Ashley

Hey Divers, would like to plan a trip to the Keys. Problem is, looking at a map, I noticed the area is pretty extensive. What would be the best location for us to stay in order to experience the best dives (we are relatively new divers, about 15 to 20 dives completed)? Would like somewhere with reputable dive shops, good accomodations, and an environment where you can enjoy the nightlife or just have a quiet dinner and take a walk at night. Am I asking for too much? Also, we plan on arriving on June 28th (the weeked before July 4th). Is it going to be hard to make hotel and flight reservations still? I'm assuming we do need to rent a car? Finally, I read something about that scary sea lice that invades Florida waters. Will it be a problem during that time? Sorry about so many questions, but any tips and info would be much appreciated!

Bart

The best diving is in the upper keys- Key Largo area. The diving is fine for your experience level and John Pennykamp park is a marine preserve that has lots of fish and lobsters. You'll see it all. It's A Dive at the Marriott was a good operation a couple of years ago. Eat at Bentley's in Islamarada.

rob

yes...from our experience upper keys are best. we've enjoyed davis, mollasses and newfound reefs. went to looe key underwater preserve (upper keys) and were really disappointed. can't remember all the dive shops we've been to....one was "amy slates amoray"....they were pretty good.

Ron

Ashley,

Here is the website for John Pennekamp State Park & other websites to do some researching on.

http://www.johnpennekamp.com/general.htm

http://www.travelflkeys.com/ - go to the bottom of the page where the bar says "jump to a page" then click on it & you can go to any of the places you would like.

Traveler

I go to Key Largo about 3 to 4 times a year to dive. Key Largo is great for beginners, the reefs are around 40'. I always dive with "It's a Dive" at the Marriott, nice people, nice boats, they change your tanks for you (no carring of tanks) Have Fun! Diver Down!

Traveler

Me again! I did not read your whole message. Key Largo has great restaurants, I will be in Key Largo the same time, I'm going the first week of July. There is still time to get your hotel and airline tickets, I bought my airline tickets just last week.

Traveler

Me again! You definetly need a car, if you fly into Miami there is no other way to get to Key Largo, or any of the other keys. And you need a car just to get around. Dont worry about sea lice while diving, I think they are only near the beaches.