Dive Review of Amy Slate's Amoray Divers/Amy Slate's Dive Resort in
The Continental USA/Key Largo

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Amy Slate's Amoray Divers/Amy Slate's Dive Resort, Feb, 2004, by Curt & Kathy Hofer, MI, US . Report 1389.
No photos available at this time
Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Accommodations		Food
Service and Attitude		Environmental Sensitivity	N/A
Dive Operation		Shore Diving
Snorkeling	N/A
Overall Rating
Value for $$	N/A
Beginners
Advanced
Comments	Winds out of the east opposing the flow of the Gulf Stream stirred up a pretty good chop and contributed to low visibility the first day and a half of diving. Calmer winds and more sun the last day brought better visibility and somewhat warmer water. We were very impressed with the state of the reefs off of Key Largo. The coral, particularly the soft coral, was abundant and in very good condition with good variety. There was a wide variety of fish life that is a mix of Caribbean and Western Atlantic species. Smaller species included a Wrasse Blenny, Yellowtail Damselfish and Yellowhead Jawfish. Lots of French, Gray, and Queen Angelfish along with Blue Tangs and Doctorfish. The usual assortment of Sergeant Majors, Butterflies, Grunts, Snapper, Porkfish, and Hogfish. Also Scrawled Filefish, Spotted Drum, Balloon Fish and the ever-amusing Smooth Trunkfish. Larger species included Atlantic Spade Fish, Southern Sting Rays, Green & Spotted Morays, Black Grouper, and Nurse Sharks. Goliath Grouper are around but we didn’t get a look at one. Lobsters were plentiful. The dive boat was a large catamaran which helped during the rougher weather and allowed plenty of room on board. The boat will accommodate 30 plus divers, several snorklers and a handful of crew -– about 50 people total. We typically had about 15 divers and half as many snorklers so there was plenty of room on the boat. Defog spray and mask rinse buckets are provided as is a dedicated camera rinse tub. The boat has a head. Cold water is available at all times. An ice chest is available for storing any cold drinks, sandwiches, etc., that passengers choose to bring. Alcoholic beverages are allowed but once you imbibe you are done in the water for the day. A dry storage locker is available for clothing and towels. A boat safety briefing is given each day and the crew has a good feel for who has heard the briefing and who is new on board. Diving is unescorted but briefings are thorough including the best path to travel and likely creature sightings. Dive restrictions are one hour or 500 pounds remaining, whichever comes first. Tanks are Aluminum 80’s with 3000 plus psi per fill. Entry is via giant stride off of any of three different spots on the boat. Return is via either of two ladders on opposite sides of the boat. Both entry and return are supervised by the crew so no one is likely to slip or become distressed. Overall the crew was very knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and courteous. Our first day we had the dream crew of Scott (boat captain but also a DM), Bob (DM but also a boat captain), and Lori (crew, but a DM as well). Also on board was Pete (DM) who was leading the certification dives for our son. He was an outstanding instructor -- thorough and encouraging. The resort was reasonably priced. The office staff was friendly and efficient. Lots of good gear available for purchase or rent, though they don't rent hoods. Our room was appointed well enough, clean and in good repair. However, there was an overbearing scent of something resembling lipstick that assaulted us when we entered the room. We had to open all the windows to keep our sinuses under control. It didn’t diminish much over the three days we spent there. The bed was pretty uncomfortable as well. Frankly, it was worn out and had a pronounced slant from both edges to the middle. The floors were all tiled, but with no throw rugs, which lent a cold feel to the room. On the plus side, the boat was docked a 45 second walk from the door of our room. The resort also provides a large fresh water rinse tank and an adjacent gear storage locker complete with plastic hangers. The locker is kept locked between dives. There are some reasonably good restaurants near the resort. Hobo’s, next door to the resort, is casual and has very good food. Beer and wine are available but no liquor. The Sundowner brags one of the best sunsets in the area, has a nice outdoor dining area and does a good job of providing typical Keys fare. They have live entertainment some evenings. I am obliged to report that their coffee could stand some improvement.
Reporter and Travel
Dive Experience	26-50 dives
Where else diving	Grand Cayman Island, St. Vincent & the Grenadines (Excellent!), Belize (Turneffe Atoll & Blue Hole), Michigan (Lake Huron), California (Santa Catalina Island)
Closest Airport		Getting There
Dive Conditions
Weather	cloudy	Seas	choppy, noCurrents
Water Temp	70-74°F / 21-23°C	Wetsuit Thickness	3
Water Visibility	30-60 Ft/ 9-18 M
Dive Policy
Dive own profile	yes
Enforced diving restrictions	500 lbs. or 1 hour
Liveaboard?	no	Nitrox Available?	N/A
What I Saw
Sharks	1 or 2	Mantas	None
Dolphins	None	Whale Sharks	None
Turtles	None	Whales	None
Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):
Corals		Tropical Fish
Small Critters		Large Fish
Large Pelagics
Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Subject Matter		Boat Facilities
Overall rating for UWP's		Shore Facilities	N/A
UW Photo Comments	[None]

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Dive Review of Amy Slate's Amoray Divers/Amy Slate's Dive Resort in The Continental USA/Key Largo

Amy Slate's Amoray Divers/Amy Slate's Dive Resort, Feb, 2004,

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Overall Rating

Reporter and Travel

Dive Conditions

Dive Policy

What I Saw

Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Dive Review of Amy Slate's Amoray Divers/Amy Slate's Dive Resort in
The Continental USA/Key Largo