Historic return to the Florida Keys

I was born and raised in Pasco County Florida. My Mom still lives there.
I moved away back in 1980 and visit Mom every few years.

Back in the '60's my family would trailer our boat down to Bahia Honda 6-8 times a year.

Usually our destination would be American Shoals lighthouse where we would dive, snorkle and spearfish. I haven't been back to the Keys since 1972.

My wife who has never been to the Keys, and I are planning a 3-4 day trip (middle May this year) to the lower Keys in addition to visiting Mom. My plan is to find modest lodgeing, rent a boat for those days and spend them diving American Shoals.

Is the reef and water like it used to be?
Crowds? What to expect?
Suggestions are appreciated.

Re: Historic return to the Florida Keys

Be prepared for a real bad case of 'culture shock'. I really suggest you make some contact with the Chamber of Commerce and then start a Google search on where you want to go.
After a 36 year hiatus nothing will appear the same. All of the smaller marina's are being eaten up by big business to make mega-million resorts as well as anything that resembles 'modest lodging'. It will not be how you remember it.
http://fla-keys.com/lowerkeys/
http://www.lowerkeyschamber.com/

Re: Historic return to the Florida Keys

You just described pretty much all of the Florida coast.

Florida WAS a place that you went to "get away from it all". Now the whole state has become like New York City, where you want to leave as soon as you get there!

My family an I used to go to Goodland FL, on the Mangrove side of Marco Island, forget it dead and all the locals are waiting for the $5 million payoff for their 200 ft of swamp frontage.

Re: Historic return to the Florida Keys

I have no problem recommending a place called The SUGARLOAF INN on sugarloaf or little sugarloaf. Old place that sure needs renovation but that might ruin it. Very good, reasonable resturant, layed back tiki bar and lots of water all around. I consider the rates very reasonable and the rooms suitable if not a bit dated. If you stay there be sure to visit the BAT TOWER off by the small airport regards FRED

Re: Historic return to the Florida Keys

Just gave it a bit more thought and re read your post, I will highly recommend The Sugarloaf Inn. Like I said, it is dated but well worth looking into. Was a sort of dolphin research center 20 maby 30 yrs ago. Clean pool, boat rentals and charters, lots of acerage around the place and deserted at night except for the locals at the tiki bar. Believe it is at mile marker 17. Try it for an afternoon and night and you just might be taken back in time. FRED

Re: Historic return to the Florida Keys

One more thing and I promise to leave you alone. If you have not made the trip to the keys in awhile, consider this route. 75 to the exit just before the tolls for aligator alley. Head towards MARCO ISLAND and pick up 41 south. 41 south till you get to the seminol casino, Make a right, believe it is KROME blvd, to HOMESTEAD. Pick up rt. 1 there. Secondary roads but a much easier trip than going to Ft. Lauderdale/ miami area and that traffic. Could not pay me to drive in that area again. This coming from a guy who commuted in the NYC/ PHILA. area all my life. Be sure to have gas when you get on 41, gets awful londsome and desolate out there. Now I will leave. FRED

Re: Historic return to the Florida Keys

Thanks for the help and suggestions. And you don't have to run off Fred.
gcboat, the links are in my favorites.

I was looking at Dolphin Inn & Marina on Little Torch Key. The prices didn't scare me off and they have rental boats.

Recommendations are highly considered. I will look into Sugarloaf, dated isn't a bad thing as long as it is clean. The boat and diving experience are primary anyhow.

Plane tickets have been purchased and we'll be in the Keys May 13-16.

Fred, can you give me some insight on what the weather and water conditions might be during that time?
Clear skys and water? Wind?
With luck, every day will be spent over the reef.

Secondary roads but a much easier trip than going to Ft. Lauderdale/ miami area and that traffic.

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Even back in those days we'd go through Homestead.

Re: Historic return to the Florida Keys

Can only guess on what the conditions will be. Can say that you picked the best time of year. When people come to visit us I always urge them to wait at least till the middle of APR. Anytime earlier and there is a good chance of having to much wind for smaller boating. Right now anytime after 4 pm. can get uncomfortably cool with the angle of the sun so far south.
Dont forget to prepair for the no-see-ums. Can still be a problem. Recommend you get sportsmans 40% DEET at wallyworld. Works but can melt paint and plastic. I have progressed to RAID house/garden ( green top ) or flying insect ( blue top ). Spray it on your skin and clothing. It has not bothered me yet and I am 64. regards FRED

Re: Historic return to the Florida Keys

Thanks Fred,
Yes, as a Florida native I've been well imprinted on the no-c-em/skeeter situation.
And I've never been attacked by either as severely as I have in the keys.

Re: Historic return to the Florida Keys

Dolphin Inn & Marina on Little Torch Key is dated but a nice place to stay. we stay the month of August, on Little Torch on the same side as Dolphin. the management is really nice. right across the bridge on the right, in Big Pine is Strike Zone Charters, they have a really nice 1/2 day tour out to Looe Key Reef, 7 miles off shore for the best snorkeling in the keys. we took the trip several times, until we felt comfortable to take our own boat out to the reef.
Strike Zone Charters
Phone: (305) 872-9863
Big Pine Key , FL 33043

for groceries, continue into Big Pine, i think it is the second traffic light, turn left, and there is a Winn Dixie.

also for a Dinner do not miss the NO NAME PUB, the best pizza i ever put in my mouth. to get to the Pub, you take the right fork at the Winn Dixie, and follow the signs to no name key. the place is on the right, right after you cross the bridge to no name, it will sneak up on you.

http://www.nonamepub.com/

Re: Historic return to the Florida Keys

tashasdaddy said:

Dolphin Inn & Marina on Little Torch Key is dated but a nice place to stay. we stay the month of August, on Little Torch on the same side as Dolphin. the management is really nice. right across the bridge on the right, in Big Pine is Strike Zone Charters, they have a really nice 1/2 day tour out to Looe Key Reef, 7 miles off shore for the best snorkeling in the keys. we took the trip several times, until we felt comfortable to take our own boat out to the reef.
Strike Zone Charters
Phone: (305) 872-9863
Big Pine Key , FL 33043

for groceries, continue into Big Pine, i think it is the second traffic light, turn left, and there is a Winn Dixie.

also for a Dinner do not miss the NO NAME PUB, the best pizza i ever put in my mouth. to get to the Pub, you take the right fork at the Winn Dixie, and follow the signs to no name key. the place is on the right, right after you cross the bridge to no name, it will sneak up on you.

http://www.nonamepub.com/

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Thank you for the directions for supplys and food, and for confirming the nice management.
I'll get this reservation nailed down too.

American Shoal is just South of Looe Key. Even after all these years the memory is so vivid the entire 7 mile trip and the reef itself.