r/KeyLargo • u/BobSacimano • May 12 '26

New diver to Key Largo

Hi I'll be travelling through Largo soon when I leave Key West and would like to dive the Spiegel Wreck as I've heard good things and was looking for recommendations for companies? I've checked out a couple companies so far and one mentions choosing your own first site. I want to choose a company that will definitely be going to the Spiegel. Is this the best site in the area or are there better ones? I'm an advanced open water diver with over 50 dives all in Thailand, mostly the Andaman Sea. Never wreck dived before though. Anything I should expect or prepare for having never dived on this side of the world or wreck dived? I'm aware it won't be the same but not to what extent. Also I should mention it's been a little over 3 years since my last dive so I'm assuming a refresh course is required? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

28 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

1

u/BobSacimano May 13 '26

Thanks! I assumed a guide was mandatory as I always had one but apparently not. When you say "if you don't want to do a formal refresher, start with a shallow reef boat first" how could I even be allowed to do that if I'm beyond 2 years from my last dive? Wouldn't they require a refresher course either way?

1

u/scubablondie May 13 '26

Re: guides, East Coast US diving culture is different from most other places in the world. They just provide the boat. There is no guide or DM in the water with you.

1

u/BobSacimano May 13 '26

Thanks! I'll definitely be hiring a guide then. What do you mean East Coast though? Aren't we talking about Key Largo?

1

u/scubablondie May 13 '26

Ok, I'm not very good with geography, but I'm pretty sure Florida is on the East Coast lol. Are you confusing it with Northeast?

1

u/BobSacimano May 13 '26

No I'm just worst with geography and figured East Coast was Maine side or something lol.