History of Diving Museum, Islamorada: Address, Phone Number, History of Diving Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
History of Diving Museum
History of Diving Museum
4.5
About
The Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, displaying, and interpreting artifacts, antiques, books, documents, photographs, and oral history relative to the History of Diving. We tell the international story of man's attempts to explore, understand, and venture under the sea. We also celebrate the special role that South Florida and the Florida Keys played in this story. The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational institution focused on the Story of Man's Quest to Explore Under the Sea. The majority of the Museum's artifacts have been provided through the generous support of its founders, Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer, who hold one of the largest collection of historic diving equipment and research documents in the world.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
902 reviews
Excellent
635
Very good
229
Average
35
Poor
2
Terrible
1
jecleach
Winter Garden, FL22 contributions
Not a scuba diver, but our family had a few hours to kill before dinner and this place looked interesting. Glad we stopped in for a visit because it was well worth it. For a private museum the displays of diving history dating back to ancient Mesopotamia were very creative and professional in every way. Highly recommend whether you are a professional diver or just curious about history. My teenagers were captivated by the displays and history as well.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa F
Phoenix, AZ76 contributions
Couples
We love finding unique , small museums. Staff was very friendly when entering. You will spend roughly about 1-1.5 hours. Thought the exhibits were curated very well and it would be an interesting place to visit even if you are not a Scuba diver. If you are looking to do something on Islamorada make this part of your itinerary.
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MCeeTG
Murano, Italy179 contributions
Friends
Several folks recommended the museum to me, and I was skeptical at first. But one of the days when weather did not permit dives, I decided to check it out. It blew all my expectations! This is an incredibly well done museum with detailed research, an extensive and interesting collection, interactive exhibits, an incredible library, free online events that are really interesting, AND it’s dog friendly. I have recommended it to everyone I meet who is remotely interested in diving or knows someone who is. Kudos to founders and team for a job well done and creating such a unique space. Also, they require masks indoors and have clear and well-communicated protocols around covid.
Written June 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katy W
19 contributions
Great Semi-Hidden Gem. It doesn't look like much from the road. But It was on my list of things to see in the Keys so we stopped. We are glad we did. This museum started by a diving enthusiast in just 2000 really is great. I am not a diving fan by any means but a well laid out and interesting museum should please a wide variety of people and it does. I am very impressed with the collection of diving helmets the museum has collected and the other diving suits and apparatus available to view. Some exhibits are interactive and there is a good variety of displays and information. See how long you can hold your breath and compare yourself to a free diver (1 minute v. 7 minutes!) You can see all the strange early diving methods used like the diving bell. You need at least an hour in the museum.
Written April 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are glad to hear the Museum was on your list of things to see and that you enjoyed your visit! Your review really provides an excellent description of the Museum and how it can have an appeal to everyone.
Written April 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LisaG
14 contributions
We loved exploring the History of Diving Museum! As a scuba diver, I had no idea there were so many types of dive helmets over the years! Really cool stuff to see and learn about. The kids enjoyed the scavenger hunt throughout.
Definitely worth visiting this place in between the many outdoor marine activities that the Keys has to offer!
Definitely worth visiting this place in between the many outdoor marine activities that the Keys has to offer!
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jon S
37 contributions
The number of dive helmets on display is truly amazing. The homemade helmets were amazing as well. The day we visited was one of the coldest in several years so we needed something to do that was indoors. This was a great choice. Photos are even encouraged. My wife, who is not a diver, enjoyed it as well.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for the review Jon! It was pretty chilly down here last, but we are glad you found the Museum for a indoor activity. We appreciate hearing that your non-diver wife enjoyed the exhibits just as much!
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SurfDiveSkiHuntCamp
Bay Village, OH186 contributions
Family
We're all divers and spent about an hour and a half going through the exhibits.
I expected more modern recreational diving equipment.
However the depth (no pun intended) of commercial equipment and technology makes up for it. Underwater chainsaw, score's of different helmets in an organized display, how to spot a fake Mark V navy helmet, working examples of manual and motorized pumps, replica helmets, suits and bells of 1700 and 1800s diving.
I've been a recreational diver for 35 years and I don't think I'd volunteer to try some of the old helmet and pump concepts.
If you go, be prepared to read as only about half the exhibits are audio.
This was our first visit and have kept it on our list as an activity to do if weather prohibited boating activities.
I'm glad we made the visit, it was short enough to keep a teenagers interest and detailed enough to engage an engineering type adult.
I expected more modern recreational diving equipment.
However the depth (no pun intended) of commercial equipment and technology makes up for it. Underwater chainsaw, score's of different helmets in an organized display, how to spot a fake Mark V navy helmet, working examples of manual and motorized pumps, replica helmets, suits and bells of 1700 and 1800s diving.
I've been a recreational diver for 35 years and I don't think I'd volunteer to try some of the old helmet and pump concepts.
If you go, be prepared to read as only about half the exhibits are audio.
This was our first visit and have kept it on our list as an activity to do if weather prohibited boating activities.
I'm glad we made the visit, it was short enough to keep a teenagers interest and detailed enough to engage an engineering type adult.
Written April 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AWESOMO-4000
Pittsburgh, PA29 contributions
Neat place right on the main road. Has an amazing collection of diving artifacts and gives you a nice history lesson on the evolution of diving and how it is used today. Highly recommended little stop if you are a diver or history enthusiast.
Written March 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for the great review! The exhibits really do provide an appreciate for the evolution of diving through history!
Written March 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Superbirdman
14 contributions
Couples
Must have passed by this place 50 times and never stopped . Was a little windy and overcast for outdoor activities so decided to stop in and see what they had I was totally impressed with the history and the knowledge and the equipment that they having in that building. The staff was very warm and enthusiastic friendly
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for the review! It never ceases to amaze me how many times people drive by, but haven't been inside! (I was one of them too before I started working there!) We are glad you finally made the stop and enjoyed the Museum.
Written October 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J A
Cedar Point NC5 contributions
We aren't divers and normally would not have stopped by, but we had some time on our hands and heard that they had a great discount for active duty military so we decided to drop by. Glad we did! It was better than expected. I really don't understand how they were about to assemble such a tremendous collection, and the manner in which it was displayed (with descriptive audio and lights etc) was very impressive. If you are in to diving, I think it would be a great use of 1-2 hours and a great idea if the weather is not ideal.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about History of Diving Museum
- Hotels near History of Diving Museum:
- (0.10 mi) LITTLE BAY - Lower Duplex
- (0.09 mi) PALMS 314
- (0.09 mi) PALMS 417
- (0.09 mi) PALMS 301
- (0.10 mi) PALMS 309
- Restaurants near History of Diving Museum:
- (0.05 mi) Ziggie & Mad Dog's
- (0.34 mi) Bayside Gourmet
- (0.68 mi) Wahoo's Bar and Grill
- (0.59 mi) Bitton Bistro Cafe
- (0.78 mi) Mangrove Mike's Cafe