Info about cruising around Key Largo

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Jim

Paul or others in the Key Largo area, We are looking to spend a week during Thanksgiving at the Key Lime Sailing Club, their boats are on the Florida bay side of Key Largo I think. They have 22 foot O'Days and Catalinas. What are some good day sails out of Key Largo and what's the best way to get to/from Florida Bay/Blackwater to the Straits of Florida in that area? I know the more famous reefs are 3 to 8 miles out in the Atlantic, but are there any snorkling spots in the Key Largo area that you can beach dive? Whats the most useful chart for that area, 11464 or 11462? Or does someone publish a private chart that you like? And whats a great local breakfast joint? :) Thanks, Jim
 
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b393capt

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Aug 1, 2005
84
Beneteau J-Boat Huntington, NY
Go To The Reefs

I had the same question. After some investigating, including asking locals and going to these web sites ... http://www.pennekamp.com/dive/sites.htm http://www.keylargo.org/snorkel.htm ... it was clear the best way to go was to pick up a mooring at one of many good snorkling locations that are less than 1/2 hour sail (after you clear the Key Largo buoys). My favorite snorkling spot was North North Dry Rocks (that wasn't a typing error), due to how pristine it was. My experience was that these sites were suitable for begginner snorkling. For one of my crew it was their first, and they did well having a float to hold onto.
 
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b393capt

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Aug 1, 2005
84
Beneteau J-Boat Huntington, NY
Restraunt

Oh .. the resturtant at Key Largo Marine is excellent, and popular with the locals as well as the sailors. Breakfast was good, Dinner had a party atmosphere coupled with great service, good seafood and steaks, and great prices for drinks and food.
 
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Sanders LaMont

Don't miss the park

Follow DWC's first link and check out the park. Pennekamp is the best snorkeling and diving in the Keys, as it is a marine preserve. The park service concession offers half and full day tours, which might be an easier way to snorkle on the ocean reef side. Or you can rent a small power boat. The sailing bayside will be fun, but it may take some time to get through to the reef side. Call ahead and ask your motel manager about that. But don't miss the snorkeling in the park. It's terrific. When you get home, post a report on how the sailing worked out. I might follow your lead. Sanders
 
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Geo8308

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Mar 7, 2005
10
- - Matecumbe, Florida Keys
It will take you a while....

to get to the reefs of Pennikamp. The sailing club you mentioned is directly across the island from the southernmost boundry of the park. The closest point to cross from bayside to oceanside with a sailboat is at snake creek, some 14 miles south. I agree with Sanders, rent a powerboat at Pennikamp ot go out on one of the dive boats. Check this link: http://www.bootkeyharbor.com/upperkeys.htm For breakfast, Try Harriet's...about 2 to 3 miles south, on the bayside. Wishing you fair winds, Geo s/v "Whipray" http://community-2.webtv.net/geosite/doc3/index.html
 
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Paul Mieszczenski

Jim from Dana Point

Jim, Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, I'm opening up a brand new school and things are a bit hectic. The other responces are correct about taking a dive trip out of Pennekamp. It is a long ride down to Snake Creek and then out to the reefs. You do not want to be too far away from shelter during that time of year. The fronts start getting pretty strong from the north and it is not the place to be in a 22 footer. They do blow through quickly and there will be plenty of time for some good daysails out in Buttonwood Sound and Florida Bay. As for charts you can pick up a Tealls dive and fishing chart for free almost anywhere. It is an advertising gimmick but the charts are as accurate as the $15 ones. It's all I ever use in the cockpit. For breakfast we like Gannom's up by The entrance to Pennekamp Park; healthy portions of good food. If you have any other questions my E-mail is zenskip@palmbeach.k12.fl.us Drop us a line before you leave. We are usually down ther for that week. PM
 
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Paul Mieszczenski

Jim from Dana Point

Jim, Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, I'm opening up a brand new school and things are a bit hectic. The other responces are correct about taking a dive trip out of Pennekamp. It is a long ride down to Snake Creek and then out to the reefs. You do not want to be too far away from shelter during that time of year. The fronts start getting pretty strong from the north and it is not the place to be in a 22 footer. They do blow through quickly and there will be plenty of time for some good daysails out in Buttonwood Sound and Florida Bay. As for charts you can pick up a Tealls dive and fishing chart for free almost anywhere. It is an advertising gimmick but the charts are as accurate as the $15 ones. It's all I ever use in the cockpit. For breakfast we like Gannom's up by The entrance to Pennekamp Park; healthy portions of good food. If you have any other questions my E-mail is zenskip@palmbeach.k12.fl.us Drop us a line before you leave. We are usually down ther for that week. PM
 
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