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    Florida Keys Dive Center

    4.3 (74 reviews)
    Open 7:45 am - 5:00 pm

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    Rong Z.

    PLEASE DON'T CHOOSE THIS DIVE SHOP! Worst diving experiences ever. The staffs are very rude to customers; The dive guide leaves divers in DANGEROUS / LIFE-THREATEN situation; The dive shop CHEATED on customer for calculating tips; They sell broken rusted used accessories for a ridiculous price. 1)the dive guide Laura never waited & checked the number of divers in her group. We have a group of 6 divers (divided to 3 teams) for the Lobster hunting. Lobster hunting requires quite amount of time on concentrating on inspecting each coral hole, it's very easily to lose the sight of the dive guide with low visibility(20ft) situation. However she never waited for divers when we are hunting. It turns out that every single team got lost in the ocean, and she never realized and even turn around to check if divers is following her or not. This is very dangerous and life-threaten situation to divers. 2) They CHEATED on tips and INDUCED my friend to pay a unreasonable amount of tips($170) before our trip started. We bought extra gears from the store before the trip, they even COUNTED the tips on the products we purchase in the store. 3) Sell broken rusted accessory with a ridiculous price. I lost my regulator first stage yoke screw on the boat, they sold me a broken rusted one for $50(a new one only sold for $30 online), or asked me to rent this screw for $20 for the single trip. However they offer a full gear(bcd+regulator) rental for $25 on their website. 4) the air in the tank seems to be polluted(everyone's air is smelly), we asked the staff to check if the air is OK, they are impatient and being irresponsible on checking the air.

    Pls see attached screenshot for context.... Ive been self-employed for close to 17 yrs now, & Ive learned (the hard way) that stuff happens in life/business.... However, IMHO, its how your staff deals w hiccups that determines your success via the customer experience.... Well, w/in an hr of dealing w this operation face-to-face (after 1 1/2 mths of rez/prep online), I choose to spend my $$$ elsewhere....this org is disorganized & managed by incompetent, thin-skinned, petty youngsters....again, pls see attached.... IMHO, that movie "Open Water" is a viable story cause of operations like Florida Keys Dive Ctr....

    Scuba diving
    Kayla D.

    The Florida Keys Dive Center in an amazing place to go out on- or under the water! Scuba Joe and the rest of the crew make you feel like family, and know how to keep all of the landlubbers safe while having the time of their lives. We went out to a few different sites and were able to see a bunch of fish and even a couple sharks! I actually got my open water certification dives completed during this time and couldn't have asked for more fun! For those who weren't certified scuba divers, they give you the option to snorkel, though the water is a bit deep to fully enjoy that experience. On the ride back, the crew cut up fresh oranges and pineapple for us to enjoy. I'm typically not a big fan of either fruit, but they sure tasted amazing after being in the saltwater all day! If you head down to Key Largo, be sure to check these guys out!

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    Ale T.

    It was a fabulous experience!  Our captain & our dive instructor were both amazing.  They kept the ship as clean as possible & we could see their (& the company's!) efforts of following the health safety rules of COVID.  They also helped with tips for those of us (aka: me) who were a little skittish with swimming above sharks; however, the instructor talked me through it & I was able to have a great experience!

    Aboard the big boat
    Frederick D.

    I spoke with Ilene who convinced me to hire a guide for my brother and I due to the relative length of our most recent dives and the additional cost was well worth it. After our 5:30am departure from Miami we made it to the dive center which was about 1.5 hours drive. Still had plenty of time to get our gear, meet our friendly guide Mike and board the Pelican, a sizable boat which would take us to our two locations: Spanish Lady and Horseshoe---dive sites about 15-20 minutes from the Dive Center. Before departing, Mike helped us select our correct weight, buoyancy control device, regulator, wet suit, and fins/mask. We also attached our bcd and regulator to our tank. The plan was for two dives lasting 45 minutes each at depths of no more than 30 ft. It was my brothers 5th dive and perhaps my 20th. I know I'm supposed to log all of my dives but if you've been diving since 1996 you tend to think this is secondary. Mike was also helpful in switching our gear in between each dive which really cool. Aboard the Pelican and en route to the dive sites there were captains briefings, role counts, and also Mike talked us through hand signals, and prepared us for the dives. The crew had fresh pineapple and orange wedges cut after both dives. The day started as overcast, and while it did rain in the morning, the weather cleared up. While I write this I also recall a number of dive shops had canceled due to weather, which sadly was unfortunate for them. Visibility was 50-70 ft and got better as the sun came out. We saw nurse shark, Florida lobster, numerous fish, eel, miniature shrimp, conch, and star fish all with the skillful help of our guide Mike who knew how to coax and locate the various species. The reef was fantastic and healthy. Mike has been diving for 14 years and been instructing for 10. He really was helpful during our dive. Unfortunately, I decided against doing my second dive due to a sinus infection that had been creating pressure on various cavities within my cranium which hurt. My ears cleared fine, but the sinuses in parts didn't. My brother on the other hand initially had trouble with his ears but managed to clear them and had a great time on both dives. The Pelican has place to sit near the captain upstairs and on the main deck. She's a fantastic vessel built for diving excursions like the one we went on. The captain also did a great job navigating the waters. I highly recommend booking at trip with them should you have the opportunity.

    Alejandra T.

    The Florida Keys Dive Center is the best shop in the keys!. Many years diving with them with the UM Scuba club and it is always a great experience. This time I spent four days visiting the Eagle, Duane, Spiegel and Reefs. Check out my video! https://youtu.be/T_VtGXVBBUY Thank you Capt's Carson and Tracy, Scuba Joe, Brandon, Corey and Pam!

    Sting Ray
    Katie H.

    Very fun fulfilled day! Snorkeled through Pickle Reef! Saw plenty of fun things! Sting Ray, Jelly Fish, Sea Turtle, and Sharks!! Living in Oklahoma I really don't need to invest in prescription goggles, but at this time I would have loved to have some... maybe a little recommendation for them, they did offer me one pair, but unfortunately were too strong for me.

    I can't speak highly enough about Florida Keys Dive Center. I have been to over 5 dive shops in the area and by far this is the best dive shop and here is why: - the crew inspected all of our gears before diving and they have actually put everything together (I have seen few accidents during my trip at other dive shops). At other shops, expect that you'll just be thrown in the water without any inspection or help. - Everyone at the shop was extremely professional. Unfortunately, I got my Advanced certification at another dive shop in the area where the staff seemed like they hate what they are doing and are really impatient. They clashed with few customers because of their attitude. However, here, as soon as I asked the lady at the front desk about the more advanced courses, an instructor came out of the back room and started explaining the procedure and what to expect next. Do not look further!

    Awesome 2 days of diving with Scuba Joe. He is an incredible diver and dive host. Safety first and that is real.

    One of the custom-built dive boats in use at Florida Keys Dive Center
    Steve E.

    There are dozens of dive shops located in the Upper Keys, and Florida Keys Dive Center (better known as FlaKeys) has always been one of my favorites. FlaKeys is a PADI 5 Star Career Development Center & Dive Resort which means that they have reached the highest-level of credentialing and are held to the highest possible standards by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. As a 20-year member of PADI, I always seek out 5 Star Centers when I am diving FlaKeys is located just south of Key Largo in the little area known as Tavernier. The shop is visible from the main road, but sits on Freelan Road, or the Old Highway. There are several small diver hotels in the area as well as a commercial fish market, a marina, and several small restaurants. In general, this is a sleepy part of the Keys, which means less tourists and a better diving experience. The retail store for FlaKeys is large and fully stocked with dive equipment for purchase or rental, plus t-shirts and other touristy items. The main shop also serves as the training center with classrooms for novice divers. If you're not certified then you can choose to take your basic certification, or advance all the way into the professional ranks at FlaKeys. Tom Timmerman built his dive business staring in the mid 80s, and he has the reputation of excellence in customer service, diver safety, and protection of the underwater environment. Lots of dive clubs and groups travel to FlaKeys to dive with Tom's team, so don't be surprised to see groups of people from the South and Midwest who have made the journey for an extended dive vacation. The shop has several custom dive boats that chug along the canal and out to the ocean to a wide variety of dive sites in the region. The boat's Captain will select the dive sites based upon that day's weather conditions and the requests of the crowd. Generally you can plan to dive wrecks such as the Spiegel Grove, USCG Duane, or the Eagle along with some popular reefs such as Captain Tom's Ledge, Crocker Wall, Davis Reef, Hens and Chickens, and Molasses Reef to name a few. I suggest that you book your diving plans in advance, and make sure that you mix up the wreck and reef dives, as well as a night dive or two. The dive shop can handle your rental equipment needs as well as air fills in between the dive trips. This is an excellent dive operation, and a great place to slip off the grid and go diving for a few days!

    Robert W.

    In 1985, I was introduced to coral reef diving by Tom Timmermann, owner of The Florida Keys Dive Center. He has built his business with the same focus on skills training and safety I experienced. Now, 26 years later, I come back to The Florida Keys Dive Center to train my boys. Registration - I registered on line, then Sara contacted me via phone and got all the details. She sent two very professionally written e-mails with all the details I needed. She even booked me a condo at Ocean Pointe Suites at a competitive rate. PADI Training - John Burton was the PADI Instructor for my 19 & 14 yr old boys. John did a great job connecting with them and made the learning process fun. Dive Boat - For sport divers, the experience on the boat and in the water is key. The Florida Keys Dive Center has two 46' custom Newton Dive Boats. This is the best boat I have dove from ever. They have a well organized process and everything you need was planned in advance. The crew are all mature and well trained divers that are looking out for your safety and dive experience. Kyle looked after us on our second day out with 4-6' seas and strong current. We didn't think we needed an instructor, but once in the water, Kyle quickly realized we did and dove with us.

    Nurse shark
    Kevin S.

    I found Florida Keys Dive Center a couple months back after checking reviews on Yelp when I was looking for a day trip snorkeling for our family of five. The day was awesome even with a 2.5 hour drive from Naples. The crew were great and the two locations we visited were amazing. Our 10 year old had some hesitation at the first site but didn't want to get out of the water by the second. Thanks for an amazing day.

    Saw several of the eels

    My family and friends were supposed to dive out of the Islamorada Dive Center but they had boat issues. Eric, the owner, had us dive out of his other location and I have to say the crew were incredible. While things were crazy for them, they bent over backwards to make sure that we could get all of our dives in for the week for the 6 of us. We felt they took special care with us which made me feel great because we had my 14 year old daughter and her friend who is 13 and freshly certified. The guides we had were excellent. Brad, Chad, Alison, and Nate are amazing. Chase drove the boat and was funny but very professional. Although they didn't guide is, Ann, Doc, Charlie, Matt, and Bobby were also extremely helpful when getting gear ready and we're really fun to talk to.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Florida Keys Dive Center

    Review Highlights - Florida Keys Dive Center

    Scuba Joe took great care of us on a recent five and certified my son for his open water certification.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

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    People searched for Diving 434 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

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    Clearly Unique - Matt, and Brady were great. Took me and my family out, great communication and safe.

    Clearly Unique

    (27 reviews)

    I emailed this company, as told to, to request a refund for the sandbar portion of the boat trip I…read morepaid for, as I never received that service. I booked and paid for a sandbar boat trip and snorkeling excursion. While we did attempt snorkeling, the weather and water conditions were extremely poor--choppy water, stormy weather, and very limited visibility. The conditions were so rough that it made us feel sick, and snorkeling itself was difficult. Some of the people on the boat only went in a few minutes because it was so choppy. We were told both on the phone and in person that we would be going to Alligator Reef, (another woman on the boat said she asked the guy at the counter for the tour if we were going to Alligator Reef and he said yes), but due to the conditions, this was not the experience we were promised. Because of the weather, we were unable to go to the sandbar at all (rain, clouds, choppy water). In hindsight, the trip should not have gone out that day given the conditions, especially since the main destinations could not be accessed safely. WHICH WAS MOST LIKELY WHY WE WERE THE ONLY BOAT OUT ON THE WATER-- DIDN'T SEE ANOTHER BOAT THE ENTIRE TIME. The other thing- people snorkel in Florida because it's warm and clear. This day was raining, choppy, murky and cold! We were offered the option to return the following day by Jerry (Wednesday the 14th) for the sandbar. However, when we came back, the weather was again bad, and your staff advised that you likely would not be going out. This resulted in another wasted trip, and ultimately, we never received the sandbar portion of the experience we paid for. I was then told I could use the sandbar trip on a future visit, but I live in California and do not have plans to return, making that option unrealistic. To be clear, I did not request a refund for the entire excursion (although, I really should)--only for the sandbar portion, since that service was never provided. Even though we purchased the snorkel sand bar trip, they take you out on the boat to snorkel, make you come all the way back in to pick up more people, then go all the way back out again, so half your trip is just chartering people. That wasn't the issue (just putting that in here for others so that they know). It was so cold and choppy and nauseating that there is no way someone should be going to the sandbar! I was hoping we would have been able to resolve this directly and professionally, but the company didn't respond. It was not a fun environment for snorkeling, and clearly the company went out anyways because it's a business and they care more about your money than your experience. It was freezing and nauseating. After speaking to several employees at our hotel, they said that the company should never have taken any of us out that day and that the boating company often promise things and underdeliver and that they don't personally recommend that company to people that come in. I wish I had not booked ahead of time and spoke to someone onsite first. Also we have only one photo on the boat because it was so choppy that people were having trouble standing up to take a photo! I gave 1 star because the two men captaining the boat were fabulous and although they had to take us out by force, they were good at explaining how to snorkel and tried to make the most of it. When asked if we were going to Alligator Reef like promised, they said, "Look out there, it's pouring, it's bad here but it will be way worse out there."

    We booked a snorkel + sandbar trip & were not disappointed. This was our first time in the keys, &…read morefirst time snorkeling. Our guides explained all of the how to's, made sure we were comfortable in the water, & kept us hydrated with water & adult beverages! It was a beautiful day despite high winds & we would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a great time!

    Key Largo Adventures - Islamorada's Premier Boat Tour Company - The flag that Captain Charlie marked Islamorada Sandbar many years go with.

    Key Largo Adventures - Islamorada's Premier Boat Tour Company

    (25 reviews)

    I booked this half day private charter for my boyfriend and I, while visiting Islamorada. We had…read morerequested Charlie for our captain, per other recommendations from friends. He was very accommodating in finding a day and time that worked for us, very hospitable, and had a great personality! Charlie texts you several times before the boat day, to make sure directions on everything are clear- I really appreciated receiving the EXACT directions with pictures and precise details. His "Tiki Tiki" boat was brand new and beautiful, and I enjoyed bringing our own drinks and snacks on the boat (he parks next to a food boat, if you'd rather buy food). The sandbar was a lot of fun, and Charlie brought many toys for us to play with on the water (kayak, rafts, beer pong table, noodles, etc). Definitely enough equipment to keep you busy for the day! The sandbar was a bit busy (even on a weekday), but he tried to find us an area where no one was blaring their music, so we could play our own. Charlie took several pictures and videos for us that he emailed us later in the week. I really enjoyed having all those, in addition to mine. Only constructive criticism I have, would be that I booked a half day "tour", and had mentioned going snorkeling and doing the catch/release of baby sharks. I was under the impression that was all set up as the plan for the day. However, we went straight to the sandbar and spent the day there; little bit of a letdown as we wanted to do other activities as well- other than that it was a great day! The water was clear, we saw some fish (and lots of dogs), and the weather was perfect- we had a great day with Captain Charlie!

    There is NOTHING better to do with your time in the Islamorada/Key Largo area than spend the day…read morewith Key Largo Adventures! Charlie is a magical Captain who creates special moments throughout your entire experience on his boat. Of course the Sandbar is beautiful but the hospitality is what sets this charter apart from the rest. His boat was beautiful and we were comfortable as can be all day long. We are already planning our next trip back and can not stop staring at photos from our special day. Can not recommend Key Largo Adventures enough!

    Islamorada Dive Center

    Islamorada Dive Center

    (108 reviews)

    Took open water dive cert here and had a blast. Every staff member I interacted with was kind,…read morehelpful, passionate, and safety-conscious. I do wish they were better about inspecting their rental equipment. My OWD class saw a few non-safety-critical equipment issues like a mildly leaky BCD and torn wetsuits.

    I have been going to the Florida Keys to go diving for over 10 years now and I have to say I have…read moreconverted from Rainbow reef to Islamorada Dive Center because the service is much friendlier, more accommodating, and the communication is so easy and straightforward. Keira is a pleasure to book with and work with to plan dive trips and she goes out of her way to make sure everyone has a pleasurable dive experience. Captain Jason is very safety forward and makes sure everyone gets on and off the boat securely. He is also so fun and always a pleasure to be on his boat. The instructors we dove with, KA, Tomos and Sonia were super patient and understanding of our different levels of experience. When we wanted to branch out and try new things like lobstering, they were very accommodating, and everyone was willing to work with us to be successful. I love that unlike at places in Key Largo such as Rainbow reef you can actually lobster and Spearfish with Islamorada, but they actually make sure you do it in a safe and responsible way which I really appreciate. I will definitely look forward to diving with this team again!

    Key Dives - Happy Faces:  The diving was great!

    Key Dives

    (65 reviews)

    Don't wait like I did--plan your SCUBA Open Water cert now!…read more They're not joking about the concierge experience, btw. You get amazing service and education at such a reasonable price point. Book with this outfit and never look back. Plus, it's so much easier to get to than the more southern keys. It's hard to overstate the education and value I received from the fine people at Key Dives on the very South end of Upper Matecumbe key. My instructor was Nick C., and I can't say enough great things about the guy. His love for the job, his seemingly bottomless well of patience, and his motivation for teaching exactly what one needs to know in order to enjoy with safety and ease one of the most profound experiences a person will ever have in this life. If I could share that feeling, there'd be a 15-yr waiting list for open water certs. Nick's teaching style efficiently and effectively guided me to know and trust myself and most importantly--my equipment--building the confidence which I found to be crucial when you're so deep in an element you weren't evolved into. He made it easy for even me (adhd?) to absorb the amount of knowledge and experience needed to stay perfectly safe and comfortable in the water so that I could get down to the business of exploring the incredible world that exists below the water's surface. Nick's instruction additionally included steps on how to prep and preserve my own equipment, since I brought my own gear (they will outfit you with everything you need tho). IMO, that was above and beyond. Wrapping up, he was great with both my 11yr-old and my wife with 20 years experience and several other advanced certifications. Nick was in his element for both ends of the knowledge spectrum, often switching between the 3 of us in the same breath, able to shift deftly between helping the little one, myself, and instructing my wife. I also would like to reiterate that everyone I spoke with in the entire Key Dives operation were helpful, accommodating, fostering of the learning environment/process, and an absolute pleasure to be around. Everyone from instructors I was not attached to, to the boat's Captain were helpful and accomodating. I would be comfortable in sending my loved ones to learn under the care and instructions of the folks at Key Dives. Ask for Nick, and don't forget to tip. -jm

    Only operator that went out on a Friday morning! IT was choppy but appreciate the crew saving our…read moredive when other poorly operators canceled on us (rainbow). Great crew did a great job. Next trip to Florida keys will be with key dives!

    Florida Keys Dive Center - diving - Updated May 2026

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