Looking for a safe fun dive op in Key Largo for August.

[cidcolada]

I have been certified for about 7mo, my wife got her OW this past weekend. We have booked a hotel for a week in Key Largo at the end of August, and are looking for some input on which dive shop to book dives with.

I'm not looking to do anything too deep or challenging, as my wife probably won't be ready for that by then. We are most interested in the reefs around Pennekamp, and maybe some shallow wrecks like the Benwood.

I guess what I'm looking for is... Who would you recommend booking with and why them, or why not a certain Op.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Welcome to SB. I'm sure you'll get much input. This is one of the most common questions posted here in the Florida branch. A quick search reveals a few relatively recent threads:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida-diving/473354-diving-center-key-largo.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/deep-dixie-divers/468375-key-largo-recommendations-wanted.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida-diving/466725-key-largo-dive-shop-recommendation.html

 

[cidcolada]

You know what... I should have thought of that, I'm not new to online forums and I have used the search function on SB many times...

Anyway thanks for the reply, and I'll get to reading the threads you referenced.

 

[drrich2]

I dove with Rainbow Reef Dive Center so I could get 4 dives per day (1 2-tank morning trip, 1 2-tank afternoon trip). And they put guides in the water at no added change. 2 Guides for 2 groups when there are several divers. Can do deep wrecks, but you don't have to. A 20 dive package was $600 plus taxes and tips. Very nice. And a well-reputable op.

Depending on how much diving you want to do, this could be a good match for you. If you explore a different op., you might want to find out whether they provide free guide service and how many dives per day you can get in.

Richard.

 

[danvolker]

I have been certified for about 7mo, my wife got her OW this past weekend. We have booked a hotel for a week in Key Largo at the end of August, and are looking for some input on which dive shop to book dives with.

I'm not looking to do anything too deep or challenging, as my wife probably won't be ready for that by then. We are most interested in the reefs around Pennekamp, and maybe some shallow wrecks like the Benwood.

I guess what I'm looking for is... Who would you recommend booking with and why them, or why not a certain Op.

Thanks in advance.

My suggestion would be to dive with Spencer Slate of Atlantis dive Center....Spencer is a larger than life, pioneer of diving in the Keys...He not only runs a great operation, he is really fun to dive with... I like to push Palm Beach....but if I am going to dive the Keys, Spencer is the only operator I will go with.

 

[CajunDiva]

+1 for Rainbow Reef Dive Center. Scuba Diving Florida Keys | Rainbow Reef Dive Center | Key Largo, FL

As Richard mentioned, there are complimentary dive guides in the water with you. You and your newly certified bride will get much more out of the dives that way. RRDC runs two boats - one to the shallow reef sites and one to the deeper wreck sites. You can book in advance and reserve a spot on whichever boat you choose. In fact, by that time they will have their brand new 46' Newton boat in service...we are looking forward to diving off of the "Tropical Odyssey" in June during the 2nd annual "Cajun Invasion"!

They also offer discounted lodging with their dive packages, but it looks like you've already got your accommodations worked out. Whoever you decide to dive with, have a great time in Key Largo. Please be sure to come back and give us a review so we can live vicariously through you

 

[FaithC]

+2 for Rainbow Reef. Just did two days of diving with them last week and I cannot say enough good things about them. I was OW certified in June and these were my first boat dives. You and your wife should be very comfortable and pleased with Rainbow Reef.

 

[Rich Keller]

I would go with Conch Republic as my #1 choice. Conch Republic Divers If you are willing to drive down to MM80 there is a good 6 pack charter called Seamonkey Watersports. Welcome to SeaMonkeys Watersports! Islamorada, Florida They always put a dive guide in the water with you at no charge and dive Alligator Reef that is nice and shallow.

 

[snowdog61]

Horizon Divers and Quiescence are two I have used and can recommend for the Pennekamp area. Horizon has a large cat for for the reefs and a smaller boat for the advanced/wrecks. Quiecence is strictly 6-packs and more of a no frills op but will generally take you where you want to go if asked. haven't had any issues with either. I'd suggest going on the morning dive slot before the winds pick up. you can always go out again in the afternoon....

 

[cidcolada]

Thanks for the many replies. It seems that Rainbow Reef is a pretty universally liked operation, and it's close to our accommodations.

Horizon Divers is also very close. Both have good things written about them on TripAdvisor.com. Thanks Snowdog61 for mentioning them, does anybody else have any experience with this group?

Rich, SeaMonkeys seems like a good option too, as I like smaller boats myself and I like the idea of a guide on every trip.

CajunDiva, I will certainly post a trip review when we get back. Hopefully with plenty of good pictures to share as well.