Which is the best Key in Florida for diving

[dyandiver]

I'm going to be in Florida for 4 days in July and want to get in a few dives. Never dove the Keys before and wanted some recommendations of the best location for diving. And good dive shops and hotels. I am budget conscious. Not necessarily wreck or anything deep - just good reefs and beauty.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.:blinking:

 

[PatW]

I would suggest Key Largo. I think it has the healthiest reefs. It has a variety of accommodations. It has a wide variety of dive types from shallow reefs to deep reefs.

 

[sportxlh]

Key Largo or Islamorada are the best locations. Most dive shops are good to excellent in the upper Keys. There aren't any really bad dive shops that I know of. Below are my personal preferences.

Best all around dive shop for me is Conch Republic Divers. Good crew, big boat that is stable on the water, a little further south so get to some places other shops don't.

For 6 pack operator, Quiesence is good.

For a shop that provides guides, Rainbow Reef. Their boats are big and stable too.

 

[dyandiver]

Thanks everyone. That's what I needed.

 

[Chugwhump]

Key Largo to Islamorada at Sportxlh said.

Chug
likes piling on when late to the dance.

 

[Darol]

Key Largo, and try Ocean Divers, you won't be disappointed. If you get the chance stay at Gilberts, it's Party Central.....

 

[100days-a-year]

Areas in order Dry Tortugas,Marquesas,KL,Tavernier,Islamorada,Big Pine/Little Torch,Summerland,Marathon.

KL is well served by charters,shops,has great accomodations and will be significantly more budget wise than the Tortugas or Marquesas.