Terrible
I chose Sail Fish Scuba in Key Largo based on its advertised “transparent prices” and positive reviews—only to later learn it was sold in December 2024 to new owners, Tarek Salem and his wife, Michaela. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing, as my decision was based on outdated reviews that do not reflect the current service. Tarek is not a good instructor. He was unresponsive, frequently canceled or rescheduled last-minute, and provided minimal instruction. Despite knowing I was visiting for a limited time and driving over two hours each way, I was given only about an hour in a pool-like setting, which is not enough for a beginner. I was not properly weighted, making it impossible to descend while wearing a 7mm wetsuit—something a professional instructor should check. Instead of ensuring my success, I was charged $125 for this rushed session which did not cover all the skills, which felt designed fail to push me into a private lesson costing over $700—far more than the originally quoted price. Additionally, false allegations have been made about my experience. On February 1st, Tarek suggested two boat dives for practice, but I was given only 10 pounds of weight, which prevented me from descending. Claims that I had a panic attack are false—Tarek told me to snorkel and then left me alone in open water while he and Michaela continued diving. If my safety was truly a concern, I would not have been abandoned. I later got seasick on the boat, preventing me from doing the second dive, but neither Tarek nor Michaela checked on my well-being. On February 24th, I confirmed I wanted to continue training, and Tarek quoted me $350 for a full pool day and two open-water dives. However, he canceled last-minute and rescheduled for February 27th, only to change the plan again upon my arrival. Instead of the promised two boat dives, I was told a short lagoon session would count as an open-water dive, and completing the full course would now cost over $700. This bait-and-switch pricing, lack of communication, and disregard for proper training and safety were extremely frustrating. The teaching was vague, the service unprofessional, and the pricing misleading. The shop’s five-star reviews reflect the previous owners and should be removed, as they do not represent the current business. Nowhere on the website does it mention the change in ownership, and my experience makes it clear that customer safety and proper instruction are not priorities for the new management. I would not recommend this shop to anyone.
Shilpa Gadde
Amazing Dive Shop!
From Jen’s warm, exuberant welcome at the beginning of our first day, to Chris’ quickly and expertly fixing a free flow issue with my octo at the end of the day, I understand why Sail Fish Scuba popped up immediately when I searched for the best dive shop in Key Largo. The warmth and genuine nature we experienced right off the bat set the tone for a really good day, and sweet Tom’s unbelievable and kind patience with me - a new diver still getting her fins wet - made my baby diver hiccups seem SO much less “end of the world”. With just eight blue water dives under my belt as of our first dive with Sail Fish Scuba, I was (and still am) working on my air consumption. That, coupled with a very unexpected and fairly strong current put me in a position during the first dive where I just couldn’t catch my breath, so we called it 18 minutes in. I had a beast of a time trying to get back on the boat and somewhere in the process lost a weight pouch. Needless to say, I felt pretty defeated. But Tom was incredibly supportive and helped me take it all in stride. By our last dive of the day we clocked 42 minutes, which is super good for me. The second half of the second day, I had some issues with a 90 foot dive that ended up being just a little too deep for my confidence level, and Tom quickly and expertly took care of me, and with incredible ease. His patience is off the charts, and his encouragement is unsurpassed. At the end of each day, Tom took our personally-owned equipment back to the shop to rinse and ready for the next day. Unbeknownst to me until later, he took it upon himself to rummage through the “lost and found” bin the first day and found a replacement weight pouch for me. On our final day, I asked Jen where we could find a gas station with an air compressor to air up our rental car’s tires. She told me they could take care of it, disappeared in a flash, and came back with an air tank and adaptor. We were able to get the tires aired up right there in the parking lot!These folks are pure gold - platinum really - and they’ve gone so far above and beyond anything we could have expected out of a dive shop. They gave us such a wonderfully memorable honeymoon dive trip that my wife and I had already discussed coming back to dive with Sail Fish Scuba and Tom before we’d even finished our last dives. We will abso-LUTELY not dive with anyone else in Key Largo. If you’re looking for a dive shop in Largo, do yourself the biggest favor and just book with Sail Fish Scuba. You won’t be sorry.
Marisa
Great Scuba Outfit for All Levels
We've been diving with Sail Fish Scuba for over 10 years, and their level of service never disappoints. Highly recommend for all levels - beginning (Tom is a great instructor for our teenaged daughter getting her open water certification), refreasher, or advanced with 100+ dives.
Gayle Corrigan
A Top Notch Dive Shop with only the best at Sail Fish Scuba
Sail Fish Scuba consistently have delivered a phenomenal experience, exceeding all expectations! I've been diving with SFS for more years than I can count and they are still the only dive shop in the Keys that I want to spend my money, and time with. I've done OW, Advanced OW, 6 specialty courses, and Rescue Diver courses with them over the years and their expertise is second to none. What truly sets Sail Fish Scuba apart are the thoughtful touches they include in their service. From capturing our underwater adventures with fantastic photos to providing detailed dive guides, and offering unique courses like the HADs, their deep knowledge of the area and diving makes each experience special.Safety is clearly their number one priority, and it shows in every aspect of their operation. Last year, they swiftly diagnosed an issue with my regulator and are taking care of the servicing and repairs with great professionalism.Can't wait to get down to the Keys and start blowing bubbles again!
Kylie
Been there lots of times for diving and…
Been there lots of times for diving and training. They are amazing!
Al Hudson
Best dive outfit in Key Largo
I started diving with Sailfish Scuba in 2015 after trying out different dive shops in Key Largo and it's always a consistently good experience. I appreciate the personalized, friendly, mature and informational full-service dive setting and staff with smaller group outings and keen attention to detail. Now, I only dive with Sailfish Scuba when I'm in Key Largo.
Gregory Tenn
