Dive Review of
Starfish Enterprise/www.idivestarfish.com in
The Continental USA/just S. of Palm Beach,FL

Red Sea,Bonaire,Curacao,Aruba,Cozumel,Belize, Grand Cayman,Puerto
Rico,Florida Keys,North Carolina 

Dive Conditions

Dive your own profile, each buddy group received a dive flag, dive site
briefing and the pool was open.  

I was amazed at the prolific subject matter just a hop and skip from the
South Florida Coast. This is drift diving at its most fun since the
profiles are your own. Drift diving poses it's own photographic challenges
but there was no shortage of great "models" to pose for the
camera. The Starfish Enterprise has a camera table running down the center
of the boat which would garner it a score of 5 if the table were not also
used for masks, flashlights and weights on this trip.  There were two
freshwater rinse tanks, one for cameras and one for the other
"stuff".  I have no doubt Capt. Craig and Crew Linda would have
dedicated the camera table and the rinse tanks if asked. This was not a
serious photo group this time but I would not hesitate to recommend it to
serious photogs.  I know I will go again with multiple pieces of equipment
and complete confidence.  

Overall Rating

Starfish Enterprise (www.idivestarfish.com)was the best
"domestic" dive experience I have had to date.  And it ranks
right up there with some of the best international operations I have
encountered. The vessel is a 34 foot Crusader with real common sense put
into it's customization. There is more than adequate space under the
benches and the camera table was a complete surprise as was the fresh water
shower "cleverly disguised as a gray garden hose". Captain Craig
and Crew Linda are friendly, fiercely observant and boundlessly
accomodating. Not one but two fresh water rinse tanks flank the divers
platform with not one but two ladders. The Starfish Enterprise was
spotlessly clean and offered snacks, drinks and a head. 

Then of course there was the diving....I had visited the Keys and was not
impressed with the cold water, poor visibility and 25' max depth.  So the
anticipation of diving off the South Florida coast was less than
underwhelming.....until I hit the water here, just a half mile off the
South Florida(Lantana)shore. I was amazed to be descending to a
"real" dive site (translation "real" = spoiled
caribbean diver ;-) The visibility varied from 50 to 75 feet (not the 100+
Cozumel vis) but I didn't care. There was a prolific reef system with
plenty of photographic subject matter. The reef is still healthy (there are
under informed officials in govt. proposing waste dumping in a couple of
areas - quick write your congressman!)  While I did not spot the turtles
and dolphins that generally inhabit the area I was not disappointed by the
vast array and variety of marine life. 

Each buddy group is given it's own dive flag, a thorough briefing and the
pool is open. 

How many times have you had a near collision with your "group"
drift diving because the divemaster decided to come to a dead stop in swift
current to show you a miniscule grain of sand? Well, maybe he was trying to
show you something else but you were way too busy with damage control. Not
here. Drift dive your own profile and coast at your own pace over healthy
coral, sponges and photo friendly marine life. 

We dove one wreck and encountered very little current at depth. A descent
line was provided for easy locating and orienting.

Will I go back?  ABSOLUTELY! It's right here in Florida where most of the
natives speak english, accept U.S. currency and rarely have political
uprisings.  Besides, you can't beat the price. I flew Southwest for $87.00
roundtrip, $57.00 for two tanks, and lucked out by staying at a friend's
house.  Quality of the dive operation and the experience?  Priceless!   

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