Florida Keys Dive Center

User Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

Checking in at the counter, I got the impression that we were welcome and that this was well run shop. At the end of the day, I felt that I would not likely come back to this facility. My group of six was interested in snorkeling (I am adiver). Upon hearing the instructions from the crew, we understood that divers would enter the water first (this makes sense - I got that). As the dive group entered, some had to come back immediately as they were very young (one looked to be under 12) and probably should not have even been allowed for a "try it to see if you like diving" dive -- especially given the conditions that day. We waited for the diver to return and then asked the captain if it was now OK for us to enter, to which I got a sarcastic answer about how that was up to me and that we could waste away the day on the boat if we wanted to. Not a good way to build customer loyalty.
I did try on another occasion to make contact with the captain by asking "what the two black objects were in the water" ---- we were at pickles reef where I had once did a dive there about 20 years ago. The response I received was "a UFO" and then an explanation after I expressed surprised at the answer. I can understand the need to be jovial but the attitude of the captain was condescending. The rest of the crew I can say was very nice and customer focused.
My last comment is about the spear fishing that was allowed to occur by a couple of the divers. I am a diver too and my training and experience is that this puts the rest of the people at risk; not only in the water due to the potential of shark attack but also the safe handling of spear guns. In returning to the boat, spear guns were accepted by waiting hands to then be placed pointed in the direction of people at the front of the boat. Safe handling of spear guns requires them to be pointed downward until safely stowed. Eventually the crew got it right and spear guns were placed under the aft bench. I have used other dive shops on Marathon and Key Largo and have not run into either this type of customer treatment or lack of safe diving practice.

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User Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

As a beginner I contacted Florida Keys Dive Center and explained that I am a beginner and asked if there would be someone for me to buddy up with on the dive. They said that they had a boat of three people going out the next day and that we would have two pairs if I showed up. My boyfriend who is a non-diver came along to go snorkelling. There were not three other divers, as I was told, but two. One was a 12 year old and the other his father. Both beginners. We were dropped off at the reef and told to have fun. We spent the entire dive confused and trying not to stray too far from the boat. Not to mention the water was so cold and the current was strong. The water was so cold that my right calf cramped up on the swim back to the boat. We were all too cold and afraid to do the second dive. So we only did one dive and not the second one. We had all paid for a two tank, two site dive. My boyfriend could not even snorkel because of the water temperature. When we returned to the shop my boyfriend asked for a refund for the snorkelling portion of his trip and they responded by offering him a Coke. The shop did not offer to accomodate us at all. They did not even acknowledge us when we returned. I have written emails and letters offering them an opportunity to right the situation. All of correspondence has been ignored. AVOID THIS PLACE!!!!!

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

For diving enthusiasts: If you like to dive, this is the place for you. Fantastically knowledgable instructors and guides. This is a must stop location for magnificent dives in the warm and lively waters of the Keys.

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