A Few trips with Silent World

[coolreefdiver]

This is my first post, and I am not writing this to name names, that's not the point, I just want people to know what they are getting in for. Would I go back to Silent World no, would I go back to the Keys, maybe, but I would definitely want to dive with another operator.

After reading the reviews here on scubaboard I decided to book with SilentWorld for a few trips in the last couple of weeks. I know there are several diveshops to choose from in the Key Largo. I have been diving for many years, and have done many trips to Mexico, Hawaii, and other Caribbean locations, but never to Florida. First off I have to say that I wasn't impressed with the diving here. Most of my dives were only to 30-40 feet not because I didn't want to go further, but because that's as deep as the divesites were. As for the days I was on the boat, we never did go to the same divesite, but on one dive I was able to cover 2 or 3 of the sites.

As for the people, that's were I was the most disappointed. For a customer service industry I just didn't see very much customer service. Most other places I have dove the DM would set up the gear, or at least offer to do so, not here. Most other places there is a guide in the water, nope not here. The shop and the dock were several miles apart, so I had to drive from one to the other, which isn't very convenient. At the beginning of my trip I had to sign the boat release and pick up weight. Then I had to lug my gear and weights to and from the dock everyday. After my last dives I again had to go back to the shop and return the weights.

Were there good people working there, yes, but overall I can't say I had a very good dive trip with them. Thanks for letting me rant.

 

[RaginCajun]

Cool

I have a slightly different dive experience than you. I've been diving almost exclusively in Florida primarily on the Emerald Coast from Gulf Shores to Panama City. I'm used to the "treatment" you described as it's fairly consistent with my other experiences in the area.

I think this is somewhat a case of knowing what to expect. I would be surprised if anyone claimed up front that DM's would personally guide you on every dive, set up your gear or tend to it after each and every dive.

As for the shop & boat being convienient, again, a question that asked up front may have kept one from being disapointed.

Also, one of the nice things about the Keys is that it is shallow and the profiles are often time dependent and not so much deco or air driven.

It has been my experience that the Gulf Coast in particular is self sufficient do it yourself kind of atmosphere at least compared to resorts in Hawaii, the Caribbean or Mexico. I hired a DM for my first Gulf dive and won't do it again, very little value to me. Typically the DM's on 6 pack or even the larger boats are there for in-water rescue type of support for the entire group not necessarily individuals. One DM might splash first tie in and hover keeping watch for divers in trouble while the 2nd might splash last and recover the line tied to the wreck also while keeping an eye out for the divers. First in last out kind of approach.

I have had very attentive DM's particularly on smaller 6 packs who probably would have set my gear up for an appropriate tip or consideration. One DM in particular in Panama City Beach even brought down his or the captain's DPV and let me try it out during the dive. He even buddied up with me when we were short on people. This charter service even offered up personal or spare gear to help out if needed and brought along a pony bottle just to be extra safe.

I am truly not trying to offend you so please don't take these comments as harsh or pointed. I know where you're coming from and it's hard not to be let down sometimes. I guess I've just been around enough to not to get to bent out of shape about not getting 5 star service in a 2 star joint.

I hope your next Florida dive is a good one. Maybe I'll change my tune when I finally make it down to Mexico or the Caribbean and realize how poorly I've been treated thusfar.

Cheers

 

[under water]

I think you are holding the dive operator and the dive sites up to standards that they never signed up for nor advertized. It is well known that the Florida Keys operators do not pamper the way that some of the operators in more exotic places do. You should see what it's like up here in New England!
There even is one operator on the Keys that advertizes that they do the "Caribbean pampering thing" That should tip you off right there.
My experience with Silent World was probably similar to yours, but I expect that my expectations were tempered before I got there more than yours were. I found them to be professional and enjoyable to dive with.

 

[coolreefdiver]

RaginCajun--

Thanks for the info, I didn't take your comments as any more than another divers opinion, which is what my post was also. When I called to book the person who booked me did say that they do shallow, deep, and really deep dives, so I just I expected to do a deep dive for the first dive then maybe a shallow as my second not both shallow all the time. Yup my bad for assuming. And when I booked they never told me I would have to pick up my weights and drop them back off at the shop.

For the same price as diving in the Caribbean or Hawaii I had a more hard working crew and a DM in the water. Maybe not guiding me personally, but in the water with us. So I paid 5 star prices for 2 star service, just seems a little weird to me. I just wanted to people to be aware of the situation.

 

[irishsquid]

Cool

I have a slightly different dive experience than you. ........I think this is somewhat a case of knowing what to expect. I would be surprised if anyone claimed up front that DM's would personally guide you on every dive, set up your gear or tend to it after each and every dive......
Also, one of the nice things about the Keys is that it is shallow and the profiles are often time dependent and not so much deco or air driven........

.....I am truly not trying to offend you so please don't take these comments as harsh or pointed. I know where you're coming from and it's hard not to be let down sometimes. I guess I've just been around enough to not to get to bent out of shape about not getting 5 star service in a 2 star joint.

I hope your next Florida dive is a good one. Maybe I'll change my tune when I finally make it down to Mexico or the Caribbean and realize how poorly I've been treated thusfar.

Cheers

I did my first dives in the Keys in June. It was very enjoyable. I was on a six-pack w/Quiessence and the boats were behind the shop. They loaded the tanks and weights on the boat, we loaded our bags. 2 of the days there wasn't a DM in the water, 1 there was; for some divers who wanted one. They assisted donning your gear to get in the water, removed the tanks when exiting. Very knowledgable and friendly Capts.,who drew maps for the layout of the different reefs we visited. All this for $58.00 + a tip I gladly gave. I've spent more for a taxi to travel the same distance the boat took us to to dive. I haven't done alot of ocean diving, but this has been my experience so far. I got similar treatment at Aquatic Safaris in N.C. I can't say this is good or bad as I don't have much experience to base it on. I guess I feel like Cajun; I'm happy if I'm on my own with an outfit (just get me to the dive site safely). It would be different if I was paying for and expecting, extras. IMO

 

[kidsdream]

I am sorry you were disappointed in the Keys, but some of your comments simply don't ring true. The average price in Hawaii ranges from $100-125 for 2 tanks and much of the Caribbean is approaching the same price.

The current price of Silent World is $75. So the cost to dive let's say Jacks Dive Locker in Kona is about 70% more - hmmmm?

You are so correct that most Keys operators do not but a DM in the water as a regular practice (Rainbow Reef is an exception), but most will if you request such service (and pay for it).

Keys dives are usually reef (2 shallow), wreck (1 deep followed by a shallow reef) or a double dip wreck (2 deep wrecks with a long SI).

A bit more research would have made you trip a lot more pleasurable. Most ops have their boat adjacent to their shops. While Silent World does not, their location allows them to his the more Northern sites.

Just a note, I have no particular affiliation with Silent World, but I am a part time Keys resident. I also am one who wants to set up my own gear - so when I travel around the globe I just politely say hands off, and go my own way.

One last note, never go up to Jupiter to dive. While this location might be the best place to see Pelagics on regular basis in the contiguous US, you are on your own. Go down, drift your own profile, and then you better be prepared to shoot a bag so the boat can find you.

It is just a matter of finding an operation and local that suits your needs.

RaginCajun--

Thanks for the info, I didn't take your comments as any more than another divers opinion, which is what my post was also. When I called to book the person who booked me did say that they do shallow, deep, and really deep dives, so I just I expected to do a deep dive for the first dive then maybe a shallow as my second not both shallow all the time. Yup my bad for assuming. And when I booked they never told me I would have to pick up my weights and drop them back off at the shop.

For the same price as diving in the Caribbean or Hawaii I had a more hard working crew and a DM in the water. Maybe not guiding me personally, but in the water with us. So I paid 5 star prices for 2 star service, just seems a little weird to me. I just wanted to people to be aware of the situation.

 

[BKP]

This is my first post, and I am not writing this to name names, that's not the point, I just want people to know what they are getting in for. Would I go back to Silent World no, would I go back to the Keys, maybe, but I would definitely want to dive with another operator.

Surprised to hear this, as Silent World is very highly regarded by most on this board.

First off I have to say that I wasn't impressed with the diving here. Most of my dives were only to 30-40 feet not because I didn't want to go further, but because that's as deep as the divesites were.

Again, I don't see the issue here. Are you suggesting that somehow the enjoyment/sights/beauty/color/diversity of a reef dive is directly related to its depth? There are a number of deeper dives, off Islamorada if you're looking for deeper reefs (Alligator Deep, Crocker, Conch Wall, etc.), and off both Largo and Islamorada, if you're looking for deep (recreational) wrecks (Spiegel, Duane, Bibb, Eagle). A single inquiry to the Op would have advised you as to the depth, type of dive, characteristics, etc., of each site. I don't see that as the fault of the Dive Op.

As for the days I was on the boat, we never did go to the same divesite, but on one dive I was able to cover 2 or 3 of the sites.

Just out of curiosity, what three dive sites did you "cover" in a single dive? (Although with your rocket-powered DPV, I can understand you missing some of the finer details of those sites).

As for the people, that's were I was the most disappointed. For a customer service industry I just didn't see very much customer service. Most other places I have dove the DM would set up the gear, or at least offer to do so, not here. Most other places there is a guide in the water, nope not here. The shop and the dock were several miles apart, so I had to drive from one to the other, which isn't very convenient. At the beginning of my trip I had to sign the boat release and pick up weight. Then I had to lug my gear and weights to and from the dock everyday. After my last dives I again had to go back to the shop and return the weights.

Sorry to hear of the difficulty and tribulations... Guess those of us that enjoy the Keys' Ops are just used to roughin' it....

 

[pickens_46929]

Keys diving is very different from any where else and there a couple of operators that will do the "full service" thing but in reality it's pretty much plain old diving down there in the Keys. So Silent World did a good job for what they did, they were safe, but just did quite match up to your expectations? Fair enough.

As for one of the comments here about diving in Jupiter, every operation is different. There are operators in Jupiter that will put a DM as a guide in the water with you.

There are full service operators around in South Florida, just need to make your wishes known and ask the operator their style... eg. do you *have* to have a DM in the water as guide? do you let divers do their own profiles.

For me, 6-packs that let me do my own thing and help me out when I ask for it are what I like. Love Silent World because they are just slightly larger than a 6-pack and are a solid, safety oriented operator at a more than decent price.

In reality, I don't like people touching my gear except for a few people I trust completely. So having an operator move my gear around can drive me nuts sometimes. Then again, there are those days that full service is nice, especially after doing 5 dives in a day.

Regardless, sorry you had a disappointing trip but don't give up on Florida yet.


Dave

 

[deepstops]

There are only two Upper Keys ops that I know who put a DM/guide in the water with their customers as their standard and that's Rainbow Reef and Key Dives. If you had posted what you expected, I can assure you that you would have received appropriate suggestions

Most of the locals don't use these two operators because we tend to be comfortable handling our own gear set-up and finding what the reef has to offer on our own. We look for operations that have strategically located docks and fast boats to maximaize our bottom time.

I can assure you the three mile drive to Silent World's boat by car was much shorter than the boat ride from the bayside where their shop is located.

 

[dbittner]

Prior to my trip to the Keys in Feb, 2008, all my warm water diving was in places (maui, Fiji, GBR in Australia) where there was a DM in the water with us. Most of these ops allowed you to dive your own profile, though they did ask us to let the DM know when we were beginning our ascent. Most divers, however, stayed near the DM since he or she knew the dive sites well and would be able to point out sites, fish, invertebrates, etc. that most of us would probably miss on our own. In addition, these ops would set up your equipment, change the tanks during the SI, and take down your equipment after the last dive (though they would usually allow a diver to do all this on their own if they preferred). (In Hawaii they called this "Aloha service.")

My only experience with "do-it-yourself" boat dives were on Vancouver Island and Lake Huron (Tobermory, ON). I did remember reading that the "Aloha service" type of dive ops were mostly found in places outside of the mainland US (and Canada). Thus, it was no surprise to me that I had to set up my own gear, change tanks during the SI, and take apart my gear after the last dive. In addition, I was prepared for the fact that our dives would be self-guided (albeit, following an excellent briefing by the captain).

Despite all this, I really enjoyed my diving in the Keys (I went with Conch Republic Divers and BlueWater Divers). My only issues were a) trying to hook up with someone who'd take me on as a buddy (I always seemed to be the only buddy-less diver on the boat!) and the strong current on the wrecks. I realize that this probably wasn't the full force of the Gulf Stream; but for someone who thinks that strong current automatically indicates a drift dive, this took a lot of getting used to. These dives were my first experience of feeling like a flag during the safety stop!

Still, if someone were to ask me if I'd recommend the Florida Keys as a dive destination, I'd unequivocally say "YES!" I'm not sure when I'll be able to get back there, but I look forward to the chance to dive again with Conch Republic and BlueWater and would like the chance to dive with some of the other dive ops I've heard about on ScubaBoard.

Just a few thoughts from a landlocked Canadian diver who is Jones-ing for the chance to get underwater again. (I leave for Victoria, BC in 16 days!!!!)

Peace,
Dave