BM> I'm planning on heading down towards the Florida Keys in the latter part
BM> of July.
BM>
BM> What are some diving outfits I should concentrate on using with
BM> interesting sites to visit?  Also, I will have my wife and two kids (11
BM> and 6) along. What activities are "close by" for them to see while I am
BM> diving?
BM> 
BM> Any help is appreciated.
BM>
BM> Beery Miller
    I have been diving many times in the Keys, and most of the Dive 
Operations 
are pretty good...no frills, but good.  Some of the divemasters are real
cowboys, most let you do your own thing.  If you five me a couple days, I'll
dig up my log book and let you know which ones I liked the best.
    If you want to comprimise and do something fun for the whole family, you
can find snorkeling charters to Looe Key Marine Sanctuary at a price much
cheaper than diving, and everybody is included.  I have seen a few big
barracuda out there, so if your kids are going to be freaked by that kind of
stuff you may want to stay close to them.  But it's a pretty good way to 
spend 
half a day, the boat ride is nice, and the snorkeling is first rate.  It is 
in 
about 30 feet of water, but rock formations and coral heads come up within a
couple feet of the surface in many places.  And, with equipment 
considerations 
and everything, you can probably take a family of four on one of these
snorkeling trips for the price of a couple diving.
    I'll keep you informed on the names of places and other specifics.
--- Aeolus v1.1 (#49820790)
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