New OW Diver looking to decide between Horizon vs Rainbow Reef

[FreqFlier]

I I remember well, RR in Key Largo and Key Dives in Islamorada are the only ones to put guide in the water for free. RR may be a bit overwhelming op for a new diver, but that's who they cater for mostly.
Our choices in the upper keys are Horizon in KL, Conch Republic and Key Dives in Islamorada.
For free or not, you really want their guide in the water with you anyways.

 

[The Chairman]

I lived for 10+ years in the Keys. I never dove with an op that I didn't like. I've even had @Capt Jim Wyatt as a captain, and he was great. Sure, the more polished you are, the easier any dive op is, but all of the shops in the Keys deal with noobies every single day.

Every

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Single​

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Day!!!​

They'd go out of business if they couldn't do this one important task. So, you don't know which one to use? Book one the first day and try the other the very next day. They're not your girlfriend or wife, so you aren't cheating.

 

[Nemrod]

Conch Republic.

If you are unsure of yourself as a new diver and a new area you are not familiar with, you may just need to hire a guide for the first few dives, especially if something like the Spiegel Grove or other deeper dive where current is normal. There is nothing wrong with hiring a guide. You do not know what you do not know until you realize you do not know it. Nothing wrong with even experienced divers hiring a guide to show them the ropes and introduce them to a new place.

 

[atxdiver]

@tardistraveler You've mentioned the Benwood often. It's a cool dive. It's also where most of the folks, including Rainbow, go for their night dives. It's usually Wednesday and sometimes Friday. Totally a function of demand. I'd ask about that. Benwood at night is very different from Benwood during the day. A good dive in both cases, but at night it's turtle city. I think I had 10 on my last night dive there.

 

[Dan G]

+1 for Benwood. Saw my first juvenile drum on the Benwood. I'd also recommend City of Washington as a shallow wreck for beginners. You'll have a guide, but it is also very easy to navigate so if you feel up for it, you can see if the guide will let you lead a little and you'll gain some confidence being in charge of navigation. Not sure if guides are allowed to not be first, but you can ask.

 

[tardistraveler]

@tardistraveler You've mentioned the Benwood often. It's a cool dive. It's also where most of the folks, including Rainbow, go for their night dives. It's usually Wednesday and sometimes Friday. Totally a function of demand. I'd ask about that. Benwood at night is very different from Benwood during the day. A good dive in both cases, but at night it's turtle city. I think I had 10 on my last night dive there.

I didn’t plan for a night dives. Tbh, I have no idea what to expect in terms of currents, etc. my OW cert dives were in a quarry in PA. I am used to wetsuits, hoods but have not done an ocean dive. Looking forward to it but mentally preparing for the unknowns. Especially first encounters of any large marine life upclose is going to a bit nervous. So, not trying to add night diving in the mix. If all goes well this time, definitely planning to visit the keys regularly.

 

[Tripp]

Sorry, I've been out of town.
My experience most recently was in September 2024,
The night dive they do is great, very little current, to a wreck with lots of turtles among other things to see.
Cheers

 

[The Chairman]

There is rarely any current on the Benwood. Be sure to look under the boat. No, you can't swim there, but if you get really low, you can shine a light and see all sorts of critters.

 

[FreqFlier]

Especially first encounters of any large marine life upclose is going to a bit nervous.

Marine life will never touch you unless touched first sometimes...

 

[The Chairman]

Marine life will never touch you unless touched first sometimes...

Indeed. Almost all injuries from aquatic biota are defensive. Jelly stings are an obvious exception, but you don't have to be hit if you have good situational awareness.