Does anyone know of a good shop that dives Biscayne National Park? I remember diving couple times through the dive shop at the park, however, it's been years and would also like to try another dive shop. Also, I've seen pictures of some underwater sculptures in a reef there. Has anyone dived that? if so, does it worth driving down there from Tampa just for that? I'd rather dive Key Largo, however, my dive buddy thinks Biscayne has the best reefs in FL (?)
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Blueline
The only commercial dive shop/boat is the concession at the park. As for "best reefs in Florida" that depends on which particular mooring buoy they take you to, but I personally never had very many good dives there with the commercial boat so I quit going there, unless I can go on a private boat. Instead, go to Key Largo and dive with Quiescence and ask to dive the Elbow area. I think that's the best diving. I dive there all the time.
The only commercial dive shop/boat is the concession at the park. As for "best reefs in Florida" that depends on which particular mooring buoy they take you to, but I personally never had very many good dives there with the commercial boat so I quit going there, unless I can go on a private boat. Instead, go to Key Largo and dive with Quiescence and ask to dive the Elbow area. I think that's the best diving. I dive there all the time.
Thanks.
My dive buddy spoke with someone at the concession at the park and was told we can only charter the boat for $1200 (no way), so not too many divers dive those reefs anymore? The guy said dive shops in FL city are going out of business..that's not good...
Blueline
Blueline,
Your welcome for the info.
$1200 is a bit ridiculous. Kinda makes me wonder if they really want any business at all! All of the diving in BNP is done off of small private boats. Pretty much always has been that way because there has been only the 1 commercial operation there & they've had a "lock" on it forever. Many of us here really wish they (Park Management) would open up the concession to more commercial dive boats.
As far as dive shops in Florida City, there were only 2 anyway & 1 of them was, I think Diver's Outlet, which is also in Key Largo. Blink once and you are thru Fla City. Blink twice and you've missed it. Those shops didn't have dive boats that I know of, just sold equipment. Guess you are stuck diving Key Largo/Pennekamp or points south instead. There's plenty of excellent dive ops and great diving along the Keys. And the diving is excellent right now.
