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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.
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!
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....
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Under the sea is a great retreat from the daily grind. I was Padi certified earlier this year and we all took a big group trip to the Keys. I experienced my first ocean dive through the Florida Keys Dive Center and thanks to them, my "mermaid experience" was even better than I imagined. We had a fantastic and knowledgeable captain and guides who took us to the best reefs! We saw gorgeous coral, a few nurse sharks and other small sharks, several rays and the ever elusive moray eel. The cost was around $80 per dive, not including tips. Tip your captain and crew please! They're deserving of it, I promise. It was a fantastic experience and I highly recommend giving them a call if you're looking to dive in the Florida Keys. read more
3 years ago
Shout out to the IDC, the Florida Keys Dive Center in Tavernier, and most of all, instuctor Doug Hyland for getting me my basic open water certification this week. These organizations are top knotch. I look forward to advancing in my scuba education with the help of these folks. Thanks again, people. You should be proud of the services you provide. C. Evans read more
5 years ago
The minute you walk into this dive shop, you are greeted by friendly and welcoming people who are very invested in you having a great experience. The shop is filled with friendly dive masters (Claire, Faith, Angeline, Lana) what are eager to help you and rental equipment that is in superior condition. Their focus on service is absolutely undeniable and as a guest on their boat you are treated to their full attention and staffing ratios that make you feel like you're on your own private charter!! In my 20+ years of diving, this is the first time I didn't have to hook up my own tank! Their attention to detail and care about your security are top of mind and they make sure you feel like you are getting what you are paying for and more. A tip is not required, but it would be difficult to walk away without recognizing the hard work and superior expertise this team has. The boat is in pristine condition and captain Jason has literally decades of experience to navigate you to the most beautiful reef in the Florida Keys. The staff are happy to guide you to the best locations and provide you with technical assistance, care when getting on and off the boat, and a hands-on service that is simply not found in other dive shops. The immature snipery of several inexperienced and petulant divers simply cannot override the fact that FL keys Dive Center gives you a superior driving experience that I highly recommend! read more
5 years ago
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. read more
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! read more
3 years ago
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.... read more
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! read more
9 years ago
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. read more
7 years ago
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! read more
6 years ago
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. read more
5 years ago
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! read more
6 years ago
5 years ago
Awesome 2 days of diving with Scuba Joe. He is an incredible diver and dive host. Safety first and that is real. read more
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! read more
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. read more
7 years ago
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. read more
5 years ago
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. read more
5 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
Great staff, capt, crew, and guide scuba joe! All were great well trained and professional. Truly a blue star operator! Wish I had trained here. Looking forward to diving with them again. read more
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More info about Florida Keys Dive Center
84001 Overseas Hwy
Isla Morada, FL 33036
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(305) 852-4599
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http://www.floridakeysdivecenter.com
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