Key Largo Diveshop Recommendations for Beginner

[OceanApricot]

Newbie scuba diver here, I'm looking into getting away from the cold winter weather and heading to Key Largo in March to do some diving. Which diveshops would you guys recommend for a beginner? I've logged about 10 dives total, open water and nitrox certified.

 

[Dan G]

The two ops I like using the most are Horizon and Conch Republic. Plenty of good ops to choose from, however.

 

[Almanac]

I like Rainbow Reef. They put a guide in the water and are pretty chill. They don't offer refreshments and the boats can be chaotic with the amount of people, but they will not leave you at the dock. Good place for someone with a few dives just wanting to look at fish; if you can live with a crowded boat. Also the price ($100 for tanks, weights, and a guide) is hard to beat.

 

[dorsal]

I like rainbow reef. I did a few dives with them just last week. They have lots of choices for dive locations with morning and afternoon trips.

 

[Rilelen]

My go-to recommendations for Key Largo are Horizon, Conch Republic, and Silent World.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

For a beginner diver, Rainbow Reef in Key Largo, or the Capt Hooks in Big Pine Key. Both cater to newer divers

 

[rhwestfall]

We had a great experience with RR when we did a trip to KL. The daughter was a newly mintes diver, and basically buddied with the guide, and the wife and I paired up. Great experience (aside from the weather, and someone stealing equipment)...

 

[RGDiver]

Go with Rainbow Reef as they put a guide in the water with you. Horizon does sometimes, but I have been out with them when they have not. Water will be a bit chilly in March it does not start to warm up till mid April so be sure you have a wetsuit. Horizon staff are a bit friendlier, Rainbow is more of a cattle boat operation. Both are good options.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

I vote Rainbow Reef, or Conch Republic for entry level/beginner divers.

Rainbow Reef Website

Rainbow Reef Trip Advisor

 

[-JD-]

March can still be pretty windy and kick up the surf in March.

We had our March 3-day diving window completely blown-out when we were in Key Largo several years ago. When we got down to Key West the next day, the Dry Tortugas ferry crew were reporting that the waves had been breaking over the 2nd-deck bridge during that time frame.

I'd suggest having alternate activities in mind just in case.