Kelly's vs. Rainbow Reef--your thoughts?

[newbiescubie]

I know all y'all experienced divers (and experienced SCUBAsourcers) get this all the time, but here goes: I'm taking my first dive trip ever and I'm debating between Kelly's on the Bay and Rainbow Reef (w/Tropical Reef Resort). I'm leaning toward Kelly's after having read some horror stories about Tropical Reef Resort, but am interested in your opinions. Basically, being a newbie (and, I'll be honest, going on the trip for my hubby's sake--he's also a newbie), I'm trying to find the best, most complete package of resort and beginning dives. He's game to get certified, I'm thinking I might want to stick with the resort level baby stuff.

Okay, that's it. Have at, and thanks!

 

[scubawife]

Hi newbiescubie!

Check on the North America board in the Travel section. I've asked about Key Largo (and specifically Kelly's & Aquanuts) and I'm getting several responses. Not many fans of Aquanuts and seems that Kelly's is just ok. I know someone who was there last month and really liked it, but since it was his first trip anywhere, I wanted other opinion.

Diver City, Blue Water Divers and Horizon Divers all seem to be popular choices.

 

[Lead_carrier]

I have stayed at Kelly's on a number of trips and it is a decent place, nothing extravagant but it is clean and friendly. I haven't dove with Aquanut's in a couple of years but at the time they were fantastic, but then everyone but 2 people are gone. I have talked to a few of their people on a personal basis and I'm beginning to have some doubts about them. You'll find that every resort has people that love it and one's that hate it. You just have to wade through the "great" reviews and "trash them" and just go with your gut feeling.

 

[ivansie]

Newbie, I would recommend that first you ask yourself this question: would you feel comfortable in a big boat with 20-30 other diver/snorkelers or would you rather be on a small boat with probably more flexibility and personal attention, its all about personal preferences.

After you are clear about what you would rather have then narrow down the choices of different operators.

bye
ivan=-)

 

[WreckWriter]

both of these would be considered sorta "low end" I think. I guess if cost is the primary consideration....

 

[daylight]

Hey WW,
Kelly's and Acquanuts aren't low priced. When I used them , they were competitive but not below the going price. Kelly's was OK, clean and functional but a little cramped. I wasn't pleased with Acquanuts and won't use their operation again.
Larry