Captain Hook's Dive Key West — Local services in Key West

I’m a CMAS diving instructor and went diving with Captain Hook’s Dive Center for two days – unfortunately, it was one of the worst experiences I’ve had on the Florida Keys. The weather conditions were clearly marginal (17–20 knots wind, about 1.5 m waves), yet the trip went ahead without any realistic assessment of safety or comfort.

From the start, the situation on the boat was chaotic. The crew struggled even to secure the boat to the mooring line. The captain only played a pre-recorded audio safety message, and the divemaster barely interacted with the group. There was no proper briefing, which led to total confusion during entry – nobody knew when or where to meet underwater.

During the dives, the divemaster swam far ahead, ignoring the group’s pace and safety. Taking photos or enjoying the dive was impossible. On both days, the guide was repeatedly lost from the group – and instead of taking responsibility, we were the ones who got lectured.

The overall atmosphere was dull and tense. None of the divers had a smile on their face. The crew came across like a bunch of modern cowboys – old hands, maybe experienced, but lacking any sense of care or hospitality. The only person who seemed happy was a woman with a private guide who even packed her bag for her afterward.

Going out in these conditions was irresponsible. With strong currents and rough seas, it was obvious the trip should have been canceled. Instead, it felt like it was all about making money no matter what.

Bottom line: Stay away from this dive center. No real infrastructure, unprofessional organization, poor safety standards, and zero customer focus. There are far better and more professional dive operators...

The boat crew was great. The owner of the shop not so much. I prepayed for my dives about a month in advance. I have my own equipment but needed 2 air tanks for the 4th dive.of the day. By the time the trip arrived, I had bought enough tanks and requested a refund. I also needed 4 tanks filled with nitrox after they were used for our first trip of the day.

The staff of the boat gladly took the used tanks to the shop to be filled. After lunch I was told they would not fill 2 of my tanks because they didn't have nitrox stickers on them, even though we used nitrox in them that morning with them and they had the analyzed sticker on them. OK...picky but I could understand. Next they told me they would only fill my steel 120s to 2400psi. Huh?? The tanks have been filled to 3000+ every other time but the shop owner said he had to go by what was stamped on the tank. I was basically stuck since they are the only nitrox filling shop in the lower keys.

By now I just want to pay for my 2 fills instead of 4 and get my refund. The owner comes out with a sheet.of paper saying that I was under charged for my dives 4 weeks earlier. Now I am really feeling shafted. I laugh at his ploy to not refund the rental tanks. Finally he called the half fills and the refund a wash and I leave.

I have been diving for over 20 years and have never seen a shop run as poorly as this place. A much as he tried, I wouldn't let it ruin my weekend but next time I will get "Lost" or find another "Point"...

Had an amazing experience diving with Captain Hook's Diving. We first met at their shop before heading out. The shop is clean and well organized. It feels like a professional dive shop, and all of the gear we rented out was top tier. They were also very thorough with all of our paperwork and necessary certifications. I appreciated this because it conveyed the message that they took our preparation seriously. They had the option to shuttle us to the dive boat in a van and that made transportation much easier. The boat is docked at a more private marina, so it was much less crowded than being in the center of the tourist district. The boat also was top tier with lots of space, shade, and good music. One of the crew did an incredibly entertaining pirate performance on the "Blue Star" program, and it genuinely made me feel more invested in wanting to be mindful of the reefs and creatures we would be diving near. The entire crew was great. Specifically I'd mention Josh, Bill, and David. The diving itself wasn't great due to poor visibility, but the organization, professionalism, humor, and friendliness of this crew made the experience one of the best I've had. We visited 1 other dive company, and I would not dive with any other group were I to go to Key West. I look forward to having the opportunity to work...