Instant Reader Report
on Multiple - See Narrative / [same] in
USA (Continental) / Florida Keys on
2002/08
by
William & Frances Ungerman , CA, USA
Report Number 020907130023763

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Send an email to the author of this report

 More than fifty words can tell....                                         
  

Dive Conditions

Most operations we dove with suggested no deco diving and redreational
limits.  

No operator we dove with was specifically concerned with U/W photography. 
Had to request a rinse bucket on three of the five boats and none fit a
twin strobe outfit.  

Overall Rating

KEY WEST:  Soutpoint divers.  The shop is located on Duval Street in
downtown KW.  Nice facility,  Caters to the tourist crowd, but that's
what's in Key West.  The boat is docked at the Hyatt and someone forgot to
mention it's $15.00 to park there (no where else to park).  We dove
"Joe's Tug" at 65 feet in 50 foot viz absolute but the crew kept
insisting it was 100 feet.  Maybe there girlfriend's believe their
measurements.  The wreck berift of marine life.  Second dive on Western
Sambo - Haystacks.  Nice little cruise around some spur and grove coral
formations.  Lots of damage, some fish.  On return subjected to major
preassure for gratuities and had to face a virtual gauntlet of staff
personnel confronting you between your gear and the dock.  Some divers
ignored the presssure.  I folded.  This is not a bad operation per se,
it's just a cattle boat.  Typical Keys dive rate is around $50-$60 per two
tank trip PLUS your tanks which are never included.  $5.00-$10.00 per tank.
 Snorkelers - $25-$45.00.

BIG PINE KEY:  Paradise Divers.  Trecked back North and dove the Adolphus
Busch, Sr.  This dive operation was very good.  "Linda," one of
the owners, took my diving wife and daughter and our snorkeling daughter
and one other diver to the wreck.  Great dive.  70 foot viz, moderate
current.  Second dive at Looe Key (West End) and not to be missed for a
great reef dive.  Turtles, lobster, morays, lots of tropicals.  80-90 foot
viz.  No tip preassure except for a modest sign on the boat.

MARATHON:  Dove with Middle Keys Dive Center, Richard Boileau proprietor
and video master (And I mean MASTER).  We dove the Thunderbolt wreck,
again with just the four of us and one other diver.
This is another must-dive spot when in the Keys.  Tarpon, jacks, the
ubiquitous Barracuda.  Lots of bait fish.  Gropers and a huge Jew Fish
(uh, "Goliath Grouper") on the wreck.  Dolphins feeding on walls
of Silversides.  Stiff current that would tear your mask off if you turned
sideways.  Strong armed your way down the granny and down lines.  Second
dive at "Rocky Top."  Nice reef, no current.  Outstanding Keys
viz and good marine life evident.  Now, about Richard.  After the dive,
ask him to show yiou his videos!  This guy is a genius.  He has an
incredible collection (more like the Smithsonian)OF u/w footage that will
blow your fins off.  You will never see stuf like his marine-life
interractions anywhere on Discovery or any channel.  He makes Spencer
Slate look like a piker.
 

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