islamorada

[1Av8tr]

any suggestions for the best small group dive operator in Islamorada for group of 4 two pros, and two new divers. will be there Dec18-21 2023
Thanks,
Frank

 

[FreqFlier]

Quiescence?
Or potentially Sea Monkeys? (under new ownership though, not sure what that will be...)

 

[chrisjur]

Islamorada Dive Center is solid if you want to stick right to Islamorada. There are, of course, many other options up and down the keys if you want to drive a bit.

 

[1Av8tr]

Thanks for the info. I am checking Sea Monkeys because i have no use for cattle boats. Six pack diving gets me more of the type of diving i want.

 

[VsubT]

Island Ventures might be a good option. Fits most of your criteria, and they run a comfortable and safe boat.

Rate to buy the full boat for half or full day was pretty good for a group the last time we were there. Nice because you can pick the specific sites you want.

Lance

 

[Cheeserex]

Islamorada Dive Center is solid if you want to stick right to Islamorada. There are, of course, many other options up and down the keys if you want to drive a bit.

Did several days of diving with Islamorada and agree it’s a good operation. That said, I found the diving in the area to be a bit underwhelming. Maybe just bad timing…

 

[Dan G]

IMHO it may be worth driving north a bit to Key Largo and dive in Pennekamp Park. The diving, especially the artificial reefs, are very good. Although I have used 6-packs in the Keys, the boats in Florida do tend to be bigger which can be useful in the rougher seas they get compared to the Caribbean where a 6-pack is the way to go.

If you are diving as a group of two buddy pairs, for the most part Florida captains let you do what you wish as long as you adhere to park rules, return with 500+ PSI, and return from your dive by the time captain says to be back. When they say, "You need to back on the boat and in your seat by 11:30," they mean it. Basically, even with the bigger boats, I usually don't feel crowded as we definitely would in placed such as Cozumel.

Have a great trip!