We have tried to answer a lot of the questions you might have. If you can’t find your question below, please feel free to contact us.
Diving with Captain’s Corner
Is there a dive master in the water with me?
No. We do have a dive master on the boat that sets up the lines gives the briefings, helps you with gear and answer any questions you might have. The dive master stays on the boat while the divers are in the water in case of emergencies in the water. If you would like to have a dive master with you in the water, you can hire a private guide. Guides are great whether you are a novice or pro, have not dived in a while, do photography, or just like that personal attention.
What is included in the cost of the course?
The cost of the course includes instruction, equipment, boat trips and certification card. Any educational materials and logbooks required for the specific courses are not included in the price.
Do you have equipment that will fit me?
The equipment on our boat ranges from XS to XL.
I want to dive but forgot my dive card and logbook?
We can verify your certification online through most training agencies.
Can I still dive if I don’t know how to swim?
You must know how to swim in order to dive with us.
Do you offer courses in languages other than English?
Sorry, courses are ONLY taught in English at this time.
Can I do a wreck dive during the 1-Day Discover Scuba Diving?
No. The maximum depth limit for the Discover Scuba Diving program is 40ft. The wrecks we visit are about 70ft and 100ft deep.
Do I have to dive by myself if I didn’t bring a dive buddy?
There is no solo diving on our trips. If you are checking in alone, you will be assigned a dive buddy on the boat.
Do I need to pick up equipment before arriving at the boat?
No. If you need equipment, it is stored on the boat, and will be supplied to you on board.
Where do I catch the boat?
The boat leaves from our departure booth at 631 Greene St (located at the corner of Greene and Elizabeth Street, next to the Conch Republic Seafood restaurant). The boat is two blocks from the dive center. Click here for directions.
Do you provide food and drink onboard?
We provide only ice water to drink on the boat. There is a cooler on board, and you are welcome to bring food or beverages to store in the cooler.
Is there a restroom on the boat?
We have a marine restroom (“Head” in nautical terms) on the boat.
Is there a place to store valuables on the boat?
We have no special storage for valuables. We recommend you leave valuables at home.
Do you have parking at the boat?
There is city pay-parking available at the boat. If this parking is full, we can direct you to other alternatives.
Do you have underwater cameras for rent?
We do not rent underwater cameras.
Do you offer lobster trips?
No, we do not offer lobster trips.
Diving in general
How old do I have to be to dive?
You must be 10 years of age or older to learn to scuba dive or take the 1-day Discover Scuba Diving course. The child must be able to:
- Fit the equipment available
- Be both mentally and physically able to participate in the course.
Between 10 and 15 years of age, a student completing the open water diver course will be given a Junior Certification. They must dive under the supervision of an adult (parent or instructor only between 10-12) until the age of 15 years, when their certification will be automatically upgraded. You have to be 15 to dive the deep Vandenberg wreck.
Can I dive in the morning and fly in the afternoon?
No. There has to be a minimum surface interval of 12 hours before you fly after diving. A shorter interval could subject you to a risk of decompression sickness. These are the DAN (Diver Alert Network) recommendations:
- 12 hours after a single dive no deeper than 30 feet
- 18 hours after multiple dives per day or multiple days of diving
- 24 hours after single or multiple dives per day deeper than 30 feet
Are there any medical considerations for diving?
Although fun and easy for many, diving can place unexpected stress on your body and respiratory system. Carefully read the diver’s medical questionnaire to assist you in determining medical fitness. If you have any of the conditions listed, you must visit a doctor for a dive examination before beginning your course.
Is there shore diving in Key West?
No. Diving takes place at the reef, which is 6-8 miles out.
Where is the reef?
The reef is located 6-8 miles offshore (approximately 40 minutes by boat). It is the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world (220 miles long), and runs from Key Largo in the North, to The Tortugas in the southwest. Click here for more info on the reef.
What is the best time of year to dive?
We dive all year around in Key West. However, the best diving can be found in summer (typically between April to September), when you will find better visibility, warm water, less wind and cheaper accommodation.
Can I dive if I wear glasses/contacts?
Yes. If you have soft or gas permeable lenses you can dive with them in.If you only require a small diopter mask (-2.5) or less, you can dive with a normal mask, as the water has a magnification factor.
Do you offer private charters?
Yes, we offer both half day and full day private charters. Contact us for more information and pricing.
Weather
What are your typical dive conditions?
There are many different things that affect our dive conditions. These include:
- Temperature: Air temperature varies from 100F/38C in summer to 60F/15C in winter. Water temperature varies from 93F/34C in summer to 65F/18C in winter.
- Visibility: Typically visibility is 30-50 ft depending on water movement. We are in a unique geographical position, sitting between two different oceans. The Atlantic Ocean to our south is warm, blue, clear water. The Gulf of Mexico to our north is brown, cold, murky water. Where the two oceans meet is called the blue line (a visible line in the water). The blue line can move up to 30 miles overnight with the tide.
This means we can have 100 feet of visibility one day, and 6 feet the next, based purely on where the line is. We also have the Gulf stream (a warm water mass that flows around the Caribbean) just off the reef. If the Gulf stream moves in the water tends to clear up. - Sunlight: Never in short supply in Florida. Light absorption increases with the depth. Typically the biggest color range is found on the shallow reef dives in 30 ft or less.
- Wind: Most of the time during summer the water is flat calm. During the winter we tend to get more wind. Wave height depends on the direction of the wind. If wind is from the north, the Keys break up any waves, and you only get a small chop. If the wind is from the south, we tend to get bigger waves (from 3ft to 5ft – for very strong winds). If we consider the
waves too rough for passenger comfort, we run trips to the Gulf of Mexico.
Obviously, we try to go out and dive every day and pick the best locations for you, based on the conditions of the day. But if safety becomes an issue because of rough weather/water, we have to cancel the trip. We apologize in advance…
