1 day scuba trip to Keys from Miami?

December 19, 2015 12:47 PM

I'll be in Miami for a long (5 day) weekend. I'd like to spend one day driving out (I can leave bright n early) then down to the keys, have a dive (or 2) and leave the following day in the early afternoon.

Any recommendations on something thats a reasonable AM drive from Miami to accomplish this goal? A place to stay would be great - and $ is flexible here (though not super rich), and secluded would be nice as well. Older, but clean, hotels are fine with us - no need for fancy condos or fancy restaurants - we're dive-y people in both sense of the word!

posted by yonation to Travel & Transportation around Miami, FL (6 answers total)

I can speak to the diving, not accommodations (done most of my keys diving from liveaboard). Get south of Largo if you can, gets crowded and reefs are showing some wear. Isla Morada and Marathon have some good stuff and isn't as crazy as the upper keys. I've heard great things about Duck Key being quiet and laid back, can't speak from experience tho.
posted by danapiper at 12:57 PM on December 19, 2015 [1 favorite]

It's 100 miles from Miami to Looe Key, which is a national marine sanctuary. The diving is fantastic and was at least at one point the top-rated dive destination in the US.
posted by DarlingBri at 3:49 PM on December 19, 2015 [1 favorite]

if you have a few hours to spare and like birds, the bird sanctuary is really worth a visit
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 5:35 PM on December 19, 2015

If you're into it, the Vandenberg is one of the best artificial reefs in the keys. Looe key is great, more of a snorkel for me. Islamorada and Marathon are likely to be cheaper, less crowded.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 5:49 PM on December 19, 2015

I like Sea Dwellers, Key Largo. They offer a deal with the Holiday Inn, walking distance to the dock. Also you can check out the African Queen...
posted by cosmac at 8:46 AM on December 20, 2015

I've been to Looe Key several times and it is great, but for a closer alternative you might consider Pennekamp. It's been long enough since I was there that I don't have advice on tour operators/dive shops but there are a number of options.
posted by TedW at 1:26 PM on December 21, 2015