Customer Testimonials

  What we weren't aware of and prepared for on this trip was the choppiness of the waves (~2-3 feet swell). It seems this is typical of The Keys in... read more spring so I would suggest being a confident swimmer and not being susceptible to seasickness as the criteria for enjoying this activity at this time of year. However, that in itself is not why I rate this only average.
My husband and I have snorkeled several times before but never in these type of conditions. As such, we really weren't prepared for the experience. We went on 2 days with different companies and felt that these guys didn't really give any guidance. The positive was that the boat was relatively small and was half empty so it wasn't crowded at all. However, they don't have dive platforms so getting in and out of the water wasn't so easy - well, getting in is because you just jump but getting out was quite a trial in the choppy water. We had our own equipment, which we were glad about because it appeared that they only provided J snorkels rather than dry or semi-dry, which are better in choppy conditions.
The captain and mate didn't really keep an eye on everyone which was a bit disconcerting if anyone had got into trouble. As it was, both my husband and I got quite a shock about the choppiness and cut our snorkeling short. In the end, the whole trip was less than 4 hours, probably more like 3 due to the conditions.

  All staff complied with mask, and sanitation requirements. Capt Tim and Carston went out of their way to make snorkelers and divers happy. Scuba Joe was awesome as... read more usual. Thanks for an awesome trip.

  Our first time diving with FKDC and we will be back. Capt Tim and Zack were fantastic. Customer service was excellent. We had two beautiful dives. ... read more Best of all safety was a top priority. We will be back.

  Gotta say we had a great great trip!! Parking was cake and not far at all to take gear to stage it before departure. Restroom was clean, staff... read more was SUPER friendly, Tim (Capt) and first made Zack did an outstanding job with briefings and information. Went to Pickles Reef, 2 spots, Capt put us on great moorings. The boats were very clean, sounded well kept, we didn't see any of the ugliness that happens when you mix snorkelers and divers on the same boat. They followed the Covid rules and made everyone as comfortable as possible. Definitely on the list to come back to!!

  Had a great trip on the big dipper. Awesome staff, very friendly and helpful. Zach was our dive guide and we had a blast with him! He was so personable,... read more funny and was an excellent dive buddy, pointing things out that we would've never noticed...More

  My husband and I are beginners and have 5 children under 12 so were a bit nervous about the day! Scuba Joe & Captain Tim were just amazing! ... read more Joe helped all of the kids feel at ease and grow a love for snorkeling! We swam with several nurse sharks, fish, turtles, eel etc! The kids became so comfortable in the water that it was just amazing. They've already asked to go back! This felt like a private tour rather than one of those impersonal tourist boats that I've done in Key West. We will definitely be back! Definitely a great place for the entire family! So much fun!

  Scuba Joe is the best instructor ever! I was definitely a very difficult and nervous student, but he was very patient and made me feel super comfortable in & out... read more of the water while getting me scuba certified. He dedicated all his time and went above and beyond to accommodate me and answer all my questions. He was very kind, funny, and taught me a lot about diving and marine life. The FKDC and Scuba Joe are the best in The Keys!!

  What can I say other than one of the best experiences I could have ever give my 12 year old daughter.....and she loved it! Scuba Joe and the whole crew... read more at the Florida Keys Dive Center went out of their way to make this first dive experience the best that it could be. Scuba Joe conducted a one-on-one dive lesson that was geared for a 12 year old in a professional and fun way that allowed my daughter to quickly understand and learn the important principles of conducting a safe and structured dive. I could not have asked for a better dive instructor and would go back to the Florida Keys Dive Center at any opportunity. My daughter enjoyed it so much that she now wants to become a certified junior diver next year. Thanks again Scuba Joe and the Florida Keys Dive Center crew!

  This was a bucket list event and a celebration of a 71st birthday. We may have been the oldest on the boat but the staff, Captain Chase and the crew,... read more Matt, Jackson, Doc and Joe were amazing. Snorkeling was awesome with not 1 but 2 sites!!
Snorkeled in 2' waves and even saw Nurse sharks .

  Yesterday we went scuba diving in the morning with Florida Keys Dive Center. We often dive with them and have great experiences but yesterday took the cake! The weather was... read more perfect the boat was very clean and organized for social distancing and staff and divers were considerate of the mask rules. We saw so many animals that we stopped pointing them out to each other! Maybe a dozen nurse sharks sleeping, sleeping together, moving, moving together, one rooting around for something tasty under a little coral. A multitude, really, or big green moray also in a variety of poses. Many just out swimming from one hidey hole to another! We also saw a golden eel and two very small black and white eel. A crab , lots of collector urchin with big collections. There was a beautiful turtle, a few large barracudas, yellow stingrays and southern rays, and to top it off 2 amazing bonnet sharks! I mean really? It was a dream day of diving with Florida Keys Dive Center. And thank you for your service to our country to both the Captain and his first mate son

  Spent the weekend diving with the Florida Keys Dive center. Very Professional and knowledgeable staff. Thank you Capt.Tim, Capt. Tracy and Scuba Joe for a amazing weekend an pointing... read more out that west Atlantic black piranha!

  Big Thanks to Florida Keys Dive Center and Scuba Jo! My son received a very catered experience, earning his PADI SCUBA certification with Scuba Jo and the Florida Keys Dive... read more Center. I was also re-certified and the whole experience was very personable, and shaped to our needs and level of comfort. I would definitely recommend Scuba Jo and the Florida Keys Dive Center to anyone looking for a responsible dive outfitter in the upper/middle Keys. All the best and have a great summer!
Thanks again.

  The trip to Pete's, Spankie's, Davis and Pleasure reefs are great! Saw sharks, turtles, eels, crabs, lobsters, etc. You name it. The crews are wonderful and helpful. Hope to dive... read more with them again!

  I went to Key Largo to get my deep Diver’s certification. The boat we were on was the Orion. It was great! We went to The Eagle for the... read more first and second deep dive. The waves were really high and unfortunately I got seasick. During...More

  We did a snorkel trip 30 June with Florida Keys Dive Center. We booked through TripAdvisor and showed up for an easy check in and safety briefing. Masks are required... read more in the shop and on the boat when not social distancing with other parties. The boat , equipment, and common surfaces are sanitized before each trip.
We snorkeled two reefs, Hens and Chicks, and Pleasure reef. The conditions were perfect. Flat seas and 100ft plus visibility. There was a great variety of fish, nurse sharks, Hawksbill turtles, Eels, and my favorite Tarpon. This was the first time in 30+ years of diving and snorkeling I have snorkeled with Tarpon.
On the boat there was fresh water with sanitation between users as well as a cooler if you brought your own drinks. There was only one other party so the boat wasn’t crowded. The boat and the dive sites are close about 20 minutes from the shop. The captain is incredibly safety minded, and extremely personable. His son was our deckhand and was extremely helpful.
If you are planning on snorkeling the upper keys This is a great option for your trip. They offer morning and afternoon trips 4 hours in length.