Must do's in the keys?

[vermonter310]

Headed to the Keys for a few days what does everyone think are the must do's and see's?

Thanks

 

[produceb]

If diving - Looe Key is a nice dive

Islamorada- I like to stop at Robbies on the way down and hand feed the tarpon

Key West - I enjoy Irish Kevins , but all the main bars are entertaining

I ussually am spearfishing so I go to my own spots around Cudjoe key.

 

[Mr Reefer 1690]

Snorkel / Dive Sombrero Reef. We had a good time on the Spirit boat out of Marathon. They even let my son drive the boat.
For diving, we were treated well by Tilden Scuba.

 

[vermonter310]

Thanks

 

[Capt_Cully]

Off the beaten path but go to El Sibonay http://www.elsiboneyrestaurant.com/menu.htm THE BEST cuban food in the Keys (it's on Key West). Homestyle cookin the locals mob the place. Wife and I went and ate like kings and drank several beers, whole bill was under $40. Can't beat it!

We had our rehearsal dinner at El Mason de Pepe, also excellent Cuban food right near Mallory Square (where you're supposed to go watch the sunset). The mojitos are DEADLY!!! got black-out drunk the night before my wedding and got thrown out of Sloppy Joes for starting a fight with some firemen. I'd limit your mojitos to 10 or 12. http://www.elmesondepepe.com/

 

[vermonter310]

Now thats good info.... Thanks Capt !

 

[Masoch]

Here are a bunch of pics from snorkelling in John Pennekamp (marine sanctuary off Key Largo):

1
2

 

[hllywd]

I dive further north at Deerfield Beach so can't say much about the Keys other than I like to snorkel at Bahia Honda SP.
MM88 Restaraunt has a great sunset and food. Don't miss the night sky away from the lights. The shimp ceviche at the Hogs Breath goes great with a few beers! For breakfast try La Creperie http://lacreperiekeywest.com/history/
Have a great time!
Tim

 

[SeaJayInSC]

I can't believe that nobody's mentioned the Speigel Grove yet...

 

[hllywd]

I go with Dixie Divers. They do occasional trips to the Speigel Grove, but I haven't been there a the right time yet...

 

[Jeff]

This thread is great. I have a trip booked for July (I know HOT) and am taking a couple trips to snorkel with my daughter. This will give me an idea what snorkel trips to book .
Anybody used this place? http://www.reefroamersnorkel.com/snorkeling.php

 

[hllywd]

You might try here too http://www.bahiahondapark.com/ . It's definately a scorcher in July. I've never been on the boat trip but have always gone off the beach. Great location, beaches, and view. John Pennecamp SP has similar services http://www.pennekamppark.com/ I just like to be further south!
Tim

 

[vermonter310]

What an excellent few days..... the laid back and relaxed attitude of the locals...sun, temps in the high 80's, plenty to do...or not... great food(and plenty of it) and a bar every five feet!

Jeff, Capt_Cully was absolutly right about El Mason de Pepe.. didn't get to El Sibonay unfortunatly... perhaps next trip...

We went to the reef with Sebago trips... only about 12 of us on the catamaran Marquesa, at almost 70' we had plenty of space...great crew and captian and the free wine and beer after our hour and a half in the water was great too..

glad I didn't book any activities online ahead of time... prices were better standing at the dock than advertised online... and we never had any trouble booking anything just a half day in advance..

we were able to get on the schooner liberty for one of her last three sails in the keys.. awesome sunset and dinner cruise....

 

[Capt_Cully]

Glad you had a good time. Next time hit El Sibonay for sure. I've got to his Bahia Honda next time I'm down there. I hear good things.

 

[hllywd]

Lots of fun down there vermonter310, glad you had some of it!
Try it Capt, you won't be disappointed!