Central Keys recommandations

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Sigristr - 02 Jan 2005 18:02 GMT

Can anyone give some recommandations for dive operators in the middle Florida
Keys area? I have not dove the Marathon area since the late '90's. I used to
use "The Diving Site" but I beleive they are no longer in business. I do
mostly reef diving, occasional wrecks, no nitrox. I am not interested in
cattle boat operations, but do not see the need to limit to 6 pack only either.
Operator of 14 or less divers usually seem to have the size boat to be
comfortable, without the disadvantages of the herds. Recommandations for the
Upper Keys would be welcomed also.

What are the reef conditions like in the Middle Keys these days?

Thanks,
Rod

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Jim Stackhouse, MD - 02 Jan 2005 23:04 GMT

Had three trips in 2004 to Marathon to dive with Abyss Dive, owned by
Bill and Heidi, and all were excellent. Six pack, short boat rides, and
good effort to provide the best experience. They have a dive package
associated with the Holiday Inn as well, that proved perfectly adequate.

Jim

>Can anyone give some recommandations for dive operators in the middle Florida
>Keys area? I have not dove the Marathon area since the late '90's. I used to
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>Thanks,
>Rod

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George Price - 03 Jan 2005 06:19 GMT

Rod,

We dove this last summer with Captain Morgan's out of the Banana Bay Resort.
It was nice only having to walk 50 yards to the dive boat from the room.
Good continental breakfast, $140/night next to the marina, and the dive
service was outstanding. They only take six divers....our second day, the
four of us were all they had so it was like a private charter. It has
gotten rather expensive. Tilden's, that has a shop next to Banana Bay was
$65 for tanks and weights and boat, but then you pick up the boat at Hawk's
Cay about ten miles north. If you don't mind the extra bucks for Hawks Cay,
that could be an option; Morgan's was $70, but they take half the number
divers, and was well worth it for the on site location, and service.
Morgan's was referred to me by Capt. Banny from Never Enough dive
operation.............Banny hung up ........his boat last year (engines
died).

Banny, if you're still trolling wreck scuba........what the hey! Hope all
is well. How's the limo business? Did you get your daughter through
college yet?

Anyway, we loved Banana Bay and Captain Morgan's.

George

> Can anyone give some recommandations for dive operators in the middle
> Florida
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> Thanks,
> Rod

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MHDiver - 12 Jan 2005 03:17 GMT

I'd also highly recommend Capt. Morgan. I'm a "Banny" transplant also and I
certainly feel that Banny steered me in the right direction when he recommended
Capt. Morgan and his boat "Narcosis." I've done several trips with him this
past year and I have enjoyed every single one of them and highly recommend him,
his staff, and his boat. Great diving...the best there is. Give him a try.
You will not regret it. I hope to spend quite a few years diving with him.

And...for you Banny people....he's leaving the Keys in early Feb. and
relocating to Lakeland. We keep in touch and hope to dive with him and Jeanne
sometime this summer...[as you know, Banny only dives when the water is 80 or
warmer!!]

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George Price - 15 Jan 2005 06:51 GMT

> I'd also highly recommend Capt. Morgan. I'm a "Banny" transplant also and
> I
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> And...for you Banny people....he's leaving the Keys in early Feb. and
> relocating to Lakeland.

His primary residence was always there, but I guess this means he's giving
up the limo business?

We keep in touch and hope to dive with him and Jeanne

> sometime this summer...[as you know, Banny only dives when the water is
> 80 or
> warmer!!]

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