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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you offer shore diving?
The living reef requires a specific depth of water to thrive. In the keys, that depth is only available about 5 miles offshore. For this reason, a boat is required to visit the reefs.
Are you near the beach? / Where is the beach?
The barrier reef system protects the "islands" from waves, so we do not have the shore erosion which creates beaches. Some hotels bring in truckloads of sand to create beaches, but in the upper keys "natural" sandy beaches are rare. We are located on Port Largo Canal, giving us direct access, and shorter travel time, to the ocean and the reefs for diving. The shoreline is solid "rock", as the Keys are actually the "old" reef.
Do you dive in Pennekamp Park?
Technically, no. Dives are conducted in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The major reefs are from 3.5 to 5 miles offshore, in "federal" waters. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary includes all of the world famous dive sites such as the Christ Statue and Molasses Reef. Years ago, most boats visiting the reefs were docked at Pennekamp Park so many assume that the famous reefs are "in" the park. The "state" waters only extend 3 miles from shore.
Does a Divemaster lead the divers?
Normally, our crew does not make the dives. Most sites are relatively shallow, and by law you're required to stay within 100 feet of the dive flag (flown on the dive boat). If you want a guided dive we can provide an Instructor or Divemaster.
The cost is $50 for one diver and $20 for each additional diver. Since this requires a member of our staff, we ask for 2 weeks advance reservation.
What will the weather be like when I am there?
Generally, our weather is great. About 90% of the time, it's sunny and warm. Because the factors which influence the weather are literally "fluid" - Florida Bay and the Gulf Stream - it is not possible to predict exactly when the "bad "10% will be.
Will I see sharks?
Due to the misguided efforts of some local "heroes", many sharks are caught and killed in the name of "sport" or for the supposed goal of "public safety". Like every fish on the reef, sharks play a vital role in the reef ecosystem. Destroying them is detrimental to the "health" of the entire system. Not long ago, it was fairly common to see tiger sharks, hammerheads, and other species. Today, sighting one of these is an "event". The sharks you may see are nurse sharks. They are harmless unless provoked. Unfortunately, some divers are inconsiderate and do pester them. For that reason, they will often leave the area when divers approach.
What about barracudas? Will they hurt me?
Barracudas are common on the living reef. When you don't see them, it's a sign that the reef is not "healthy". Where you do see them, it means there is enough "food" to support them. Like sharks, they are often killed in the name of sport, or in the misguided belief that doing so is some sort of "public service". What it actually does is upset the natural balance which keeps the reef alive. By nature, barracudas are curious. Sometimes, they will follow a diver around the reef. Some of us consider this a good thing, since it means we are "fitting in". Unfortunately, there have been a few cases where barracudas have injured divers. The fish are usually provoked in some way, (either antagonized or baited with food) and the so-called "attack" is almost always misreported, since very few of the "victims" will admit fault. There have also been cases where fishermen were bitten by barracudas they brought on board a boat. Some of these cases are sensationalized by the news media, but the bottom line is the same: the fish is acting defensively.
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