Dive Duck Key FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
John asked :scuba Q:Is it necessary to bring our own diving equipment to dive with you?
A:Absolutely not! We have a full line of rental dive equipment. We keep it in great shape and it is replaced regularly. We can provide you with whatever you need to dive on our coral reefs with us!
Doug Barnard asked :scuba program Q:Is there a scuba certification program run by the resort?
A:Doug, We do offer dive certification classes here at Dive Duck Key. We are located in the marina here at Hawks Cay Resort. We do full certification courses as well as one day discover SCUBA courses. You have to be at least 10 years old to participate. If you are interested in the full SCUBA certification course, there is material to be read ahead of time, so try to book as early as possible. You can call or email to make those reservations. 877-FUN-DIVE or diving@hawkscay.com
Carol Augusta asked :can you snorkel or dive from shore? Q:Is snorkeling possible off the beach or only by boat?
A:Unfortunately, the coral reefs that the Keys are so well known for are 3-5 miles offshore from land- a bit too far to swim! The reefs maintain their beauty by not being so close to land where there is more people and boat traffic, as well as pollution, to damage them. The visibility is also better the farther from land you get. You really have to take a boat to get to see the prime snorkeling and diving available in the Florida Keys. You can snorkel from shore (too shallow for diving) but you wont see very much color or life when you do. There are many companies that offer great boat trips out to the reef, us included, and we would love to show you our beautiful reefs here off of Duck Key!
Michael Oetiker asked :diving/snuba Q:We're staying at the Hawk's Cay resort from July 18th to 20th and my two boys (14 and 12 years) would like to try a bit of diving without any experience before. What would you recommend and is it necessary to make a reservation in advance or can this be done at our arrvial? As we're from Switzerland and my boys do not understand that much of english could this be a problem or is it ok if I accompany them as a translator? We're looking forward to beeing at your resort. Best regards, Michael
A:We would love to introduce your boys to the underwater world! We do highly recommend making advanced reservations for SNUBA, as it is our most popular activity. We offer it daily at 8am and 1pm. There is a fair amount of instruction to participate in SNUBA, but we have used parents as translators before. It does work better if the parents participate in the SNUBA with the kids. Please call or email if you are ready to book! 877-FUN-DIVE or diving@hawkscay.com
James asked :lobster trips Q:Hi, do you offer lobster trips in shallow waters where scuba equipment is not required?
A:All of our boat trips go out to the coral reef. The depths range from 14-30ft deep. You are welcome to try and free dive for lobster on any of our trips. Your success will mostly depend on your breath-hold capabilities, but even if you dont catch lobster- you can still see a beautiful coral reef!
Laura Tollin asked :shipwreck dives Q:Hi! I am coming to Hawks Cay Sept. 22-29th and am wondering if I could schedule a group shipwreck dive? I may also want to do snuba if it doesn't cost much.
A:Laura We would love to take you and your friends diving and SNUBA diving off our boat! We offer SNUBA trips out to the coral reef, and dive trips out to the Thunderbolt wreck dive. We do offer group rates for SCUBA divers if you have a large party. It is $115 for a SNUBA trip or a dive trip renting full gear. Please call the shop when you are ready to book! 305-743-9633
Carol asked :snorkeling Q:Diving and snuba are mentioned, but is there snorkeling?
A:Our SNUBA program actually consists of SNUBA diving one site and then snorkeling the other. We also take snorkelers if they are with divers or SNUBA, so that families can stay together. If your entire family is only interested in just snorkeling, there is a snorkel only boat run by Sundance Watersports at Hawks Cay.
Laura Tollin asked :wetsuits Q:Hi! Thank you for answering my earlier question...Do you have a small full wetsuit for someone who is 5'3" and 125lbs? I am looking for a wetsuit but am afraid to buy online and they're rather expensive! How much would it cost to rent one for the week?
A:We do have wetsuits of ALL sizes. Wetsuits are included in all our of class prices (SNUBA, Resort Course, Open Water Training) and in the Full Gear price for certified divers ($115). If you are renting to use off property, the rental price is $15 per day. We do offer discounts for week rentals. Call for more information 305-743-9633
Jack Crozier asked :spearfishing Q:Is spearfishing allowed in the Duck Key area? If not, what are the zones it is permitted?
A:Yes, Spearfishing is allowed off of Duck Key. If you are wanting to spearfish right off the shore, or in the Bay, I would recommend referring to publications and websites from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision for Monroe County to get the offical rules and regulations for spearfishing in those areas. Spearfishing is definitely allowed 4 miles out on the coean side, at the coral reef, which is where our dive trips go to. We allow spearfishing on most all of our dive trips, and our crew would be happy to coach you on legal sizes and limits for the ocean side. Regulations for some fish will change depending on what side of the island you are on.
Al Tallant asked :water temp Q:Heading your way this coming weekend, October 6, 2012. Hows the water temp, is it warm enough to dive with a wetsuit or do I need one?
A:Looking forward to diving with you! The water temperature is in the mid to low 80s right now. Whether you will need a wetsuit will depend on you. Our divers are about half and half right now. If you own a wetsuit, I would recommend bringing it just to be on the safe side. Even if the temperature doesnt sound cold enough for a wetsuit, keep in mind that neoprene protects you from abrasions, fire coral, and jellyfish stings. If you havent booked your dive yet, give us a call and we will get it scheduled! Travel safe!
Amanda Jardine Paterson asked :SNUBA Q:We are coming to stay for a week at Hawks Cay and wondered whether we need to book for snuba prior to arrival? Also is there a minimum age?
A:Amanda, Thanks for inquiring at Dive Duck Key! We would love to introduce your family to the underwater world! SNUBA is a great way to experience breathing underwater for the first time. There is no advanced training required, although we do strongly recommend booking prior to your arrival as it is our most popular activity. Participants must be at least 8 years of age, and there is no maximum age. It is weather dependant, so we also recommend booking it near the beginning of your stay, rather than on your last day. Dont hesitate to email or call if you have further questions or are ready to book!
Melinda Scott asked :what to bring Q:Hi. We are coming down tomorrow for some scuba diving. What sort of equipment should we bring?
A:As far as dive equipment goes, thats up to you. We have a full line of rental equipment, for all ages and sizes, and the equipment is in great condition and well maintained. I would bring any dive equipment that you are really comfortable in (like your mask) and/or whatever will fit in your suitcase! You will want a wetsuit this time of year, at least a full 3mm but if you get cold easily then bring something thicker. We have wetsuits for layering if you need it. For the boat trips, we provide drinks for hydration, but bring any snacks you think you will want, as well as warm clothes. You will be wet on the ride in, and the afternoon trips come in when the sun is going down, so a sweatshirt, etc is a good idea. I hope that answers your question, if not, call the shop at 305-743-9633- we are here until 6pm tonight! Looking forward to seeing you all soon!
Viviana Vergara asked :diving Q:Do you rent all the equipment for diving? How much time in advance do I have to reserve the spots for diving? How much is the cost?
A:Viviana, Yes we do rent full dive gear, and we have plenty available in all sizes. You may rent to take gear off property, or rent to use on our dive boat for one of our great dive excursions out to the beautiful coral reefs off of Duck Key. The cost of the rental gear will depend if you are renting off property (approx $75 for everything) or whether you are renting to go on our dive trip, which trip and gear combined is around $115. All our dive trips go to two locations on the coral reef for about an hour. The diving off our boat is easy and a lot of fun. Our crew is very helpful and happy to share their knowledge of our reef life with you. You really should reserve a dive trip in advance, how far in advance depends on what time of year you come to visit us- but I would say to book a week in advance would be best, but we will honor last minute reservations if we still have availability. Thanks for inquiring at Dive Duck Key!
Located in the middle keys on Duck Key, Dive Duck Key provides SCUBA & SNUBA® diving trips, guides, dive instruction, certification classes, retail sales, air fills, gear rental and repair. Explore the only living coral reef system in the continental U.S with our
team of diving professionals.
Located at Mile Marker 61 in the Hawks Cay Marina.
Phone: (877) FUN - DIVE
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