 02:02 PM

I'll probably fly into Miami

aquasport

July 16th, 2002, 04:00 PM

Ilike fll thats where i 'll coming in. I think its easier and cheaper.

MSilvia

July 16th, 2002, 04:03 PM

if it's easier and cheaper, Ill probably do FFL too! Good to know.

aquasport

July 16th, 2002, 04:08 PM

It is check southwest. Do you need aow to dive spegiel grove

SCUBAKristey

July 17th, 2002, 09:05 AM

with me. It's a matter of whether or not there's space available on one of them. (I may get to fly for free- but if there's noseat, I stay home.:( )

Anyway- I'm game for anything the majority of y'all want to do. Fantasy Fest isn't a MUST- but it sounds like a Key West Mardi Gras, something you HAVE to experience once in your life. Anywho- if y'all want to fly into FLL, I'll gladly meet y'all there and share in the rental costs of the car. (My sister will be with me too!)

I'll have a day off FINALLY on friday and I'll put in some major research time then. Are there going to be four of us or more than that???

Kristey

MSilvia

July 17th, 2002, 11:55 AM

I have a few friends who may be interested too. I pointed them to the board, so we should have word from them soon.

KZMAN

July 18th, 2002, 03:50 AM

When it all gets worked out, post the dates, and relative info.
I'll fly into FLL or Miami, and would be happy to meet any that is interested and share costs.:)

SCUBAKristey

July 20th, 2002, 04:39 PM

This is a place on Key Largo.
One of the rooms can accomodate 6 ppl for $75.00 per night
The other can sleep 7 for $105.00 per night. Both are available.
I'll keep searching, but wanted to let y'all know the price range I'm looking in. Sound OK?

Kristey

scubagatorgal

July 20th, 2002, 06:22 PM

http://www.neptuneshideaway.com

Originally posted by SCUBAKristey
This is a place on Key Largo.
One of the rooms can accomodate 6 ppl for $75.00 per night
The other can sleep 7 for $105.00 per night. Both are available.
I'll keep searching, but wanted to let y'all know the price range I'm looking in. Sound OK?

Kristey

SCUBAKristey

July 21st, 2002, 03:34 AM

OK..sorry. I've been slow posting as my one day off this week has been WAY more than hectic!
Anyway- here's another place on Key Largo. THere's a unit called the Paradise that should sleep 6 of us for $150.00 per night. Here's the link

[URL=http://www.digitalpark.com/suncove/[/URL]

SCUBAKristey

July 21st, 2002, 04:54 AM

Islamorada Hotels
http://www.keysdirectory.com/star/
http://www.lookoutlodge.com/ http://www.thefloridakeys.com/baybreeze/ http://www.islamoradamotel.com/

Marathon Hotels
http://www.seacovemotel.com/ http://www.theseahorsemotel.com/ http://floridakeys.net/tropicalcottages/ http://www.bonefishresort.com/ <---by the looks alone- my favorite so far!

Key Largo Hotels
http://www.coconutpalminn.com/ http://www.aqua-nuts.com/ http://www.keylargoparadise.com/ http://www.amoray.com/

OK Y'all...I tried to get a good sampling from Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon. take a quick look at these and TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! ALso, if any of you have any experience with any of these places- chime in!

Thanks-

Kristey:D