waynel
Contributor
motorcitydiver:Ok, here it goes...IMHO: The best Keys diving for wrecks and reefs are the Key Largo area. Lots of big wrecks ranging in depth and good reefs to dive too. I would only recommend "Conch Republic Divers" in Tavernier. Thats only about 15 mins away from Key Largo. They even have an apartment you can rent from them. John Pennecampe state park is right there and the reefs are pretty nice.
Key West has some ok diving in my opinion. The few wrecks I've been on have been ok, nothing spectacular. The reefs are good but seem to be getting pretty washed out over the past few years. If you dive in Key West I recommend Captain's Corner. They are a great dive op and have the best prices in town.
If you stay in Key Largo, or even drive through on your way south, make sure you stop off at the "Fish House" for a fish sandwich and a cup of chowder
I might be reading your post wrong, but John Pennekamp Park is in Key Largo, not Tavernier. I agree with you that Key Largo has better diving than Key West. It's been my expeience, and maybe KeyLargoBrent and chime in if he reads this, that as you move up the Keys (Key West to Key Largo) the water gets just a tad warmer and on good weather days the viz gets better. It was explained to me that the Gulf Stream is at it's closest point to the shoreline in Key Largo. In my personal experience the viz in all the upper Keys is more affected by the north winds than anything. On any day it beats the viz in Key West. How about it upper Keys DM's, is that totally wrong?
P.S. Yes, you will read all about The Fish House in every travel guide, etc. But I have never found (and I go twice a year) any locals who recommend it. I found it overpriced. The best place I found was Snappers oceanside. Tables right on the water, excellent food at lower prices and you can feed the Tarpon while waiting on your order.