Dive Operators In Florida Keys

[jcork101]

I'm planning a dive trip to the Florida Keys in October. Can anyone recommend good dive operators in Key West and the Key Largo area? There seems to be tons to choose from.

[deepstops]

I'm planning a dive trip to the Florida Keys in October. Can anyone recommend good dive operators in Key West and the Key Largo area? There seems to be tons to choose from.

For Key West, Captain's Corner and Lost Reef Adventures run good operations.

For the Upper Keys, Conch Republic, Garden Cove Divers, and Horizon Divers are three ops I like.

You'll likely get a lot more answers.

[Big G]

For Key Largo, take a a look at Scuba-Do. I have been diving with them a lot over the past 9+ years.

:: Scuba-Do Dive Company :: [ Welcome to Scuba-Do! ] Scuba Diving in Key Largo, the Florida Keys (http://www.scuba-do.com)

Here's also a link to reviews on TripAdvisor.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34344-d1191120-r27568870-Scuba_Do_Dive_Company-Key_Largo_Florida_Keys_Florida.html

[catra8104]

Silent World in Key Largo is my favorite.. Very helpful & accommodating...

[sportxlh]

I've dove with these and would recommend
CONCH REPUBLIC DIVERS " COME SEE WHY WE'RE NOT JUST ANOTHER DIVE SHOP" (http://www.conchrepublicdivers.com/)

Dive with Silent World voted #1 dive shop in Florida (http://www.silentworldkeylargo.com/)

Have not dove with this one but many people like them
Quiescence Diving Services , Inc., One of Key Largo's Finest Diving Operations (http://www.keylargodiving.com/)

When I got back into diving last year, I really liked this operator because they only go to shallow reefs and had decent prices (and are located in the park). I have not used them recently though

Scuba Dive Key Largo, Scuba Dive Florida Keys, Scuba Dive the Keys, Pennekamp State Park (http://www.floridakeysdive.com/)

[pickens_46929]

Yet another vote here for Silent World. :)

[Bazooka Joe]

Silent World, we did 6 dives with them last weekend. Every dive was great and I will be back. I have never been on such accomdating boats...Except for Underwater Explorers, but Kev's in Boynton Beach.

[Scuba Ape]

Silent World in Key Largo is the way to go!!

[Bad-Andy]

Horizon Divers gets my vote. (Especially if you have a sarcastic sense of humor...)

[sibermike7]

Hey Brian (deep stops)!
Nice dive you set up last year for us with Kevin (my first dives in Florida) when you got audited and wasn't able to show! :shocked2:
We had a blast by the way! Maybe we can try again this year! Nice advice then, soooo, I am reading this thread because I may be in Florida in November with a group from Estonia and we may be in the keys.
Thanks OP for the question! ;)

[Speargirl]

Another Vote for Silent World.

[IXΘYΣ]

Another Vote for Silent World.
Well, I'd hope so!

Occupation
Vacation Rentals / Silent World Dive Center (as a helper till Pat comes back) :-)

><))'>

[NetDoc]

My two favorites are Captain Slate's Atlantic Dive Center and Silent World. However, Blue Water Divers, Horizon Divers and Quiessence are all wonderful dive ops. I think Slate has the best prices in town and after all: you'll be diving the same reefs and wrecks! :D

[El Orans]

Conch Republic.

[Speargirl]

Well, I'd hope so!

><))'>

Might I suggest you look at this post as well ;)

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/4658658-post1.html

You see I help out many of the dive shops here. Do I love SW of course I do :D Do I think they have the best deal in town of course not :D That would be Capt Slate at this time.. Until I find a better deal that I can post for everyone :blinking:

Hope to see you in the Keys

[freedc]

Hi, this thread has a lot of "votes" but very little information. Can anyone provide info on pros/cons of different dive ops in Key Largo? Which ones get you out to the reef more quickly? Size and comfort of boats? Whether the operator is especially good for newer divers who need hand-holding or more experienced ones who seek a challenge and are picky about dive sites. Do they all have comparable prices? Quality of rental gear?

Also, if people can disclose their ties to specific operators that helps too. Thanks.

[NetDoc]

I have no formal ties to any of the Keys Operators, however, Captain Slate and I are brothers from different mothers. I know no one else who simply wants to have fun like he and I do! Affable, open to your ideas about how you want to dive, his boats are close to the best diving in the world. The ride out is a blast and you get to enjoy everything the Keys has to offer. Calling him accommodating is an understatement.

Who needs speed when you are diving in the Keys? Get relaxed! However, if you bristle under Island time, then look for the six packs. Blue Water Divers and Silent World are the fastest (in that order) of the boats I mentioned. That's purely a personal opinion as I don't have figures on their speeds in front of me!

[DebbyDiver]

Another thing about Slate's is that it is the northernmost dive shop in the Keys, and his boats are right in back of the shop. Why is this so important in my book?

You are at the shop and at the boat sooner than any other dive op and you get to miss all of the Upper Keys traffic gridlock.
The boats are Ocean side so you don't have that long boat ride from Bay side to Ocean side. Also he is north of Largo Sound so you save the long trip through the Sound as well.
You have less driving to get home after the dives. For those of us who just drive down for the day, this is great.
There are some really good casual restaurants on the same street for after-dive noshing.
Slate seems to have a reputation for "slow boats" but think about it, all of the dive ops have to turn the boats and tanks around for the afternoon trip. If his boats were "so slow" they wouldn't be able to do this, especially not with such a big operation. I'd give him a try, ESPECIALLY the Friday and Sunday morning "Creature Feature".

[deeper thoughts]

HMS Minnow runs a fine 6 pack operation and leaves a little early to beat other ops to the reef.
Blue water divers also has an excellent reputation.
One cannot forget to mention the excellent service of Conch Republic Divers
My 2cents

[NvScubaSteve]

I enjoy diving with Ocean Divers in Key Largo. I have had experiences in the past where some other dive ops don't go out due to low diver turn out for the trip or the conditions are not so great due to wind, surge, etc. Ocean Divers seems to keep their boats going on a regular schedule regardless of how many show, and if the conditions are not ideal but still safe to dive they will take you out.

They are located close to a couple of affordable hotel locations and their boats are at the front door to their shop. They are not a "hold your hand" operation unless you want or need them to be. If you need assistance, or a guide in the water they will provide you with whatever you request, with an additional fee for guiding.

I have also enjoyed diving with Silent World, Captain Slates who have also been discussed here and you can't go wrong with either of them.

[scubadada]

I've also had many good experiences with Ocean Divers (103 dives over 6 years). Their boats go out very reliably and deliver you to the designated site unless it is not possible due to conditions. Their threshold for not diving is generally very reasonable. They will go out with 2 divers. I have been out to the Duane several times on Sunday afternoon with only 2 divers and they do not complain about the turnout or sacrifice good service. I've had the opportunity to do some less dived sites and/or drifts when the turnout has been low and has been made up of experienced divers. Captains Joe and Lou are among my favorites.

I usually stay at the Holiday Inn but there are several other hotels within walking distance. There are many good places to eat including The Galley next door on the 2nd floor next to Ocean Divers shop. Sharkey's Bar, downstairs, is quite the local hangout and has live music several nights per week.

Good diving, Craig

[Jupiter31]

Where did you find this - the OP posted in August for an October trip - its come and gone

Still, lots of good info in this thread even though I don't agree with some of the recommended op's

[NetDoc]

Who can stop talking about the dive ops down there? We love them!

[RickI]

Capt. Slate of Atlantis Dive Center, and the trailer video for his "creature feature" as shot and edited by Fraiser Niven:

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I always go diving with Slate when in Key Largo. Hit a lot of spots since the 1970's with them, it's always been a great experience for me.

Here's the most recent one, a long overdue revisit to the Duane.

7713631

[DebbyDiver]

Capt. Slate of Atlantis Dive Center, and the trailer video for his "creature feature" as shot and edited by Fraiser NivenDespite having first met Slate when he first opened his shop in the late 70's, I never got around to doing the Creature Feature until about a month ago. What the heck was I waiting for? That is the most fun I've ever had breathing compressed air!!! Seriously, that should be one of the dives on your bucket list!!!

[Jupiter31]

Who can stop talking about the dive ops down there? We love them!
You know, Pete, you're right!

(That and the weather in S. FL - but I don't want to turn this into the "Favorite Topics on ScubaBoard" - but since we are on the subject.......LDS or on line?)

[deepstops]

You know, Pete, you're right!

(That and the weather in S. FL - but I don't want to turn this into the "Favorite Topics on ScubaBoard" - but since we are on the subject.......LDS or on line?)


Jup,

My LDS is also online. Does that make me an online shopper or a LDS supporter?? :dontknow:

[Jupiter31]

Jup,

My LDS is also online. Does that make me an online shopper or a LDS supporter?? :dontknow:
Uh.....both!

[DebbyDiver]

Delivering a dive charter online is pretty tough...that's something you pretty much have to enjoy in person. :rofl3: