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

[gamon]

Well, the guy who booked it first (I was second) apparently did it online and didn't call to say where he wanted to go, so it was still up in the air when I posted.

It happens that some divers don't care where they go as long as they dive. So if a particular dive site is not requested by the first diver to book a certain date, then the next diver who books can choose the site. Unless there's a general request such as "we are a group of 3, we aren't that experienced so we want to go shallow". So don't expect a drop on the Duane. Which you will be told when you call CDR- it's going to be a reef but you can still pick which one , as long as it meets the requirements of the diver(s) who called ahead of you.

 

[DiverDan1975]

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!

I recommend Islamorada dive center. They are a well-run operation and offer a large variety of experiences from discover scuba to guided spearfishing trips. If the conditions are good, you can expect a packed boat. Consider hiring a private guide. I have down that several times and it is worth the money.

 

[Eric802]

They (Conch Republic) were actually great about it - they asked me what I wanted to do, said they'd check back with the first booker and call me back. They did, and said he was fine with wrecks but didn't care which. So I got to pick and chose Spiegel Grove.