Ocean Divers, Key Largo

[Beaucoupfishies]

We recently headed down to Key Largo to take a mini vacation as well as getting our PADI AOW cert and had the pleasure of dealing with Ocean Divers (DIVE KEY LARGO WITH OCEAN DIVERS - SCUBA diving, snorkeling, PADI diver training, IDC & CDC - Instructor & Career Development Center).

With the exception of one worker, every trip to the store or to the dive site was manned by knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff. Due to a booking error made by our LDS, we were not scheduled as part of a night dive, so when we got to the dock we were a little surprised. Fortunately, they had no problem taking us along and making sure we had everything we needed.

The charters were comfortable and had everything we could need, even when the seas were a little on the choppy side. When you were done with your dive, you knew you could expect to be greeted and helped out of the water instead of just being stared at. You also could expect plenty of fresh fruit and a quick shower to help refresh you on the way back.

All in all, a very pleasant experience. Also Kudos to Bud, our instructor, from Calypso Divers in Tampa. Not only did he do a wonderful job with our dives, but he made a mighty fine tour guide when we were done as well.

[david_57]

Originally Posted by Beaucoupfishies

We recently headed down to Key Largo to take a mini vacation as well as getting our PADI AOW cert and had the pleasure of dealing with Ocean Divers (DIVE KEY LARGO WITH OCEAN DIVERS - SCUBA diving, snorkeling, PADI diver training, IDC & CDC - Instructor & Career Development Center).

With the exception of one worker, every trip to the store or to the dive site was manned by knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff. Due to a booking error made by our LDS, we were not scheduled as part of a night dive, so when we got to the dock we were a little surprised. Fortunately, they had no problem taking us along and making sure we had everything we needed.

The charters were comfortable and had everything we could need, even when the seas were a little on the choppy side. When you were done with your dive, you knew you could expect to be greeted and helped out of the water instead of just being stared at. You also could expect plenty of fresh fruit and a quick shower to help refresh you on the way back.

All in all, a very pleasant experience. Also Kudos to Bud, our instructor, from Calypso Divers in Tampa. Not only did he do a wonderful job with our dives, but he made a mighty fine tour guide when we were done as well.

I dove with them a couple of months ago excellent dive OP only one that actually did a head count and check off their list to make sure they had everyone.

My only complaint was the bottle size steel 80's filled to 72 cuft for a deep wreck dive like the Duane 124ft, next time I would go with another Dive Op like Silent Divers for this reason.

[Beaucoupfishies]

Originally Posted by david_57

I dove with them a couple of months ago excellent dive OP only one that actually did a head count and check off their list to make sure they had everyone.

My only complaint was the bottle size steel 80's filled to 72 cuft for a deep wreck dive like the Duane 124ft, next time I would go with another Dive Op like Silent Divers for this reason.

Since we were doing our AOW it wasn't as much as an issue for us, but I can see why it'd be a problem. A few of our fellow divers rented tanks from Divers Direct next door to get around the problem.

[david_57]

Originally Posted by Beaucoupfishies

Since we were doing our AOW it wasn't as much as an issue for us, but I can see why it'd be a problem. A few of our fellow divers rented tanks from Divers Direct next door to get around the problem.

Wish I had of known that it would have made a great dive into a fantastic dive, I also feel safer when diving over 60ft to have a redundant air source like a 30 or 40 cuft Pony bottle, these are hard to bring on the Aeroplane so would be nice if they could be rented, again Silent divers offer this option aswell as double tanks. I did ask if they rented 100 cuft would have been nice if they had let me know I could rent them at Divers Direct.

[cudachaser]

I have dove with Ocean Divers for over 10 years...I bring my classes to them about 4 times a year....I can only say good things about them

[LRDWILDER]

I'm heading down to them in three weeks with about 10 people....Glad to hear that about them.....Also great idea about running next door to Direct Divers to rent the pony bottle!

[scubasamurai]

i dove with them and didn't have a problem with the low pressure steel 80's even on the duane and SG had enough psi sometimes more than enough. also got some more bottom time with some mixes of 28% eanx.
the SG doubles would have been nice, but i was there for four days and we hit the SG three times, but even with doubles and three visits it is never enough.
all in all ocean divers was a great op and had plently of good times

[KennyD]

Originally Posted by LRDWILDER

I'm heading down to them in three weeks with about 10 people....Glad to hear that about them.....Also great idea about running next door to Direct Divers to rent the pony bottle!

I too will be down there in about three weeks diving with Ocean Divers. There are four of us from here in Wichita,Ks going down on July 10-14. Good info on the tanks too guys! Thanks

[Osprey]

I was with Beau on the trip (go figure ) and I must agree at how pleasant Ocean Divers were. Very helpful for someone like me with a fussy back to get advice on how to lug those steel tanks about. I agree Bud has a good eye for fun times too, but still keeping everyone safe.

David, I would not expect one dive shop to direct you to another store, honestly

[Disneymom]

Thanks for that info, Beaucoup! Mr. Disney and I are entertaining a Largo trip in the future, and its nice to know where to find a good dive shop!
Where did you stay while you were there?

Osprey - what was their advice on the fussy back and lugging tanks around? I'm curious to know! (I could use the same advice!)