New OW Diver looking to decide between Horizon vs Rainbow Reef

[Oldbear]

Selecting your first Dive Operator might seem daunting, but for dive operators a new diver is standard operations. You have given some excellent advice I think any of them will provide you a memorable experience.

My suggestion is to communicate truthfully your experience level, past diving (I believe you mentioned quarries) and what you would like out of your dives. If it is possible, they will accommodate your desires, but first they need to know them. I would write them ahead of time and see what their responses are.

Over the years I have planned a lot of dive trips based on Scubaboard recommendations, but I made my final choice based on our personal corespondents. Be truthful and have a life long memory.

BTW My first o dive after my OW class was in Cozumel with Paradise Dive. I chose them after numerous recommendation for a new diver…I had a blast.

 

[fred32176]

Try rainbow reef because they provide a free guide. If you are doing fine, a guide is going to point out interesting stuff, ask about your air pressure a few times, make sure you are within sight and make sure you get back to the boat.

If you go without a guide you may get an insta-buddy. Insta-buddies are a crap shoot, I've had great insta-buddies and horrible insta-buddies, but prefer not having an insta-buddy.

 

[SmashMonkey]

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.

Lake Hydra nee Dutch Springs? Not exactly my favorite LOL! I've dived and trained at both RR and Horizon. Personally I like the instructors/guides at Horizon (I'm a tech diver), it's a more tight knit boutique shop. RR has so many instructors and guides consistency can be lacking. It's cattleboat diving with a bit more hand holding with free guides. It's hard to beat the variety and options RR has bc of it's fleet of 7-8 boats. They also have night dives which Horizon does not. Have you considered taking a class? I did AOW + Nitrox at RR and it was pretty fun. It's a sampler of 5 dives so you could have an instructor for a night dive, a deep dive on the Spiegel Grove, a wreck dive on the Benwood or Spiegel Grove etc.. Night dives are a lot of fun, especially if it's on a wreck. For a first timer, having an instructor can reduce the anxiety. Both RR and Horizon have hotel discounts on their webpage. RR is behind the Courtyard Marriott they share a parking lot, no need to drive in the morning. If you have time make sure you visit the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada.

 

[Tripp]

This year was the first time I went to the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada and I really enjoyed it!

 

[tardistraveler]

Lake Hydra nee Dutch Springs? Not exactly my favorite LOL! I've dived and trained at both RR and Horizon. Personally I like the instructors/guides at Horizon (I'm a tech diver), it's a more tight knit boutique shop. RR has so many instructors and guides consistency can be lacking. It's cattleboat diving with a bit more hand holding with free guides. It's hard to beat the variety and options RR has bc of it's fleet of 7-8 boats. They also have night dives which Horizon does not. Have you considered taking a class? I did AOW + Nitrox at RR and it was pretty fun. It's a sampler of 5 dives so you could have an instructor for a night dive, a deep dive on the Spiegel Grove, a wreck dive on the Benwood or Spiegel Grove etc.. Night dives are a lot of fun, especially if it's on a wreck. For a first timer, having an instructor can reduce the anxiety. Both RR and Horizon have hotel discounts on their webpage. RR is behind the Courtyard Marriott they share a parking lot, no need to drive in the morning. If you have time make sure you visit the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada.

Yes, I did my OW @ cold Lake Hydra At this point, I am not looking to take any more classes until I get a few fun dives in.

 

[CajunDiva]

We did our first dives (and Advanced Certification) with Rainow Reef in 2004. We have never looked back and continue to dive with them to this day.

Start with Rainbow Reef and their free dive guides, get some experience, THEN decide what you want to do next. You'll have a great time!