Key Largo Diving--July

My fiancee and I are planning our honeymoon for Key Largo in mid-July.
We'd like to do some diving while there (I've been certiified for
about 10 years, she just go certified this year). I haven't been to
the Keys in about 10 years and have a couple of questions...

First, is it necessary to make diving arrangements before we get
there? Or will it be possible to check out a couple of operators when
we get there and make arrangements then?

Also, does anyone have any comments (positive or negative) on the
following shops:
Silent World
Paradise Charters
Ocean Divers

Thanks,
Jason

July is not bad EXCEPT on the weekends or July 4th... you should book
those days in advance.

I dive on my private boat but may people I know like Ocean Divers (Large
boats) and Paradise(Smaller boats). If you are staying at Holiday Inn,
Marina Del Mar or the Radisson (All owned by the same people now) They
are both very convenient. I have seen silent world but no feedback on
them.

Make sure you Dive the Spiegel Grove while you are there. If you
fiancee is a comfortable beginner, I would suggest asking if they would
allow here to go on an "edge" dive with a divemaster. MAX depth about
70 ft if you stay on the top edge of the wreck (She is on her side).

Jason W. Coym wrote:
> My fiancee and I are planning our honeymoon for Key Largo in mid-July.
> We'd like to do some diving while there (I've been certiified for
> about 10 years, she just go certified this year). I haven't been to
> the Keys in about 10 years and have a couple of questions...
>
> First, is it necessary to make diving arrangements before we get
> there? Or will it be possible to check out a couple of operators when
> we get there and make arrangements then?
>
> Also, does anyone have any comments (positive or negative) on the
> following shops:
> Silent World
> Paradise Charters
> Ocean Divers
>
> Thanks,
> Jason

"Jason W. Coym" <jwcoym@NOSPAM.hotmail.com.REMOVEFOREMAIL> wrote in message
news:mbu4b0t3ilafguovg29lu2723p1gj2n7cl@4ax.com...
> My fiancee and I are planning our honeymoon for Key Largo in mid-July.
> We'd like to do some diving while there (I've been certiified for
> about 10 years, she just go certified this year). I haven't been to
> the Keys in about 10 years and have a couple of questions...
>
> First, is it necessary to make diving arrangements before we get
> there? Or will it be possible to check out a couple of operators when
> we get there and make arrangements then?

Yes, that is sometimes possible but if it is busy your options may be
unnecesarily narrowed. I'd call a couple shops and see what they expect or
what their bookings look like for the period you're talking about. July is a
hot mutha in the Keys and I doubt the boats are going to be overbooked and
crowded everywhere. But call.

> Also, does anyone have any comments (positive or negative) on the
> following shops:
> Silent World
> Paradise Charters

> Ocean Divers

Ya know, I like Doc and Joe, but these are big boats and essentially the
epitome of cattle boat diving (if the crowds are in Largo). It's been while
since I've dived the keys but I always liked Caputo and his Quiessence
operation. They're a six-pack op and the better option unless the seas are
acting up. I don't know anything about Silent World or Paradise Charters.

>
> Thanks,
> Jason

Hi Jason,
I dive with Island Ventures in Key Largo. I've been out with most of the
shops in Key Largo and Tavernier (I'm a dive instructor who used to live and
work in the Keys and now - living near Tampa - I bring my students there for
check-out dives).
Brian Berry is the owner of Island Ventures, and he runs a good little
operation. No big dive shop, but he's got two boats, so whether you want to
go do the deep wrecks or shallow reefs, he can get you to the good spots.
His boats aren't so crowded that you are waiting for 20 people to get off
the boat so you can put on your gear. You can give him a call at
305-522-7374. If you want specific dives (like the Speigel Grove or the
Duane - which I would both highly recommend for advanced divers) make sure
you call and reserve it, otherwise it's usually a majority rules on the boat
and they may go someplace else. Your fiance may want to consider getting her
Advanced rating down there... it only takes 2 days (5 dives).
As for being crowded, summer is not 'high season' down there, but it's
definitely the season for Floridians to go diving, so it's worth making a
few calls ahead of time. Generally you can set up one or two days of diving,
and then book the rest while you're there.
Hope that helps. If you want more info, I'd be glad to answer your e-mail.
Diver Doris
www.DivingWithDoris.com



----- Original Message -----
From: "Jason W. Coym" <jwcoym@NOSPAM.hotmail.com.REMOVEFOREMAIL>
Newsgroups: rec.scuba.locations
Sent: Monday, May 24, 2004 6:46 PM
Subject: Key Largo Diving--July


> My fiancee and I are planning our honeymoon for Key Largo in mid-July.
> We'd like to do some diving while there (I've been certiified for
> about 10 years, she just go certified this year). I haven't been to
> the Keys in about 10 years and have a couple of questions...
>
> First, is it necessary to make diving arrangements before we get
> there? Or will it be possible to check out a couple of operators when
> we get there and make arrangements then?
>
> Also, does anyone have any comments (positive or negative) on the
> following shops:
> Silent World
> Paradise Charters
> Ocean Divers
>
> Thanks,
> Jason
>

In article <YAvsc.14799$Sc.13190@bignews1.bellsouth.net>, ed@nospam.com
(Ed) wrote:

> Or will it be possible to check out a couple of operators when
> > we get there and make arrangements then?

I used Aquanuts, diving and accommodation, mile marker 104.....i think.
Nice boats, cheap and friendly.....

Dave Morgan @ Work in the UK
Take out the "goes diving" bit....
Trip photos on line at www.morg.co.uk

I've used Paradise and they were nice folks and helpful on the boat and
in the water. Another operation, smaller, is the Dual Porpoise. I've
gone with them twice and they were very flexible for sites, and had a
fast boat to beat the crowds. Stay right at the Holiday Inn and ask for
a room along the back, but facing the pool. A short walk to the dock!
http://www.dualporpoise.net/

Bart F.

Jason W. Coym wrote:
> My fiancee and I are planning our honeymoon for Key Largo in mid-July.
> We'd like to do some diving while there (I've been certiified for
> about 10 years, she just go certified this year). I haven't been to
> the Keys in about 10 years and have a couple of questions...
>
> First, is it necessary to make diving arrangements before we get
> there? Or will it be possible to check out a couple of operators when
> we get there and make arrangements then?
>
> Also, does anyone have any comments (positive or negative) on the
> following shops:
> Silent World
> Paradise Charters
> Ocean Divers
>
> Thanks,
> Jason

"Jason W. Coym" <jwcoym@NOSPAM.hotmail.com.REMOVEFOREMAIL> wrote in message
news:mbu4b0t3ilafguovg29lu2723p1gj2n7cl@4ax.com...
> My fiancee and I are planning our honeymoon for Key Largo in mid-July.
> We'd like to do some diving while there (I've been certiified for
> about 10 years, she just go certified this year). I haven't been to
> the Keys in about 10 years and have a couple of questions...
>
> First, is it necessary to make diving arrangements before we get
> there? Or will it be possible to check out a couple of operators when
> we get there and make arrangements then?
>
> Also, does anyone have any comments (positive or negative) on the
> following shops:
> Silent World
> Paradise Charters
> Ocean Divers
>
> Thanks,
> Jason

My son and I used Quiescence and Scuba-doo last March. I wouldn't hesitate
to recommend either operator. Both were very friendly. Quiescence was
particularly helpful with a small equipment problem we had.

Hi Doris, I saw your post and great recommendation for Capt. Brian
Berry at Island Ventures. I too dive with Brian for the past 3 years
and also think he is the best. Brian is also a GREAT instructor and
instructed my son in PADI AOW. Can't go wrong with his NO STRESS
diving. Here is his site for the readers:

http://www.islandventure.com/

-Pat

On Tue, 25 May 2004 02:51:38 GMT, "Doris Pfister"
<Doris@DivingWithDoris.com> wrote:

>Hi Jason,
>I dive with Island Ventures in Key Largo. I've been out with most of the
>shops in Key Largo and Tavernier (I'm a dive instructor who used to live and
>work in the Keys and now - living near Tampa - I bring my students there for
>check-out dives).
>Brian Berry is the owner of Island Ventures, and he runs a good little
>operation. No big dive shop, but he's got two boats, so whether you want to
>go do the deep wrecks or shallow reefs, he can get you to the good spots.
>His boats aren't so crowded that you are waiting for 20 people to get off
>the boat so you can put on your gear. You can give him a call at
>305-522-7374. If you want specific dives (like the Speigel Grove or the
>Duane - which I would both highly recommend for advanced divers) make sure
>you call and reserve it, otherwise it's usually a majority rules on the boat
>and they may go someplace else. Your fiance may want to consider getting her
>Advanced rating down there... it only takes 2 days (5 dives).
>As for being crowded, summer is not 'high season' down there, but it's
>definitely the season for Floridians to go diving, so it's worth making a
>few calls ahead of time. Generally you can set up one or two days of diving,
>and then book the rest while you're there.
>Hope that helps. If you want more info, I'd be glad to answer your e-mail.
>Diver Doris
>www.DivingWithDoris.com
>
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Jason W. Coym" <jwcoym@NOSPAM.hotmail.com.REMOVEFOREMAIL>
>Newsgroups: rec.scuba.locations
>Sent: Monday, May 24, 2004 6:46 PM
>Subject: Key Largo Diving--July
>
>
>> My fiancee and I are planning our honeymoon for Key Largo in mid-July.
>> We'd like to do some diving while there (I've been certiified for
>> about 10 years, she just go certified this year). I haven't been to
>> the Keys in about 10 years and have a couple of questions...
>>
>> First, is it necessary to make diving arrangements before we get
>> there? Or will it be possible to check out a couple of operators when
>> we get there and make arrangements then?
>>
>> Also, does anyone have any comments (positive or negative) on the
>> following shops:
>> Silent World
>> Paradise Charters
>> Ocean Divers
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Jason
>>
>

May I recommend that you drive an extra 50 miles, and go to the middle
keys instead. Key Largo is suffering from it's own popularity for 30+ years.
Middle Keys are more "Silent World" and less "Disney World".

Jason W. Coym wrote:

>My fiancee and I are planning our honeymoon for Key Largo in mid-July.
>We'd like to do some diving while there (I've been certiified for
>about 10 years, she just go certified this year). I haven't been to
>the Keys in about 10 years and have a couple of questions...
>
>First, is it necessary to make diving arrangements before we get
>there? Or will it be possible to check out a couple of operators when
>we get there and make arrangements then?
>
>Also, does anyone have any comments (positive or negative) on the
>following shops:
>Silent World
>Paradise Charters
>Ocean Divers
>
>Thanks,
>Jason
>
>

Leave you dive gear at home............The keys scuba diving is well
over rated

Does not comes close to anything in the caribbean.



On Mon, 24 May 2004 18:46:02 -0400, Jason W. Coym
<jwcoym@NOSPAM.hotmail.com.REMOVEFOREMAIL> wrote:

>My fiancee and I are planning our honeymoon for Key Largo in mid-July.
>We'd like to do some diving while there (I've been certiified for
>about 10 years, she just go certified this year). I haven't been to
>the Keys in about 10 years and have a couple of questions...
>
>First, is it necessary to make diving arrangements before we get
>there? Or will it be possible to check out a couple of operators when
>we get there and make arrangements then?
>
>Also, does anyone have any comments (positive or negative) on the
>following shops:
>Silent World
>Paradise Charters
>Ocean Divers
>
>Thanks,
>Jason