Instant Reader Report
on Amy Slates Amoray Divers / Amy Slates in
USA (Continental) / Key Largo on
2003/08
by
Jeff Bloomer , KY, USA
Report Number 030906090056496

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Send an email to the author of this report

 Through out the Caribbean and US. 

Dive Conditions

Depth limits, air and time where all restricted.    

The camera area, or at least what should have been the camera area, doubled
as the area to hand out lead and as the cutting board for slicing up
oranges for after dive snacks.  One small bucket to keep a camera in which
was not well controlled from keeping other items out of it.  One diver in
our group chose not to use the bucket and his camera fell overboard.  The
crew refused to turn back for the camera and although a modest unit, $250
dollars, it was lost.  As the group leader I spoke with Amy Slate about
how her crew responded but she was unwilling to do anything for the diver.  

Overall Rating

This is typical Florida diving, shallow reefs and, if allowed, you could
have some great bottom times. The wreck of the Duane is awesome, one of
the best dives in this part of the world. Tons of fish and growth, it is
sitting upright and is breath taking. The Spiegle Grove is a BIG wreak but
too new for much growth, but a must do for experianced divers who can
handle the current.  Good fish life on most dives.  The diving is self
guided so if your inexperianced you may want to ask to tag along with
someone as the divemasters do not get in the water. The crew was going to
take us on a night dive to a site devoid of almost all life we had dived
that day.  After talking with Amy Slate and telling her I had nobody
interested in diving it and that if they insisted on diving there we were
sitting it out they chose another site.  The alternate site turned out
great, a bit of a boat ride but worth it.  Individuals would be hard
pressed to get much cooperation but our group was large enough that I was
able to pull some strings so watch out if visiting as a couple or small
group.  Now for the boat. Up until now I have been successful at avoiding
cattle boats, until now.  The boat was always loaded with snorkelers or a
class.  Very congested and the crew was very strict about what could be
placed where.  Set anything other than a body part on the padded bench and
look out for the Captain to start chewing you out.  The crew was more set
on keeping on schedule than having divers enjoy themselves. There is
almost a palpable tension with the crew.  I don't know where that comes
from but most are very distant to rude and almost never interact with the
divers.  A couple of divers in our group attempted to liven things up and
the most we got out of the crew was a glare and wise crack.  Traveling
back to the dock there is a place the boat passes under a bridge.  On que,
every trip, the crew is required, I was told, to play a rendition of
"That's Amoray" by The Barefoot Man.  I even offered to tip the
guy big if he would not play it one time, no luck! As I said in the
comments on cameras one of out group chose not to put his camera in the
small camera bucket.  The camera fell overboard as we approached a morring
bouy.  The crew could have easliy circled around as there was only one
other boat on the wreak.  They chose not to and told the diver to
"wave goodbuy" to his $250 camera.  A poor commentary on the
crews customer service level but certainly in character.  Needless to say
tipping was non-existant.  The resort itself is comfortable and well
maintained.  Parking is tight and you seldom parked near your room unless
you lucked out and never moved your car.  All the restaurants in the area
are good and you wont go wrong with any of them. The 2.5 hour drive down
to Key West is worth it so go and spend the day.  You wont miss much in
the diving. 

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