Help with final selection of dive operator - Keys in late October

[diver858]

We will be staying in Tavernier for a couple of days, would appreciate some selecting a dive operator. As this is our first time diving in the Northern Keys, and wife does not have her Advanced certification, focus is on operators offering guided dives. Appears that we are located halfway between Key Largo and Islamorada, are currently considering Key Dives and Rainbow Reef, and the latter appears to have boats in both locations. I get the idea that there are more dive shops than gas stations in the Keys, so operators have to be good to survive, but there must be a difference.

Any specific guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[deepstops]

First of all, based on wanting a DM/guide in the water with you on your dives, you have selected the two best charters known for that.

Two things though:

• I'm pretty sure Rainbow is only operating from Key Largo (MM100) now and closed their Islamorada location.
• I heard KeyDives (MM80) has new owners but they retained many of their captains in the transition.

I feel pretty certain you'd be happy with either operator. Perhaps you could dive one day with each of them and post a report on who did the better job

[diver858]

First of all, based on wanting a DM/guide in the water with you on your dives, you have selected the two best charters known for that.


Two things though:

• I'm pretty sure Rainbow is only operating from Key Largo (MM100) now and closed their Islamorada location.
• I heard KeyDives (MM80) has new owners but they retained many of their captains in the transition.

I feel pretty certain you'd be happy with either operator. Perhaps you could dive one day with each of them and post a report on who did the better job

Thank you for the information. If we only have one day (or day and night), would you dive Islamorada or Key West? Would you favor one over the other under less than ideal conditions?

[deepstops]

Thank you for the information. If we only have one day (or day and night), would you dive Islamorada or Key West? Would you favor one over the other under less than ideal conditions?

You mean Key Largo, not Key West, right??

Key Largo has the wrecks (25' to 130') and Islamorada has better reefs (25' to 100') IMO.

[diver858]

You mean Key Largo, not Key West, right??

Key Largo has the wrecks (25' to 130') and Islamorada has better reefs (25' to 100') IMO.

Yes, Key Largo - sorry for the confusion.

We called both operators this morning. As my wife does not have Advanced certification, Rainbow will not take her to the wrecks (~100 ft), so we would have to go out on a second boat which does shallower reef dives (20 - 40 ft). KeyDives will take us both to a local wreck - Eagle - for the first dive, shallower reef for the second. Rainbow expects to have a night dive during our visit, KeyDives does not (requires min of 5 divers).

As mentioned earlier, this will be our first time diving the Northern Keys, so we are considering your earlier suggestion - Rainbow on the first day (and possibly night), KeyDives on the second day. Alternatively, are we better off diving with KeyDives on both days - less hassles with gear, better reefs in Islamorada?

[Rescue Diver68]

You should consider Conch Republic Divers out of Tavernier Creek.

[diver858]

You should consider Conch Republic Divers out of Tavernier Creek.

We are not considering Conch Replublic for 2 reasons, outlined in the original post:
1. Dives are not guided
2. Advanced certification required for wreck dives (I am AOW, wife is only OW)

[Rescue Diver68]

Correct:

RE: Conch Republic-Dives are not guided for free. They can arrange for a qualified person to guide your OW wife on the wrecks.

I have heard that Rainbow Reef puts a guide in the water.

Have a great trip!

[aaron m.]

I have used both dive shops and would recommend Key Dives. The Eagle was an awesome dive as was the reef we dove. The guide was very helpful and knowledgeable.