5.0(1 Reviews)Private Key Largo Dive Charters Aboard The Giant Stride
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Scuba Diving
Private dive charters aboard 42-foot Newton vessel for groupsFully customized scuba diving and snorkeling experiences availableExpert captain and dive staff provide premium service
When you want the Florida Keys all to yourself, nothing beats a private dive charter with Key Dives. Whether you're planning a birthday celebration, family reunion, or just want to explore the reef without the crowds, our custom charters give you complete control over your underwater adventure. You pick the dive sites, set the pace, and dive when you're ready – no rushing, no strangers, just pure Keys diving at its finest.
Your private charter revolves around The Giant Stride, our top-rated 42-foot Newton that's built for serious diving in Keys waters. This isn't some converted fishing boat – she's designed specifically for divers, with spacious gear stations, dedicated camera rinse tanks, and room for up to 18 certified divers to suit up comfortably. Our captain knows these reefs like his backyard, and the dive crew brings years of experience guiding everyone from nervous beginners to technical divers pushing their limits. You'll hit world-class sites like Molasses Reef, French Reef, or the legendary Spiegel Grove wreck, depending on conditions and what your group wants to see. The beauty of going private means we can spend extra time at that perfect spot or switch up the plan if someone spots something amazing. Want to add snorkeling for non-divers? No problem. Prefer a sunset cruise after your dives? We're game. It's your boat for the day.
We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on the fun stuff. All tanks, weights, and safety equipment come standard, plus we've got rental gear available if you're flying in without your own setup. Our dive briefings cover site-specific details – current patterns, marine life hotspots, and any special features you won't want to miss. The Giant Stride features a giant stride entry (naturally) plus a wide swim platform with a sturdy ladder for easy water exits, even when you're loaded down with camera gear. We typically plan two-tank dives with surface intervals perfect for sharing photos and planning the next descent. Nitrox is available for certified divers who want extended bottom times, and our crew monitors conditions constantly to ensure every dive is safe and enjoyable. Between dives, you've got plenty of deck space to relax, grab some shade, and swap stories about what you just saw down there.
"We had an amazing trip! The staff and captain did a great job not only teaching about safety but inspiring the students on board to learn more about marine science and protecting the reef. The experience was personal and made us feel like we were part of a larger team! We will definitely be coming back!" - Rose
The Florida Keys reef system delivers year-round diving with marine life that'll keep your camera busy all day long. Massive goliath grouper patrol the deeper wrecks, especially around the Spiegel Grove where these gentle giants can reach 400 pounds and show surprising curiosity about divers. They're most active during summer months when water temps hit the mid-80s, often hovering motionless near the wreck's superstructure before gliding away with surprising grace. Caribbean reef sharks cruise the outer reefs in small groups, typically 4-6 feet long and completely harmless to divers who respect their space. You'll spot them year-round, but they're most numerous during winter months when cooler water brings increased prey activity. Their sleek movements and piercing eyes make for dramatic photo opportunities, especially when they patrol the edge of the reef against deep blue water. Hawksbill and loggerhead sea turtles frequent these reefs throughout the year, with hawksbills often seen cleaning algae off coral formations while loggerheads cruise by on their migration routes. The turtles here seem remarkably comfortable around divers, often allowing close approach for photos before slowly swimming away with those powerful flippers. Massive schools of yellowtail snapper create living walls of silver and yellow, particularly thick during summer spawning season when hundreds gather in tight formations that part like curtains as you swim through.
A private charter with Key Dives gives you the Florida Keys experience you've been dreaming about – personalized, professional, and perfectly suited to your group's diving goals. Whether you're celebrating something special or just want the reef to yourself, The Giant Stride and our experienced crew make it happen exactly the way you want it. The customer favorite spots we'll show you represent some of the best diving in the continental United States, and having them all to yourselves makes it even better. Contact us today to start planning your private Key Largo dive adventure – the reefs are waiting, and they're absolutely stunning this season.
The Giant Stride is a roomy 42-foot Newton dive boat that's built for serious underwater adventures in the Florida Keys. This vessel comfortably handles up to 18 divers on regular trips, giving everyone plenty of space to gear up and move around between dive sites. The boat's design makes tank fills, equipment storage, and giant stride entries smooth and easy. Your captain and dive crew know these Islamorada waters inside and out, taking you to prime reef locations where visibility is crystal clear and marine life is abundant. The spacious deck layout means no crowding when you're suiting up or discussing dive plans. Between dives, there's room to relax, grab some shade, and swap stories about what you spotted down below. Whether you're planning a private charter for your dive group or joining one of their regular trips, The Giant Stride delivers a solid platform for exploring everything from shallow coral gardens to deeper wall dives. The boat handles Keys waters beautifully, getting you to dive sites efficiently so you can maximize your bottom time exploring the underwater world that makes this area famous among divers.
5.0 out of 5.0We had an amazing trip! The staff and captain did a great job not only teaching about safety but inspiring the students on board t...
Islamorada, FL