Miami Dive Charter Boat Information
The following information has been
compiled and offered by Florida Frogman as a service to our customers.
It is not meant to suggest that any Miami Dive Operator not listed
is in any way inferior or unsafe in comparison to those featured
below.
Florida Frogman at one time or
another had used all of the Charter Boats listed and can attest
to their legitimacy, experience and safety record.
What you should
know, before you go.
What you can expect.
What they expect.
How do I sign up for a dive trip?
Listing of local dive charter operators.
What you should
know, before you go.
Miami dive sites are made up of
natural coral "patch" reefs (15' to 45') and a wide
variety of internationally submerged man made artificial reefs
(35' to 130+').
Miami-Dade County's Department
Of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) has had the responsibility
of sinking various materials (Ships, Barges, Aircraft, Military
Tanks, Oil Rig Platforms, Large Antenna Sections and reef building
materials) for over 20 years.
The artificial reef sites are
commonly referred to as "wrecks". The primary intention
of this on-going project is to create safe and healthy habitats
to insure the proliferation of local marine life. A secondary
benefit is the opportunity that has been created for recreational
divers to explore and enjoy these reefs.
The vast majority of wrecks are
only a few miles offshore and the patch reefs are inshore of
those, resulting in only 15-30 minute running times form dockside.
Due to the short travel time, all operators generally offer two
trips per day (approximately 8 AM & 1 PM) for a duration
of 4 hours. During the charter the boat will make two stops.
Generally a wreck dive will be first, followed by a patch reef.
Occasionally, two wrecks or two reefs will be the pre-arranged
destination. Night dives are offered by some operators and can
be one or two dives. Departure times for night dives vary depending
on the time of year.
Be advised, all operators reserve
the right to cancel a dive or change the dive site destination
at the last minute based on sea conditions, other charters may
already be diving/fishing the site or the experience level of
those involved. Safety, is always the prime consideration, so
trust their judgment!
In addition, "custom" charters
for 3 dives, sunrise dives, photo enthusiast, freedivers/snorkelers,
spearfishing etc. can be arranged.
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What you
can expect.
A safe, reliable boat that has
been designed with a divers comfort in mind.
A U.S. Coast Guard Certified Captain
who is a professional. The captains of the boats listed are divers
(most are dive instructors) who have been diving these sites
for years. They know how to find the sites and orient the anchoring
of the boat without inconvenience. In addition, those that are
required to carry a Mate, are generally of equal experience.
Prior to departure, a thorough
boat safety briefing will be delivered and your signature will
be required on an Assumption Of Risk Liability Waiver. Once anchored
on a dive site, a thorough pre-dive briefing and on-site condition
report should be offered.
With regard to amenities, all
of the boats have an ice chest with ice and most often fresh
water. Some will have juice, sodas and/or snacks.
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What They Expect.
Check in at the docks at least
30 minutes before departure. Proof of certification. No last
minute surprises with missing/faulty gear, empty tanks or lost
buddies. Please be prepared.
A courteous customer who is respectful
to other passengers. Someone who practices one of the Golden
Rules of diving; Know Your Limits! Have good sense to sit out
a dive or return to the boat, if you just don't feel up to it.
If you are a smoker, please wait
until you are dockside before indulging. If you are a drinker,
please do the same (remember, short run back to the dock).
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How do I
sign up for a dive trip?
Depending of the size of the boat/capacity
of divers, some boats fill-up weeks in advance and some have
available space the day of the dive. With that in mind, it is
difficult to predict how much advance notice will be required
to guarantee you a space. Generally 1 week is recommended. Most
dive operators will accept a reservation over the phone with
only your "word". Should you not show up without canceling
the reservation (at least 72 hours in advance), future reservations
will require pre-payment. One or two empty spaces can mean the
difference between a profitable trip or not.
As a service to our customers,
Florida Frogman is happy to recommend a boat and "book" your
reservation for you. Generally, any dive boats that have space
to fill will contact us and advise their itinerary so we can
help.
When booking space for more divers
than yourself, keep in mind that your reputation and trust is
on the line. If your buddy or someone in your group doesn't show,
you are responsible to fill the space and/or pay for that space.
In many cases, group bookings will require a non-refundable deposit.
Due to the departure time for
morning trips, there is typically not enough time to call each
diver and cancel, should the weather be a factor. Therefore,
the protocol for morning dive trips is; show up regardless of
whatever you think the weather is going to be like "over
the water" and/or what it is like where you live. Never
decide to cancel or not show up based on the local television/radio
forecast (reality is, they are often wrong). Should the conditions
not be safe, the captain will cancel the trip. Should the conditions
be "diveable" but possibly involve an uncomfortable
ride out or require advance diving skills (report strong current,
low visibility etc.), the Captain will advise you and allow the
option of you canceling without penalty.
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Listing
of local dive charter operators.
Divers Paradise
40' semi-covered/20+ divers
30' semi-covered/18 divers
Local dives, departing from Key Biscayne Island
Prices vary from $50.00 to $85.00
per diver, depending on boat and destination.
Book Your Dive Trip
Fill out the form below to book your
dive trip today. If you prefer, place your order by phone by
calling (305) 599-9900.
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