Key Largo Diveshop Recommendations for Beginner

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

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

Agree 100%. It can blow and be cold for days on end so no boat can go out. It can be calm & warm too.

The Duval Crawl is a great alternative.

 

[atxdiver]

Welcome to scuba! Key Largo is a great place to be during the cold winter. I'm a fan of Amoray Dive Center and typically dive with them (was last there in September and would have been there two weeks ago but for the crazy snow in Texas). They don't provide a guide/DM, but I add one since it cuts out the random buddy issue and the locals know where the good stuff is. I'm a retired IDCS, so this is just about ensuring a competent buddy who knows the local environment. It's worth the additional $. I've used several of them and always had a good time. Just make a call in advance and tell them what you're looking for. I also like them because I can stay on the property and walk to the boat.

Agree with the other posters on Horizon and Conch. I like both a lot and will happily dive with them again.

 

[jtreed]

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

I would look into Key Dives in Islamorada. Just a bit South of Key Largo. They also put a dive master in the water, but much smaller than rainbow reef. We dove with them earlier this month, and they were great. Had some basic newbie issues, and they helped us out without making a big deal of it.

 

[fred32176]

I did my 7th - 10th dives with Rainbow Reef. They are cattle boats and put enough guides in the water that you will have a reasonable sized group. Very newbie friendly.

Captain Hook (Marthon) is also cattle boats and newbie friendly with guides.

Looe Key Reef out of Ramrod Key goes to Looe Key reef which is one of the least damaged and a very shallow reef. They have lots of snorkelers on the boat. Looe Key Reef won't put a guide in the water with you (for free).

 

[MrChen]

I'll add my 2 cents. I don't recommend RR for experienced divers, but my issues with them are likely a benefit for newer divers.

 

[tekkydiver]

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.

Doesn't matter

 

[Doc Harry]

Dunno where you live, but consider Cozumel instead.

The people are infinity nicer in Mexico, the food is infinitely better, the diving is infinitely better, and it's probably cheaper than going to Florida.

 

[pickens_46929]

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

I'll 2nd Silent World. Very patient and good to newbies.