Islamorada Dive Center
Islamorada Dive Center
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Islamorada, Florida
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Islamorada Dive Center
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
689 reviews
Excellent
632
Very good
24
Average
14
Poor
11
Terrible
8
T-PUC
2 contributions
Oct 2020
Hands down, beyond the pale the best dive center in the upper keys. I have dove every other dive company and Islamorada goes above and beyond in both merit, integrity, customer service, availability and flexibility. Diving with this company is a must. From the personal service of setting up your gear for you and switching tanks to storing your gear and handling it when the dive is over, this organization is run right from the top down in a world where sometimes bare minimum is accepted as standard.
Keirra runs the front office and is more amicable and accommodating than any I have seen thus far in my 12 years of diving the keys.
Shawn the boat captain is knowledgeable, professional and has an air of quiet leadership and professionalism. The man loves his job and you can tell each and every day.
Dive guides Kelsey, Chase and Sonya are top notch. Professional at all times but approachable and always up for a laugh and to help out with any gear questions or minor tweaks or 'techniques' you may require.
If you dive in the keys, dive with them. Can't stress this enough. I was set up to dive half with IDC and half with another company. I subsequently cancelled all my dives with the other company and went solely with them with zero regrets.
Veterans are offered a 10% discount and their rates are as good as or better than competition in nearby Largo. Price breaks based on number of dive trips/packages are fair and equitable. The travel time to the sites is cut in half, and since you are not in the Pennekamp reserve, you are able to hunt for lobster and spearfish if its in season. Free beer after your dive!
20 out of 10. Will dive again. Gave 5 stars because I couldn't give 7. Whatever they are doing, it is working. If I owned a dive shop, I would model it after them.
Keirra runs the front office and is more amicable and accommodating than any I have seen thus far in my 12 years of diving the keys.
Shawn the boat captain is knowledgeable, professional and has an air of quiet leadership and professionalism. The man loves his job and you can tell each and every day.
Dive guides Kelsey, Chase and Sonya are top notch. Professional at all times but approachable and always up for a laugh and to help out with any gear questions or minor tweaks or 'techniques' you may require.
If you dive in the keys, dive with them. Can't stress this enough. I was set up to dive half with IDC and half with another company. I subsequently cancelled all my dives with the other company and went solely with them with zero regrets.
Veterans are offered a 10% discount and their rates are as good as or better than competition in nearby Largo. Price breaks based on number of dive trips/packages are fair and equitable. The travel time to the sites is cut in half, and since you are not in the Pennekamp reserve, you are able to hunt for lobster and spearfish if its in season. Free beer after your dive!
20 out of 10. Will dive again. Gave 5 stars because I couldn't give 7. Whatever they are doing, it is working. If I owned a dive shop, I would model it after them.
Written October 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerry O
Chattanooga, TN36 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
My wife and I, along with my two nephews had the pleasure of diving with IDC for a week. My Wife and I normally dive in more exotic locales, but due to Covid closures, we found ourselves planning a Keys vacation with family. The dive operation that we used to frequent in Key Largo has gotten very large, and service has suffered. At the recommendation of friends in the Keys, we found IDC, and I have to say Customer Service was 5 STAR! The store staff was friendly and helpful. The boats were clean, well equipped, and ran to the highest standard. The Boat Crew and Dive Staff we’re friendly and helpful, and were the same individuals every day, so they got to know you. I will specifically call out Kiera as OUTSTANDING. When my nephew had issues equalizing, she took the time to explain different methods to equalize, and stayed with him on the down line to make sure he was good. This is the kind of attention that you will not get in big shops, and she probably was the difference between my nephew diving for the week and him deciding diving wasn’t for him. We also had a great time of the PADI Underwater Hunter course with Will, and we all had a great time learning and diving. I’m only giving them 5 stars, because I cannot give them 6.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin “Beard”
2 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
First time diving in Florida and was lucky enough to have found IDC. Their team really knows how to make sure you have a great time. So Personable after diving a week with them you feel like you are leaving longtime friends to head home.
Will Halliburton was our guide for most our Spearfishing hunts- couldn’t have asked for a better guy to show us the ropes and put us on more fish than we could shoot.
I will definitely be headed back ASAP to dive/ hunt with them!
Highly recommend!!
Will Halliburton was our guide for most our Spearfishing hunts- couldn’t have asked for a better guy to show us the ropes and put us on more fish than we could shoot.
I will definitely be headed back ASAP to dive/ hunt with them!
Highly recommend!!
Written June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abbykak
Scranton, PA3 contributions
Nov 2019
My husband and I had a great experience with the IDC crew. Everyone was very kind and welcoming. Only complaints are that the captain only prefers to drop two groups out at a time. I understand safety is a factor, or so they say, but as an experienced diver I tend to want to get away from other divers. I don't want to be forced to join a group of 10 other divers and that's what keys diving seems to be. No disrespect to new divers at all, I was absolutely terrible until I started diving 20+ dives a year, I prefer buddy diving or diving with large groups of experienced people. This is one of the bummers of keys diving since all the companies tend to do that. I suggest they start letting people separate more and start carrying large flags for people to be dropped with. We dive a lot like that in Pompano beach and Deer Field which works awesome. I also didn't appreciate that the captain rushed my tank fills at the end of the day, I get that you're tired and all but I paid for a decent tank fill and could sense the attitude he was giving other helping staff members to rush us out. Diving isn't a cheap hobby and there are tons of companies to go through, I would go back but i'd judge that off of how the next experience goes.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HendrikM
Copenhagen, Denmark251 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We dived one day with this operator and were not impressed. A ratio of 9 divers/guide meant divers with very different ability were grouped together and it was overall messy and crowded underwater. They didn’t check on people’s experience or interest. The dive guide literally goes at the front and swims fast - didn’t point at a single thing for us. Less than 30 mins into the first dive somebody ran out of air and rather than sending them up on the line everybody had to abort the dive. My partner and I came back to the boat with over 2K psi feeling hard done by. Barely worth getting in the water for a <30’ dive and at $45/dive it was very poor value.
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryce Ivings
Sarasota, FL14 contributions
Aug 2020
Whether you are an experienced diver or just getting started, these guys will treat you like family. They will go out of their way to make sure you have a safe and unforgettable experience.
Kiera is amazing and makes getting signed up for trips and figuring out gear a breeze. She is also a blast to dive with!! The instructors myself and my family have trained with are incredible. As a 22 year Army Veteran, I have a true appreciation for good instructors. Liz, Kelsey, and Will are top notch instructors and have made all of our training and dive trips with them a pleasurable experience.
Captain Shawn and the rest of the crew are very attentive, safe, informative, and made every one of our trips great.
Eric, the owner, is great. If he is on the boat, he will spend the whole trip making sure everyone on the boat is having a good time. You can tell he truly cares about his customers as well as his crew.
Specific kudos to Kelsey!! You are an amazing instructor. Your ability to help people work through their fears as well as your amazing personality, have changed my wife's life. Thank you for working with her and the extra care you gave her through the whole process. It was such a blessing for us to finally be able to dive as a family.
This was our 3rd dive vacation with IDC and we plan on many more.
Kiera is amazing and makes getting signed up for trips and figuring out gear a breeze. She is also a blast to dive with!! The instructors myself and my family have trained with are incredible. As a 22 year Army Veteran, I have a true appreciation for good instructors. Liz, Kelsey, and Will are top notch instructors and have made all of our training and dive trips with them a pleasurable experience.
Captain Shawn and the rest of the crew are very attentive, safe, informative, and made every one of our trips great.
Eric, the owner, is great. If he is on the boat, he will spend the whole trip making sure everyone on the boat is having a good time. You can tell he truly cares about his customers as well as his crew.
Specific kudos to Kelsey!! You are an amazing instructor. Your ability to help people work through their fears as well as your amazing personality, have changed my wife's life. Thank you for working with her and the extra care you gave her through the whole process. It was such a blessing for us to finally be able to dive as a family.
This was our 3rd dive vacation with IDC and we plan on many more.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Beth
Minnetonka, MN100 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
I first went diving with this awesome crew in October and returned knowing full well that the experience would be just as great! I was not disappointed. Kiera, Devon, McDreamy Captain Greg, Angeline, Sonia and Jessie ensured safety and service were of the utmost in priority. Terrific visibility, healthy reef/fish life and beautiful sunny days made for a fantastic experience.
When I say that safety and Service are their priority, they treat you with such sweet TLC— from the moment your feet hit the shop to getting on and off the boat and hooking up your tanks—you do not have to be an expert diver in order to really enjoy this addictive sport. The crew are happy to answer any questions, chat about the local dive sites and reef life or any of the local activities that will help maximize your fun in the FL keys.
If you’re going spend the time and money on diving, treat yourself to great diving with a terrific team, I highly recommend IDC!
When I say that safety and Service are their priority, they treat you with such sweet TLC— from the moment your feet hit the shop to getting on and off the boat and hooking up your tanks—you do not have to be an expert diver in order to really enjoy this addictive sport. The crew are happy to answer any questions, chat about the local dive sites and reef life or any of the local activities that will help maximize your fun in the FL keys.
If you’re going spend the time and money on diving, treat yourself to great diving with a terrific team, I highly recommend IDC!
Written March 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashton Ramirez
4 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
We scheduled a three trip dive with these folks after confirming that this would work with our travel plans. Unfortunately the day before our dive we received a phone call at 4pm telling us that a boat would be out of the water and that a crew member had COVID. My response was “that’s unfortunate” and I was met with “wow, I really expected a little more sympathy”. Not sure what I was supposed to say? The offer was made to arrange for us to dive on another boat, which was nice” but then I was told the plan would be to pay the person on the phone (Kiera?) by square for our dive then pay the other dive company for rentals. We had already paid for three dives and three rentals online so I was unclear on why I was being asked to pay again. Then once we got payment figured out (they didn’t realize we had paid for a package) I was then told “well, why didn’t you schedule your other dives? This isn’t how this works”. I explained that when I had emailed weeks before I had asked this very question.... do I have to book all dives at once or can our plans be flexible? I was told then that we definitely could book as we went. I said as such and was told “yeah well that’s wrong, you need to schedule them now”. At the time of this phone call I was literally being yelled at for following instructions. The entire time of said phone call we were in a tour and I repeatedly stated such but I was pressured into booking all of our remaining dives right then, despite asking if I could call back in 20minutes, after the tour had completed. She continued to pester us with statements like “if you’re unhappy you can bitch slap me tomorrow if you want”, which I found quite unprofessional. Eventually was able to get off the phone and discuss with my SO and we decided to ask for a refund and figure out our own arrangements. We called back promptly to say so and we met with a laugh and “fine, refund coming. GOOD LUCK” and we promptly hung up on.
In the end, I understand that this was likely stressful for them to make other arrangements for things that are outside of their control but I didn’t appreciate the ask for a repeat payment, clear confusion on what we had booked, being reprimanded, being yelled at, sworn at and then sarcastically told good luck after all of that persuaded us to go with a different company. Even my husband, who is never bothered by anyone, was impressed with how disagreeable Kiera was on the phone and how poorly this was handled.
In the end, I understand that this was likely stressful for them to make other arrangements for things that are outside of their control but I didn’t appreciate the ask for a repeat payment, clear confusion on what we had booked, being reprimanded, being yelled at, sworn at and then sarcastically told good luck after all of that persuaded us to go with a different company. Even my husband, who is never bothered by anyone, was impressed with how disagreeable Kiera was on the phone and how poorly this was handled.
Written February 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'd like to apologize that your encounter with Kiera was so negative. And I assure you she has been spoken too about this review. It seems some unfortunate timing, and misunderstanding was at fault here. One our boat lost a transmission suddenly and we were forced to rebook lots of annoyed divers. This was on Kiera solely. Thats a lot of angst from divers on all her. She made have come across stern and harsh, but thats also her personality and sense of humor. When she was talking to your husband about him "slapping: her it was a joke and he laughed. There were two other employees that there witnessed it. Her humor is like that, and your husband semed to understand it. I apologize if it rubbed you the wrong way. She could've been more understanding I agree with you there. But...
For you to type on a public review site, that one of my employees has COVID, is utterly irresponsible. Because its an absolute lie. Kiera told your husband this:
"the boat unfortunately broke down, shes in the yard sick, she caught COVID. Ha ha". She qwas joking the BOAT HAD COVID. Not an actual person. By you stating this you could be affecting not only my familys business, but all my employees chance at work. People could read "what you irresponsibly wrote" and choose not to visity based on that. And that is unacceptable.
Im sorry the boat broke and I;m sorry Kiera wasnt as nice as you hoped. But your review is unjustified and will be reported
Written February 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suzette100
Key Largo, FL68 contributions
Jun 2020 • Solo
I had some fantastic diving with IDC today. Check in and payment were fast and easy, the boat was comfortable and not crowded. Water is provided- don’t forget your water bottle! (Or buy a great one in the shop).
Speaking of the shop, we had a great experience a few weeks ago buying some fins and a mask/snorkel with Matt and Kiera helping. I’m looking forward to purchasing a camera there as well.
So the dives were fantastic, guide Veronica was very patient when I had some weight issues (too much weight on my body, not enough in my weight pockets lol- my fault entirely) and mate Luke was helpful with my gear as well. The reefs were in beautiful shape and I saw lots of great stuff and had a wonderful time out there.
One thing I’d like to point out from reading a few previous reviews- if you are diving during a pandemic, the onus is on you to maintain social distance and be cautious. The shop did all that they could but realistically, sitting near a person while you get your gear on and splash isn’t going to spread covid unless you’re coughing all over or licking other people’s equipment. The boat is plenty big for you to sit far away from everyone else during the ride out and back. Diving is a personal responsibility sport, so take this one more step and be responsible your own safety. They aren’t hall monitors making sure people stay away from each other and shouldn’t need to be.
Thanks to Eric and all for the great day!
Speaking of the shop, we had a great experience a few weeks ago buying some fins and a mask/snorkel with Matt and Kiera helping. I’m looking forward to purchasing a camera there as well.
So the dives were fantastic, guide Veronica was very patient when I had some weight issues (too much weight on my body, not enough in my weight pockets lol- my fault entirely) and mate Luke was helpful with my gear as well. The reefs were in beautiful shape and I saw lots of great stuff and had a wonderful time out there.
One thing I’d like to point out from reading a few previous reviews- if you are diving during a pandemic, the onus is on you to maintain social distance and be cautious. The shop did all that they could but realistically, sitting near a person while you get your gear on and splash isn’t going to spread covid unless you’re coughing all over or licking other people’s equipment. The boat is plenty big for you to sit far away from everyone else during the ride out and back. Diving is a personal responsibility sport, so take this one more step and be responsible your own safety. They aren’t hall monitors making sure people stay away from each other and shouldn’t need to be.
Thanks to Eric and all for the great day!
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Beth
Minnetonka, MN100 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
I have returned to this dive top shop several times in the last few months over business trips and I find a continuous combination of relaxation and fun, happily supplied by talented staff and fabulous reef.
This time, Captain Greg took us out to Davis and Crocker reefs, both with 70+ feet of visibility that made the experience seem like you were floating around in a massive, well stocked aquarium of exotic salt fish. Our guide, Brandon, showed us all kinds of reef life, large and small. He also speared the biggest lion-fish (an invasive species) I’ve ever seen at 18 inches.
It rained while we were underwater and our afternoon guide Tyler ensured we looked up for a sensational view of watching rain hit the ocean’s surface while we were underneath it in warm and pristine water, simply beautiful. We also saw Moray eels, shark, crabs and big schools of fish all surrounded by healthy and colorful coral life.
It seems like the IDC team take great pleasure in educating you about the health of the reef, the pride in their work, and spend time chatting with you to show you new techniques and ways to maximize your pleasure in a safe, highly organized and will run experience. I will be back again to enjoy everything about it!
This time, Captain Greg took us out to Davis and Crocker reefs, both with 70+ feet of visibility that made the experience seem like you were floating around in a massive, well stocked aquarium of exotic salt fish. Our guide, Brandon, showed us all kinds of reef life, large and small. He also speared the biggest lion-fish (an invasive species) I’ve ever seen at 18 inches.
It rained while we were underwater and our afternoon guide Tyler ensured we looked up for a sensational view of watching rain hit the ocean’s surface while we were underneath it in warm and pristine water, simply beautiful. We also saw Moray eels, shark, crabs and big schools of fish all surrounded by healthy and colorful coral life.
It seems like the IDC team take great pleasure in educating you about the health of the reef, the pride in their work, and spend time chatting with you to show you new techniques and ways to maximize your pleasure in a safe, highly organized and will run experience. I will be back again to enjoy everything about it!
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you have a shuttle from local motels?
I am considering a trip to your area from 5-12 October and would like to get in at least 10 dives. Doesn’t have to be anything exotic, just good dives.
Any recommendations?
Written September 13, 2018
I like Victory Reef on the deeper end usually pretty good sea life, the shallower end of Victory in the afternoon is normally really busy with nurse sharks and turtles. This isn’t like the mega operators that put profits first, they all dive, and they hire people that love their jobs. You are in good hands. In the amount of time you are going to be there, weather permitting you will have a very relaxing time. I always rent a car when I go, makes the other things to do in the Keys easier. You can’t get lost but you may never come back.
Written September 18, 2018
Hi good morning. I am looking for a sunset dinner cruise is my daughter birthday for Aug 8th. 2 adult 2 teenagers 1 baby 1yr.
Written July 27, 2018
We have a group of 11 spending the week of June 18 in the area. Do you offer a snorkel trip to accommodate this number?
Written April 14, 2018
Hola me gustaría saber el precio del servicio y las distintas propuestas para adultos y niños. Gracias
Written March 16, 2016
Jacqueline S
Reno, Nevada
I live in TEXAS and am planing a trip at the end of June with my husband and we have never been diving but really want to go very bad how long dose it take to get certified to dive we will only be their a week and I don't want to go snorkeling I want to immerse myself into another world and explore ship wreks PLEASE the trip won't be worth it if we can't go
Written March 25, 2015
It looks like your trip has passed, but this is for anyone else with questions.
I got the classroom work done online. That took a few days. The dive certification requires a morning in the pool, and then am afternoon on the boat where you dive two reefs and demonstrate your skills. Then two more dive the next morning, and you are certified for open water.
The shop and boat crew were great. I've been to a couple other stops since I completed the certification and the IDC team is the best so far.
Written September 11, 2017
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