20 replies to this topic

[Lisa0825]

Hola! I got certified in October, and then had to cancel my first planned dive trip because f the hurricanes. I am thrilled to finally have a dive trip planned!

I will be in the Keys Jan 12-16. I am not positive where I am staying yet, but I have been doing research. Since I will most likely be traveling alone, I am looking for inexpensive accomodations (no one to split the bill with!LOL). Here is what I have found. Any input on these will be much appreciated! I am not looking for anything fancy, just clean, comfortable, and a decent location.

Ragged Edge Resort - Islamorada - $79/night
http://www.ragged-edge.com/rates.html

Kelly's On The Bay - Ley Largo - from $89
http://www.aqua-nuts...ommodations.php

HUngry Pelican Resort - Key Largo - variety of rooms in the $60 to $85 range
www.hungrypelican.com
http://www.silentwor...o.com/hotel.htm

Bay Harbor Lodge - Key Largo - $75-95
http://www.theflorid...bayharborlodge/

Gulf View - Grassy Key - $99/night
http://www.gulfvieww...rontresort.com/

Key Lantern Inn - Islamorada - $55
http://www.keylantern.com/

Sunset Inn - Islamorada - $70
http://www.sunsetinnkeys.com/

[normblitch]

Look into Horizon Divers in Key Largo...they offer VERY nice prices from the (walking distance) Ramada Inn Express...

Norm

Hola! I got certified in October, and then had to cancel my first planned dive trip because f the hurricanes. I am thrilled to finally have a dive trip planned!

I will be in the Keys Jan 12-16. I am not positive where I am staying yet, but I have been doing research. Since I will most likely be traveling alone, I am looking for inexpensive accomodations (no one to split the bill with!LOL). Here is what I have found. Any input on these will be much appreciated! I am not looking for anything fancy, just clean, comfortable, and a decent location.

Ragged Edge Resort - Islamorada - $79/night
http://www.ragged-edge.com/rates.html

Kelly's On The Bay - Ley Largo - from $89
http://www.aqua-nuts...ommodations.php

HUngry Pelican Resort - Key Largo - variety of rooms in the $60 to $85 range
www.hungrypelican.com
http://www.silentwor...o.com/hotel.htm

Bay Harbor Lodge - Key Largo - $75-95
http://www.theflorid...bayharborlodge/

Gulf View - Grassy Key - $99/night
http://www.gulfvieww...rontresort.com/

Key Lantern Inn - Islamorada - $55
http://www.keylantern.com/

Sunset Inn - Islamorada - $70
http://www.sunsetinnkeys.com/

[Walter]

What type diving are you looking to do? Shallow? moderately deep? reefs? wrecks? Since you just got certified, I'm guessing you aren't looking for anything too deep.

Key Largo is probably best for you at this point. Some excellent sites are Molasses & French Reefs and the Wreck of the Benwood.

[Lisa0825]

Look into Horizon Divers in Key Largo...they offer VERY nice prices from the (walking distance) Ramada Inn Express...

Norm

Thanks for the tip, Norm!

[normblitch]

That is the cache' of Horizon Divers...their AM dives are usually 2-tanks @ Pennekamp...VERY mellow!

And, IMHO, Walter is SPOT ON re the Benwood...wonderful first wreck!!

Norm

What type diving are you looking to do? Shallow? moderately deep? reefs? wrecks? Since you just got certified, I'm guessing you aren't looking for anything too deep.

Key Largo is probably best for you at this point. Some excellent sites are Molasses & French Reefs and the Wreck of the Benwood.

[Lisa0825]

What type diving are you looking to do? Shallow? moderately deep? reefs? wrecks? Since you just got certified, I'm guessing you aren't looking for anything too deep.

Key Largo is probably best for you at this point. Some excellent sites are Molasses & French Reefs and the Wreck of the Benwood.

I'd like to start off pretty shallow and see how it goes. I have only been down 28 feet so far (during my OW class), and I had some trouble equalizing my left ear, so easy does it is good with me! Thanks for the input!

[ScubaDadMiami]

The Keys are pretty big. So, it depends on where you will be diving and how far you are willing to drive.

Do you already have dive reservations? There are a number of places that will provide a package deal for you. That might save more than doing each function separately.

Please provide some more information about your plans.

[Lisa0825]

The Keys are pretty big. So, it depends on where you will be diving and how far you are willing to drive.

Do you already have dive reservations? There are a number of places that will provide a package deal for you. That might save more than doing each function separately.

Please provide some more information about your plans.

The places I found that had dive/accomodation packages didn't work out because the hotel prices were higher than I want. I think I would prefer to stay in Marathon if I get a good deal, though better deals on hotels are in Key Largo. I spoke with someone at Capt Hook's Marina in Marathon, and she is checking on hotels for me. The one they offered a deal with was $120 a night, but I found a couple places for under $100 so, she said she'd call around and see what she could find for me and get back to me tomorrow.

As far as my plan details go, so far I just have airfare for jan 12-16, and I am still working on the accomodations and dive ops.

Edited by Lisa0825, 13 December 2005 - 12:06 PM.

[Walter]

If you're set on Marathon, I recommend Captain Banny's Never Enough Charters. He runs a 4 pack. Four diver max on a small boat and excellent service.

[normblitch]

Did you check out Horizon Divers?

Norm

The Keys are pretty big. So, it depends on where you will be diving and how far you are willing to drive.

Do you already have dive reservations? There are a number of places that will provide a package deal for you. That might save more than doing each function separately.

Please provide some more information about your plans.

The places I found that had dive/accomodation packages didn't work out because the hotel prices were higher than I want. I think I would prefer to stay in Marathon if I get a good deal, though better deals on hotels are in Key Largo. I spoke with someone at Capt Hook's Marina in Marathon, and she is checking on hotels for me. The one they offered a deal with was $120 a night, but I found a couple places for under $100 so, she said she'd call around and see what she could find for me and get back to me tomorrow.

As far as my plan details go, so far I just have airfare for jan 12-16, and I am still working on the accomodations and dive ops.

[ScubaDadMiami]

Perhaps http://www.diveflakeys.com/hotel.htm?

[Lisa0825]

Perhaps http://www.diveflakeys.com/hotel.htm?

Actually, I'd just found that one a little bit ago and added that to my list too. I also found one called the Siesta Motel, no website right now, but it got very good reviews at tripadvisor.com for only $85/night.

DECISIONS! DECISIONS!!! LOL:-)

have you stayed there before? The pics on their site don't tell me much, but they have a tiki bar and restaurant.

Edited by Lisa0825, 13 December 2005 - 02:26 PM.

[Capn Jack]

I have two operators I can highly recommend in Islamorada -
Ocean Quest - very safe, conscientious bunch that will work with you on picking nice shallow sites
For a little more money, go with Key Dives at Bud n' Mary's Marina - they have a really nice boat, and provide the guided dive tours - what I call "Caribbean Style" - attentive DMs who rig your gear, dive with you etc. You might want to schedule a trip with each, and let Key Dives take you to the Eagle - very nice wreck, not real deep (70 - 110')

Key Dives at Mile Marker 79.8 phone 800 344-7352 - ask for Mike or Marcia
Ocean Quest at Mile Marker 84 phone 800-356-8798 - ask for Pat (aka "the dive goddess")

Edited by Capn Jack, 13 December 2005 - 02:36 PM.

[Basslet]

I'm pretty sure Kelly's is long gone. Sold to developers.

[Walter]

I'm pretty sure Kelly's is long gone. Sold to developers.

If it's not closed yet, it soon will be.