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Dive Review of Island Ventures/Rock Reef Resort in
The Continental USA/Key Largo, Florida

Island Ventures/Rock Reef Resort, Nov, 2004,

by Andrew Levin, MA, USA . Report 1444.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 3 stars Food 3 stars
Service and Attitude 3 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving 1 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 2 stars
Comments Rock Reef Resort was a laid-back and comfortable place to stay, a good alternative to standard hotel fare. No food on site, but not a problem in Key Largo. Good value at about $80/night.
Island Ventures runs a professional but "no stress" operation as they advertise. They had told me over the phone that there would be free demo equipment to try out on the day I reserved with them, and this was done through an arrangement with Divers Direct in Key Largo. When I pulled up to the boat, I felt like I had been set loose in a toy store. The boat was quite comfortable for 9 divers that day, and Captain Brian did an excellent job picking sites and giving helpful dive briefings. We set up our own equipment and got a hand with tank and BC, which made entrances and exits easy. We dove Molasses Reef, a pretty spot with a good assortment of reef fish. Not particularly challenging for an advanced diver, but fun nevertheless (how could diving in 80 degree water not be fun for a New Englander ?). I was able to try out a new Sealife digital camera on two dives, and a SeaDoo GTI Scooter - which added extra fun and excitement to an already enjoyable dive. Capt. Brian gave us a free hand underwater, and there was no pressure to finish the dive and move on. The morning ended on a high note when someone spotted a Goliath Grouper under a ledge, which must have been at least 6 ft. long and over 500 lbs. And Island Ventures offered all of this at a sizeable discount from their list price as part of the special with Divers Direct. I should also mention that the boat is docked right behind Sundowners and Senor Frijoles restaurants - and the Senor provided a great post-dive spot for beer and dinner. All in all, a very enjoyable and high quality outfit to dive with in Key Largo. I'll sure look Island Ventures up again next time I have the chance.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 51-100 dives
Where else diving Cape Ann, Catalina Island, Palm Beach, Turks & Caicos, Bahamas, Hawaii, Brazil
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather rainy Seas choppy, noCurrents
Water Temp 81-0°F / 27--18°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 40-50 Ft/ 12-15 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions None
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals 2 stars Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters 3 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics 1 stars

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

Subject Matter N/A Boat Facilities 3 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 3 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Rinse tank on boat for cameras
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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