Key Largo shops/diving

[AZdiver1279]

We're a group of five divers going to Key Largo right after tax season.

We already have a place to stay and we've been there a few years ago, we won't dive with the shop we used before - too many students- it was chaos.

We would like to hear from others that have been there. What did you like ablut your Dive Shop/Boat? What did you not like? Please tell us all about it,

We're looking at Amy Amoray but are a little concerned about the time it takes to get to the sites since tey are on the bay side.

We're looking at Horizon but it appears they mix divers with snorklers - don't want none of that.

Looking at Ocean but I don't know if they are one of those 'cattle boat operators'

We are also looking at Scuba Do but I'm not sure about their entries and exits-seems time consumning.

Some interest in Conch but they seem to be too far to the south to hit some of the sites we want to see.

I'll be calling all those folks - just wanted to get some prospective from others.

Well, hopefully that will get us started on this thread.

Thanks so much for you helpful replies.

 

[deepstops]

Tell us who the dive op is that you've already eliminated, maybe things have changed with that operator.

Also, where are you staying?? That may impact who I suggested for an operator.

 

[AZdiver1279]

OK - didn't want to be negative but our experience with Rainbow Reef left a lot to be desired.

In fairness and in their defense part of our diving was done on the weekend so they had some shops from Miami bringing thier OW students down. We might have caught them at a bad time but it was a bit chaotic, too many divers and the capt left before the dock before the line was free - broke and snapped back giving one guy a nice bruise.

We're staying at Ocean Suites.

 

[deepstops]

No worries, Rainbow Reef is known for catering to newer divers and there's a place in the world for those operators that do.

Also, I'm not sure what you meant by this "also looking at Scuba Do but I'm not sure about their entries and exits-seems time consumning"

With five divers, you would pretty much take over any six-pack boat. Good six-packs are HMS Minnow and I've been hearing good reviews on Garden Cove Divers in northern Key Largo as well. You also have enough divers for any of the bigger boats to run as well.

Based on where you are staying, Conch is an easy choice as they are close by and can run as far north as the Spiegel Grove (maybe further?) but I personally like to shorten the boat ride if I can. Conch does the Eagle and the Duane and has some great reef sites like Crocker, Davis, Davey Crocker, Snapper Ledge, and Secret Garden.

Conversely, for the Spiegel, Molasses, French, and points north, I'd probably choose Silent World Key Largo (if I wasn't using one of the six-pack boats).

 

[DESIGNERDIVER]

We're a group of five divers going to Key Largo right after tax season.

We already have a place to stay and we've been there a few years ago, we won't dive with the shop we used before - too many students- it was chaos.

We would like to hear from others that have been there. What did you like ablut your Dive Shop/Boat? What did you not like? Please tell us all about it,

We're looking at Amy Amoray but are a little concerned about the time it takes to get to the sites since tey are on the bay side.

We're looking at Horizon but it appears they mix divers with snorklers - don't want none of that.

Looking at Ocean but I don't know if they are one of those 'cattle boat operators'

We are also looking at Scuba Do but I'm not sure about their entries and exits-seems time consumning.

Some interest in Conch but they seem to be too far to the south to hit some of the sites we want to see.

I'll be calling all those folks - just wanted to get some prospective from others.

Well, hopefully that will get us started on this thread.

Thanks so much for you helpful replies.

I have dived with Silent world and just booked a return trip with them for may. They were a pleasure. very helpful and very accomodating.

 

[mselenaous]

Amoray is also a cattle boat and will book snorklers as well (except on Speigel or Duane Trips). (Same type boat as Horizon).

Since it is just the five of you, why not charter a 6-pack and set your own agenda? I recommend Garden Cove Divers for this. www.gardencovedivers.com Give Captain Larry a call.

 

[Jrock1062]

if your looking for a six pack boat call Silent World (Chris and his wife owen the operation) they are very good,That’s who I recommend

 

[AZdiver1279]

No worries, Rainbow Reef is known for catering to newer divers and there's a place in the world for those operators that do.

Also, I'm not sure what you meant by this "also looking at Scuba Do but I'm not sure about their entries and exits-seems time consumning"

With five divers, you would pretty much take over any six-pack boat. Good six-packs are HMS Minnow and I've been hearing good reviews on Garden Cove Divers in northern Key Largo as well. You also have enough divers for any of the bigger boats to run as well.

Based on where you are staying, Conch is an easy choice as they are close by and can run as far north as the Spiegel Grove (maybe further?) but I personally like to shorten the boat ride if I can. Conch does the Eagle and the Duane and has some great reef sites like Crocker, Davis, Davey Crocker, Snapper Ledge, and Secret Garden.

Conversely, for the Spiegel, Molasses, French, and points north, I'd probably choose Silent World Key Largo (if I wasn't using one of the six-pack boats).

Thanks deepstops - I agree - we need operators like RR - just not for us this time.

Thanks for all the good info - I appreciate it, I've been making some calls and getting some good info. I especially appreciate the tip based on where we're staying - I hadn't stayed there before or Google Mapped it so I didn't know where Ocean Point Suites was in relation to all the operators - last time we stayed at Holiday Inn.

Take care!

 

[AZdiver1279]

I have dived with Silent world and just booked a return trip with them for may. They were a pleasure. very helpful and very accomodating.

Thanks! I actually called them - seems like a couple of good comments about them!

 

[AZdiver1279]

if your looking for a six pack boat call Silent World (Chris and his wife owen the operation) they are very good,That’s who I recommend

Thanks - more good press for Silent World!