Dive Center Frequently Asked Questions

Why dive Key Largo?
Simple. Marine Life. More diversity and abundance than most places in the Caribbean. And the schooling fishes are world class, and something the Keys has always been known for. Since the inception of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the marine life has actually gotten more abundant than it was 10 – 15 years ago, (something no destination in the Caribbean can say at this point.

What times do you trips leave?
We offer 2 trips daily.
Our morning trip departurs the dock at 8:30 AM, (check in is at 7:30 AM at the Dive Center and boarding begins between 8:00 - 8:15 AM), and the afternoon trip departs the dock at 1:00 PM (check in is at 12:00 PM at the Dive Center and boarding begins between 12:30 - 12:45 PM). Both trips are 2-tank two location trips.

How do I make a reservation for a Dive & Stay Package?
Call us at 305-451-3640 to reserve, We are open 7 days a week (excluding Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day) from 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Eastern Time. For reservations, please call between 8:15 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM for the best experience as the shop gets very busy during trip check in.

What is your cancellation policy on Hotel Packages?
You have up to 72 hours prior to your check in date to cancel without any penalty. If you cancel within 72 hours prior to your check in date you are charged one hotel night deposit fee by the hotel.

What is your cancellation policy on Scuba, Snorkeling, or Instruction?
Please see our Cancellation Policy Page for detailed information.

Where can I find the Instructional Course Medical forms if I am taking a Class?
You can find it here: Physical Examination RSTC

How much time do I get in the water at a dive location?
We offer 65 minutes of "Pool's Open" time at each location. Depending on how long it takes you to be ready to splash in after the Captain gives the Be Back time, most of our divers log around 50-60 minutes of actual dive time per site.

Can I use my own full face snorkel mask?
Due safety concerns based on continued research both domestically and internationally regarding the risks and dangers of full face masks we don't allow them on our boats for anybody. Sea Dwellers includes masks, fins, and snorkels for all snorkelers at no additional cost!

Do you offer a dive guide?
Yes, for a small fee. When you see other shops offering a “Free Dive guide”…what that means is everyone on the boat is going to have to dive in a big group with a guide…a kind of “Cattle Dive”…and we don’t believe that makes you happy so we have a small additional charge and you get a guide who will be with you and MAYBE one or two others at the most. A lot more fun that way!

In order to dive, it is required to have a dive buddy. If you do not have another dive buddy coming with you, we will try our best to pair you up with someone else on the boat. If for any reason all other divers are with a dive professional (under instruction or with a paid guide), you will need to pay for a guide.

Been a while since your last dive?

As a certified diver, it is each individual’s responsibility to maintain his/her knowledge and skill levels through consistent practice and continued education. Please remember to bring your certification card with you. We check all certification cards prior to boarding the Sea Dweller III.

If it has been more than one year (12 Months) since your last LOGGED scuba dive, you will be required to complete a Scuba Skills Update in the pool with one of our instructors. If a Refresher was done prior to arrival, we will need logged proof of refresher with your instructor’s signature.

Is Key Largo the best island in the Keys to dive?
The simple, non-politically correct answer is…YES. The reason why is geographic….without boring anybody, basically Key Largo is the closest point in the Keys to the Gulf Stream, with it’s clear, clean blue waters. Key Largo is also one of the longest continuous landmasses in the island chain, which helps keep the western Bay and Gulf waters from impeding into the reef.

Why should I dive Key Largo with Sea Dwellers Dive Center?
We are a PADI 5-Star Dive Center and Resort as well as a SSI Diamond Dive Center & Resort facility that has been serving divers in Key Largo since 1972. Sea Dwellers is proud to have the title as the oldest standing dive shop in the Florida Keys! We want to provide a safe, relaxed atmosphere for you so that you can enjoy your dive vacation to the maximum. You will not find any drill sergeants here barking at you because you forgot to put your snorkel in your mouth at the right time! Plus, you can check out all of our reviews on all platforms by clicking the icons below!