Florida Keys Dive Center - any recent(ish) experience?

[Eric802]

Heading down to the Keys later this month, staying at the northern end of Marathon. I've been looking at dive ops that offer wreck dives without having to drive all the way up to Key Largo and Florida Keys Dive Center came up - the offer a wreck dive trip (usually on the Eagle, apparently) on Thursday mornings, which would be perfect. I've searched around and most of the info on the place is several years old.

Anyone have any semi-recent experience or info on the operation? Do they tend to fill the boat or is the number of folks on the trip just luck of the draw? Any information is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Nemrod]

It has been a couple of years and I know they got a new owner along the way (who I met and who told me she intended to change nothing) but my recommendation is Conch Republic in Tavener Key.

 

[Rae HalfTheHill]

I believe Conch Republic, Islamorada Dive Center, and Keys Dives all offer dives to the Eagle. I've used all three operations and would recommend them equally, with maybe a slight bias to Conch Republic as I deal with them more on a captain-to-captain level.

In terms of your second question-every shop is going to have a minimum number of people required to run the trip. It makes no sense to run the trip as a loss. And most shops will fill a boat if they can, especially in what is looking like a below average (in terms of business) season coming up.

 

[Nemrod]

I believe Conch Republic, Islamorada Dive Center, and Keys Dives all offer dives to the Eagle. I've used all three operations and would recommend them equally, with maybe a slight bias to Conch Republic as I deal with them more on a captain-to-captain level.

In terms of your second question-every shop is going to have a minimum number of people required to run the trip. It makes no sense to run the trip as a loss. And most shops will fill a boat if they can, especially in what is looking like a below average (in terms of business) season coming up.

Rae, who do you captain for, PM me if shy about it in public forum please.

 

[Eric802]

Decided to head up to Tavernier and go out with Conch Republic, so if anyone wants to do the 8:30 Customer’s Choice dive with me on 4/28, sign up! Hopefully it’ll be a wreck dive.

 

[Rae HalfTheHill]

Rae, who do you captain for, PM me if shy about it in public forum please.

Not shy at all, I post a bit on here. I captain for Rainbow Reef. Feel free to DM with any questions!