Are there any operators in the Keys who offer larger tanks?

[Mike]

I haven't noticed any mention of tanks sizes available on any of the dive operator's websites I've been looking at in the Keys. Are there just no options other than aluminum 80s in the keys?

 

[Wookie]

Most everyone has steel 100's. Call ahead and ask.

 

[Mike]

Most everyone? Damn, why do they keep it a secret?????

That is sweet.

 

[mselenaous]

Actually, not most, only some do. AL80 is predominant. A few have limited#of 100s. Usually not mentioned on websites due to limited #s.
Ocean Divers & Conch Republic I know have a few. CRD does have them on their website.
Capt. Slates Atlantis I, believe has LP95. And Ive seen different size tanks at Silent World.
I recommend calling around and reserving in advance.

 

[Wookie]

Actually, not most, only some do. AL80 is predominant. A few have limited#of 100s. Usually not mentioned on websites due to limited #s.
Ocean Divers & Conch Republic I know have a few. CRD does have them on their website.
Capt. Slates Atlantis I, believe has LP95. And Ive seen different size tanks at Silent World.
I recommend calling around and reserving in advance.

Sorry, Elena is right. Let me rephrase. The shops I would consider diving with (CRD, Silent World, Horizon, Dive Key West, etc.) have larger tanks. YMMV with other shops. As I say, call ahead, there will usually be an extra charge and if it's busy, you will have to reserve.

If you notice, those shops are the ones who cater to tech divers except for DKW. Most operators cater to the 40 minute limit 40 foot deep 40 minute SI 40 minute limit 40 foot deep vacation diver, so an Al-80 is plenty of gas. Until you take them to the SG or the Vandenberg.

 

[Katch]

I guess a big reason is that there always seems to be that one couple who ignores the "be back in one hour" order by the captain. Everyone else is sitting on the boat waiting for that one couple to get their a$$ back onboard. Imagine how late they'd be if they dove with 100's :shocked2:

 

[Mike]

Are there any operators that let you dive longer than an hour or is an hour the limit in the keys?

 

[Scott L]

Are there any operators that let you dive longer than an hour or is an hour the limit in the keys?

Silent World, if you demonstrate proficiency...

 

[Wookie]

Are there any operators that let you dive longer than an hour or is an hour the limit in the keys?

Try to find a shop that is doing a double on something. Double Molasses, double vandy, double SG, whatever. Show them you are not a complete and total retard.

I know you are not interested in liveaboard, but we start diving at 8 AM, dive 5 times, and don't limit anyone's bottom times unless it's obvious the diver is buried in deco every dive. Then it's not a bottom time issue, but a deco for those not certified issue. Most boat don't even show up on the Vandy until we have dived and had a nice breakfast. They show up at 9:30 at the earliest and sometimes at 10. They have to get 2 dives, a surface interval, and be back to the dock at 12 to make another run.

I'm not trying to get you to change your plans, as we have nothing available for you when you'll be here. I'm trying to let you know how we see other dive shops operate here....

 

[CajunDiva]

My experience has been that it's more about schedule and less about giving you the freedom to dive your limits. If the one hour dive time limit is maintained, the dive boat has time to make it back to shore around lunch time and get the boat ready to head back out for the afternoon dives. When diving with Rainbow Reef Dive Center, they respectfully request that we arrive back at the boat in an hour's time. So far on all of our trips everyone complied and the trips ran smoothly. Of course if there's a group of divers that want to follow their own schedule, there's also a boat for private charter and you can make your own schedule