Key West

[Drewy]

Over New Years, I'm looking to get my AOW in the Florida Keys somewhere in Key West. The only problem is that there seems to be so many dive ops to choose from.

For those of you from the area or who have been to area, can you recommend a dive op. We have our own equipment, we'll just need tanks and weights.

We're also looking for somewhere to stay for a fairly cheap price. It doesn't have to be 5 star, 2-3 star is fine as long as it's clean, has a bed and a shower, and is close to a beach.

So what have you got for me?

Thanks.

 

[Diver Mike]

Over New Years, I'm looking to get my AOW in the Florida Keys somewhere in Key West. The only problem is that there seems to be so many dive ops to choose from.

For those of you from the area or who have been to area, can you recommend a dive op. We have our own equipment, we'll just need tanks and weights.

We're also looking for somewhere to stay for a fairly cheap price. It doesn't have to be 5 star, 2-3 star is fine as long as it's clean, has a bed and a shower, and is close to a beach.

So what have you got for me?

Thanks.

When in Key West I dive with either South Pointe Divers (Duval Street) or Captian's Corner (Ann Street).

I go 2 -4 times per year and have had great results with both. SPD has a 46' Newton Dive Cat and Captians Corner has a boat that was in James Bond Film (I cannot remember which one).

Both have excellent staff and are good choices. Proces are about the same.

 

[Twister]

I dove with Dive Key West
All dives were Okay
Rob Z Great DM

Bob

 

[uberspeed]

Another vote for Dive Key West here.

 

[TrainerAW]

I can't recommend a dive shop, but can recommend a bed and breakfast. www.nassauhouse.com. It is owned by a very good friend of mine and is terrific. If you call them, tell them Anna recommended them.

 

[SunMari]

another votee for dive key west! The whole crew was spectacular... ask for mike as your instructor

 

[computerjim]

I have had good results with Subtropic (http://www.subtropic.com/) & Key West Dive Society.

A good dive is one of the operators in the middle keys that can get you to Looe Key Reef. Paradise Divers (http://www.paradivers.com/) or Loo Key Reef Resort (http://www.diveflakeys.com/)

For cheap motel try Budget Key West, but my favoirte is Casa 235, right on duval Street.(http://www.casa325.com/)

If your looking for New Years book now!

Jim

 

[MakoMermaid]

I love South Point Divers on Duval.

As far as lodging goes, we always stay at the Washington Street Inn: http://www.washingtonstinn.com/. It's nothing fancy, but it has great package rates and is a short stroll to either Duval or Higgs beach.

 

[tdinindy]

I like Innerspace in Big Pine Key. Matt is the captain and he has a great trip. You can get your aow by diving the Busch. Excellent wreck. There is a nice resort called Palmers and it is pretty nice and away from the crowds but close to Key West.

 

[scubapolly]

I wouldn't dive Key West, the diving is actually the worst in the Keys in my opinion. Key West is the best for night life, but not for diving. All of the dive sites are crowded, the boats are always jam packed, and they really cater more to divers than snorklers. I would guess that you would have a tough time finding one willing to take you to a deep enough place to do the deep dive.
Big Pine Key is an excellent spot for diving due to its proximity to Looe Key (some of the best diving in the Keys). The only commercial opporator that I have dove with in BPK is Underseas. If you go through them ask for Big Al, he is a riot, I've also dove with some of his former divers (Even had one in a rescue class) and they are excellent divers as well.
I haven't stayed at Parmers, but have heard all good things about that place. If you are out for the night life, BPK might not be the best place to stay, The only bar that is open late is Coconuts and it isn't exactly all that great, also, the drive back from Key west is quite long late at night.
If you want great diving an a great night life my advice would be to stay in Key West (I would recomend the Douglas House, very nice condos which sleep up to 6 people and we paid $127 a night) only a block off of Duval, so right near the action, but far enough from the excitement that you can sleep when you want to. Rent a car and Drive to BPK to do the diving. In KW definatly stop off at Irish Kevins.

Hope this helps.

Polly