Instant Reader Report
on Conch Republic / in
USA (Continental) / Florida Keys on
2002/10
by
Julian Watkins/Debbie DiMascio , CA, USA
Report Number 021025025420142

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Send an email to the author of this report

 Hawaii, Fiji, California Channel Islands, Florida Keys, Sea of Cortez
(Mexico) 

Dive Conditions

None  

[None]  

Overall Rating

Conch Republic in Tavernier runs two boats each day as needed.  One is a
six-pac and the other is much larger.  We went out on the six-pac called
the “Osprey” with only 2 other divers.  The staff here seems to specialize
in accommodating the more serious and/or “tech” diver.  Nitrox is
available.  We dove the wreck of the “Duane,” a 327 ft. Coast Guard Cutter
sitting upright in 120 ft. of  water.  Strong current and depth make this
an advanced dive.  Lots of fish life on ship’s deck at 105 ft. and in the
wheel house.  Crow’s nest and mast still intact at about 70 ft. 

Second dive at the “Canyons.”  A patch reef done as a drift dive.  We
towed a dive flag with us attached to a long line as we cruised the reef. 
Boat picked us up where we surfaced.  Lots of usual reef fish and marine
life.  Saw a small nurse shark here, but what happened to all the nurse
sharks that used to inhabit the keys??   Water and Capri-Sun juices
provided.  Space in their cooler with ice available for your own
beverages.  Conch Republic has a nice dive shop and repair facility. 
Rinse tanks, drying racks, and overnight storage available if desired. 
Night dives and dawn dives offered.  Shop owner also conducts marine
research with various professionals.

Very good “dolphin” sandwiches available at “Hobo’s” restaurant in Key
Largo.  Order the “dolphin” (don’t panic, it’s just Mahi Mahi) with
sauteed mushrooms, excellent!  Very popular location with divers next door
at Kelly’s on the Bay and Amoray Resort, so there may be a wait, but it’s
worth it.  Prices reasonable, service good.

Staff repaired a malfunctioning schraeder valve in my BC inflator and only
charged $5.00 for the repair. 

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Send an email to the author of this report

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