Yeah, I knew you wouldn't be too keen on my offer! Seriously, it is misery for students to dive in wetsuits around here. That's why I combine dry suit. Anyway, I'll step out. Good luck! Have great times in the future diving with your kids!
Where to get cert'ed? Long weekend-DCA to...? Not CZM, GCM, LC, BON
- Thread starter ReadyDiverOne
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noj3333
Contributor
I'd look to Key Largo... Why??
-Shallow reef, many sites are around 40'. They also have deeper dives, and some great wrecks.
-Short boat rides to the reef, maybe 20-25 minute (it always seems very short, so I may be slightly off).
-Insurance reasons, you're still in the USA, should it be needed.
-Easy to get to, fly into Ft. Lauderdale, rent a car and before you know it you're in the Keys.
-Many great operators (from what I've read), although all my experience is limited to Rainbow Reef.
-Native English speaking instructors are abundant.
As far as specific operators, like I said I've only dove in Key Largo with Rainbow Reef. On my last trip down I reached out to a few other shops, but things didn't work out with them. With Rainbow, they use mostly (exclusively??) big boats, Newton 42' boats. These are often called 'cattle boats', I've never been with them in the high season, so I enjoy the 'big boat' without being on board with too many people.
Some other knocks on them, they're big, and the crank out instructors, so there are a lot of newer/ younger people working there. I would avoid the newer instructors. I'm sure they smart, and caring, and everything else, but I'd request one of the more experienced instructors. Some of them include, Jardin, Phil, Yariem AKA Aqua (he's Cuban, but speaks VERY good English), Corey, Gia.
At the very least I'd give RR a call, or shoot them an e-mail. If you do go with them, try to get one of the instructors listed above.
-Shallow reef, many sites are around 40'. They also have deeper dives, and some great wrecks.
-Short boat rides to the reef, maybe 20-25 minute (it always seems very short, so I may be slightly off).
-Insurance reasons, you're still in the USA, should it be needed.
-Easy to get to, fly into Ft. Lauderdale, rent a car and before you know it you're in the Keys.
-Many great operators (from what I've read), although all my experience is limited to Rainbow Reef.
-Native English speaking instructors are abundant.
As far as specific operators, like I said I've only dove in Key Largo with Rainbow Reef. On my last trip down I reached out to a few other shops, but things didn't work out with them. With Rainbow, they use mostly (exclusively??) big boats, Newton 42' boats. These are often called 'cattle boats', I've never been with them in the high season, so I enjoy the 'big boat' without being on board with too many people.
Some other knocks on them, they're big, and the crank out instructors, so there are a lot of newer/ younger people working there. I would avoid the newer instructors. I'm sure they smart, and caring, and everything else, but I'd request one of the more experienced instructors. Some of them include, Jardin, Phil, Yariem AKA Aqua (he's Cuban, but speaks VERY good English), Corey, Gia.
At the very least I'd give RR a call, or shoot them an e-mail. If you do go with them, try to get one of the instructors listed above.
gr8jab
Contributor
CocoView in Roatan had great variety for new and experienced divers. Love the Front Yard for classes and two walls! Boats have a ladder under/through the hull in case the seas ate rough, can be a great comfort to be divers.
OP
ReadyDiverOne
Contributor
OP
ReadyDiverOne
Contributor
I flew down to Ft Lauderdale with my son a couple of years ago and drove down to Key Largo. He got certified the Rainbow Reef. Very professional, hands on, good equipment, all good. If I had to do it again I would do the same. My daughter and I got certified in Cozumel and probably did not learn as much. Just too much to see to stay focused.
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As an alternative, come to Seattle for confined water and we can go together to Key Largo for open water with a small boutique dive op.Come on up to Seattle. I'll certify them in the Puget Sound!
It's just a long weekend, correct?
Where do you see the best flights for your schedule?
Where do you see the best flights for your schedule?
I'm planning on going to Key Largo this fall. I got my AOW in Key West and wasn't all that impressed with the diving.
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