Question: Scuba Diving in key West Florida?

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Answer #1:

a lot of the water around Key Largo is part of the sanctuary and it's good to know the rules for diving there. For the most part, yes you can drop in where ever. But near certain reefs there are mooring balls that the boats can tie up to. These are your best bets for 2 reasons. First - you don't have to drop the anchor and risk damaging the reef. Second - and even better, they are placed in prime areas for diving. - On both Wrecks and Reefs. I'd look for some of the more well known areas, and as a new diver expect to be in (20) 25-40 feet of water to see some great stuff. Look for the Benwood and City of washington for some wrecks. And Molassas, French, and Pickles for Reefs. If you are a little farther south, look for Snapper Ledge. All Great Sites, and pretty safe dives. They are not deep, and don't normally have a lot of current on them. You'll see tons of fish, turtles, maybe some rays and sharks.

Good luck!

Answer #2:

As a brand new Scuba Diver yourself and the group need to be asking a lot of questions before you go diving. There are many dive sites in the keys, starts at Key Largo area all the way down to Key West. Even if you end up in in the Caribbean Islands, the islands have many dive sites.

Whoever is taking you all diving should direct you to dive operators in the area, and they will be tell you what type of diving, water conditions, average depth, and if it is suitable for new divers. It takes some time to develop all the skills to be proficient at Scuba Diving. So I would suggest for you select shallow locations first no more than 45-50ft. I would also suggest for you select locations where you can easy access to sandy bottom. If you are not able to control your neutral buoyancy, you will be damaging coral reef, and get hurt yourself. Sandy areas are good to bottom out, regroup and get going again. As a beginner I would suggest not to select a complex wreck diving.

As you talk to the operator you may find out that you may have go on a boat to go diving. You may also find that in some places you can go from the shore. If it is from the shore pick the locations where you can get in and out of the water easily. If you are on a boat, you will get a lot of help from the dive operators - and all of the dos and don'ts at a particular dive site.

My suggestion to all of you will be to pick a Scuba Diving Operator, who will take you to the dive sites appropriate for you skill level. Very likely you get on a boat, and go to different dive sites 2 - 3 miles off shore. Ask for a Dive Leader to show you around under water, because they are extremely familiar with the terrain underwater in their local areas. As you dive more, your diving skills will get better and better.

Make sure to familiarize with your dive equipment, and know how to operate the equipment. If you are using Dive Computers, make you you know how to it. Monitor your air consumption. Finally relax, and enjoy your underwater exploration.
Happy Scuba Diving





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