Key Largo shops/diving

[AZdiver1279]

Just to clarify Ocean Divers -

They are not a "bad" operation; could not stay in business in the competitive upper Keys if they were.

However, they are a cattle boat OP and I MUCH prefer a smaller number of divers on the boat.

Jupiter31 -

No worries, I never dove with them so I wouldn't be able to make that determination. I would agree they're doing something right to thrive in the Keys. I wouldn't ever say anyone was a bad op without personal experience.

I apologize if that's how anyone took it but just to clear the air -I certainly didn't think I said they were a bad op. It was just an observation that 3 or 4 dive shops out of all the dive shops in the Keys kept getting recommended.

Mostly for us it's not the size of the boat but rather the % of capacity they fill it, some 6 packs are cramped with 6 divers, some 40' boats are spacious with 20 divers, of course the number of divers in the water matters too - thus - like you I normally prefer the smaller boats. My wife prefers bigger boats because she sometimes gets motion sickness on the 6 packs.

Everyones entitled to their preference

Take care!

 

[scubadada]

Key friends,

I've been out with Ocean Divers many times including several trips to the Duane on Sunday afternoon with just 2 divers. Not many operators would go with a minimum of 2 customers, they guarantee it. Very reliable transportation and very nice people. I appreciate the previous comment about a stable, larger boat when conditions are not optimal, its not that infrequent. I've been out on a few full boats (high 20s I think). I'm reasonably competetive and can fend for myself, it's never been a problem. Personally, I wouldn't knock it if if I hadn't tried it.

Contrarily yours, good diving, Craig

 

[gotwake]

I'm glad I ran across this thread. The wife and I are headed down to Key Largo in April. It will be the first time for us in the Keys. I'll have to give these recommended charters a call.