Finally Decided Fl. Keys Apr 13-19

[CPTOZZY]

After mulling it over I finally decided to Do another Florida Keys Dive vacation rather than Roatan, Bahamas, Bonaire etc.

I've made my reservation for 13-19 April, and will be staying around Islamorada, but I plan to dive up and down the Keys. I can extend my trip if I decide - I have a full two weeks of approved vacation..

[Sansho]

Enjoy! Water should be a little warmer by then. I was there in early March, and the water temp at the Eagle was 68º. Other diving in the area had temps in the lower 70's. Glad I brought my hood along.

[comet24]

Who are you diving with? In Islamorada look up Conch Republic. Capt. Gary and crew are great. I will be diving with them again in May.

[Splitlip]

Good, Man.

In these days I always advocate vaca in these here United States. You are safe and protected, speak the language, contribute to the local economy, etc.....

Islamorada and North, youll find fine dive sites. And you have the Torugas just south if you desire.

[Skred]

My wife and I will be there that same week. We're staying in Islamorada and diving with Capt. Gary and the gang at Conch Republic. Maybe we'll see you there.

[crosseyed95]

Enjoy the trip. Please post a trip report when you get back.

For those diving with Conch Republic, say hi to the gang.

crosseyed95

[Pandora]

Have fun! The keys was nice! Dives were nice and within our teenagers skill set.

If you get a chance visit the Turtle Hospital. They have a turtle ambulance, operating room, pool, ect, it was worth the 2 hour tour. Good cause, and yes we adopted a turtle, and bought cool Tshirts.

[Tully Mars]

Enjoy! Been to Key West a number of times and have never done any diving. One of these days I'm going to get there with no other agenda then diving.

[Sansho]

If you get a chance visit the Turtle Hospital. They have a turtle ambulance, operating room, pool, ect, it was worth the 2 hour tour. Good cause, and yes we adopted a turtle, and bought cool Tshirts.

We visited the Turtle Hospital earlier this month too, and it's quite a unique facility. One of the more interesting points was visiting the 41 or so turtles they have there, and particularly seeing and learning about the ones in the plastic tubs.

Another fun thing was to take a kayak trip through the mangroves in Marathon. Some places were so thick with mangroves you had to pull yourself through instead of paddling. Used Mathathon Kayak for the tour.

We also visited the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon. A little on the commercial side, however, they do good work there. If you want to pay to play with dolphins, there are I believe 3 places on the Key's, and they have slightly different programs that you should compare.

[BubblesMcCoy]

Currently planning a first time trip to Key West. Any suggestions on places to stay, dive operators, must do dives etcs.

We've just started planning, but would like to go during the off season and plan for a mix of good diving and topside. As my so doesn't dive, I'll need an operator that can provide a guide or allows instabuddies (not my preference).

All suggestions are most appreciated.