Jupiter31
Contributor
Quiessence is a good operator; they were the pioneers in the small boat less divers arena that many (like me) seem to prefer - I cannot say anything "bad" about them, and yes, I have dove with them in the past.
However - and just my opinion - A better option is "HMS Minnow" - docked behind the Holiday Inn in Key Largo - Jeff Jarvis, owner and captain is an excellent operator, has a small boat (26') and takes a max of 6 divers.
The reason I recommend Jeff over Quiessence is it seems less "commercial", more private - while Jeff is very safety conscious, I don't get the "mother hen" feeling diving with him, as I do from other op's in the Keys - including you know who. He also leaves EARLY (like 7:30 if all the divers are there) so will get to the best sites before other boats - returns earlier giving you more of the day to do other things, or an afternoon dive. Plus, he's a great guy w/ a dry sense of humor!
Check out his website at: www.hmsminnow.com
However - and just my opinion - A better option is "HMS Minnow" - docked behind the Holiday Inn in Key Largo - Jeff Jarvis, owner and captain is an excellent operator, has a small boat (26') and takes a max of 6 divers.
The reason I recommend Jeff over Quiessence is it seems less "commercial", more private - while Jeff is very safety conscious, I don't get the "mother hen" feeling diving with him, as I do from other op's in the Keys - including you know who. He also leaves EARLY (like 7:30 if all the divers are there) so will get to the best sites before other boats - returns earlier giving you more of the day to do other things, or an afternoon dive. Plus, he's a great guy w/ a dry sense of humor!
Check out his website at: www.hmsminnow.com