Upper Keys Dive-Op relocated??

[CheryleS]

We have been to the Keys twice in the past 2 years, MP 90.5 in Tavernier.. stayed at Tropic vista and dove with Upper Keys Dive op located right at the hotel..we have heard that they have sold the hotel and dive op... does anyone know if that dive op has moved on to another location? We really enjoyed that boat and the captain and would like to return this summer to dive the Speigel Grove upright! We would appreciate any info you may have or heard of this op! Thanks..
Cheryle

 

[deeper thoughts]

the word is cayclub bought the property and wants to build condotels but approval is very questionable because of zoning right of ways etc, across the street you have conch republic divers which is excellent

 

[ABQdiver]

That's my understanding as well. Mike had to give up the lease of the shop and building because it was sold out from under him by the owner.

He still is doing business from the same inlet, just at the end and opposite side, off Bessie Road. He should be working at of the new shop at MM 88 (Ocean side)

Tavenier Dive Center

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

at http://www.tropicvistadiveresort.com/ for the real skinny.

Tavernier Dive Center is a different outfit altogether.

 

[ABQdiver]

at http://www.tropicvistadiveresort.com/ for the real skinny.

Tavernier Dive Center is a different outfit altogether.

Whoa, that's interesting. Thought Tavenier was the subject..... Isn't there at least a couple of outfits in that same area?

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

Whoa, that's interesting. Thought Tavenier was the subject..... Isn't there at least a couple of outfits in that same area?

Yeah... there are several dive ops along that strip. Mike's place (Tavernier Dive Center) was sold out from under him. As you stated, he has relocated. Divers City USA, Upper Keys Dive Center, and Florida Keys Dive Center are all still there (to the best of my knowledge), although it's hard to keep up with who owns what anymore! Gary & Brenda's place (Conch Republic Divers) is, as deeper thoughts mentioned, on the other side of the road, at Tavernier Creek Marina.

 

[Capt Gary]

Well let me jump in here and see if I can add anything to what Brent has already stated.
Tavernier Dive Center use to be right across the street from me. Cay Clubs bought the property where his dive shop was located and hence Mike has moved his shop down to Marker 88 plaza. He is renting a boat slip from Florida Keys Dive Center.
Divers City USA and Florida Keys Dive Center are still there and are own by the same owneers.
Upper Keys Dive Center, which is where Tropic Vista is located, was bought by Cay Clubs and running under the name Cristal Clear Charters. They also bought Island Reef Divers, Aqua-Nuts dive boats...ie Kelly's, and Dive Inn all of which are run by Cristal Clear Charters.

We are still located at Tavernier Creek Marina. Hope this helps.

Good Diving,

 

[Antony]

Wow... I had some trouble with my password on this forum, so had to use my husband's name.. anyway.. Lots of info to figure out! I knew there were alot of dive ops in that stretch.. kind of confusing. But now I think I got it..

So.. as I understand it.. Upper Keys dive op that was out of Tropic Vista is still operating but under the name of Cristal clear charters, correct? Are they still docked at the Tropic Vista location?

Thank you so much for all the responses! this should help our group figure out who to dive with in a few months!
Cheryle

 

[deeper thoughts]

I think i saw them while i was biking but not 100pct sure

 

[adjuster-jd]

was there the week before last - one of their boats used to be Aqua-nuts' boat and one of the captains (Jorge) used to work for Aqua Nuts. I honestly can't tell you the name of the dive operation since there really was no identity of the shop or the boat. The shop is in the motel and has no particular name - some of the boat crew wore shirts that said Dive In. This is apparently their sister company in Key Largo. When their boat was not going out - or if you wanted to dive some of the northern sites, they would send you to Dive In..
They run a pretty decent operation and the boat crew was ok. I was surprised that they no longer use the Dan Tags to keep track of divers as Aqua Nuts used to do..

They have 2 large boats on site (one was down for maintenance at the time) and they just had a new compressor delivered. They have nitrox available on-site and usually have 32 mix available. Other blends can be had if you order in advance..

There was talk about the hotel being sold to build condos but the dive operation remaining at that location. I guess this means we have to look for another new place to stay next year (used to stay at Kellys)....