FAQ
Please read through our list of frequently asked questions below.
Where are we diving?
It is normally “The Captains Choice”. Our captains have already checked the wind conditions, water VIZ from the early morning charter captains, radar and weather reports for the morning, afternoon and night predictions. Our captains will choose the best site for wind conditions and VIZ. We can normally be very accommodating depending on the weather.
How deep are the sites?
Inside of the reef ranges between 15’ to 32’. Outside the reef 55’+. Our wrecks are all in deeper water but still within recreational diving range but do require an Advanced Open Water certification.
Are snorkelers and divers on the same boat?
Yes, on most of our dive trips unless they are specific to deep or wreck diving.
When is the best time to come to dive or snorkel?
Summer is always clear and usually smooth.
The rest of the year depends on the weather.
February and March are typically a little windy.
What thickness wetsuit should I bring ?
We have 3 mill suits to rent (full wetsuits or shorties). Only in the winter does it really get cold enough for a thicker wet suit.
Can I rent scuba gear for a dive trip?
Yes, if you have a SCUBA certification card or proof of a SCUBA certification.
What is included in the price for snorkeling?
Two one-hour snorkel sites for approximately 55 minutes at each site.
It also includes a snorkel vest and water to drink. We also include complimentary reef-safe sunscreen and reef-safe no-water hair conditioner. Both are great products and we get a lot of compliments on them.
Do I have to be able to swim to snorkel?
Yes.
Do you go to Sombrero Lighthouse Sanctuary to dive or snorkel?
We go to Sombrero Key in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) often along with Coffins Patch. We dive of these both Sanctuary Protected Areas (SPAs) in the Marathon area. Our primary goal is to find the best diving conditions for our customers and we dive a a number of different sites to meet that goal inlcuding the above mentioned SPAs.
What size wet suits do we rent for our trips or for offsite outings (Dolphin Research Center, family outings etc.) ?
- Childrens Full and short XXS-XL
- Womens Full and short 4-18
- Mens Full and short S-5X
Are there marine heads on Captain Hooks boats (bathrooms)?
How many dive sites does Captain Hooks offer?
- Marathon offers over 40 sites.
- Looe Key offers 30 ball hooks ups inside Key National Marine Sanctuary.
- Key West offers over 30 sites
Does Captain Hooks have any wreck diving?
Yes!
- Marathon: The ThunderBolt at 130’ and Flaglers Barge at 28’.
- Looe Key: Aldolphus Busch Sr. at 110’
- Key West: The Vandenberg at 50’ – 140’and Cayman Salvager at 110’.
What is the water temperature?
- Spring: 76F / 24C
- Summer: 84F / 30C
- Winter: 72F / 22C
- Fall: 80+F / 27C
What is included is the pricing for SCUBA diving?
Diving at 2 different dive sites for approximately 55 minutes at each site, complimentary dive guide in the water for scuba divers, 2 air tanks (aluminum 80’s), weights and water to drink. We also include complimentary reef-safe sunscreen and reef-safe no-water hair conditioner. Both are great products and we get a lot of compliments on them.
You must have your SCUBA certification card or proof of your certification to SCUBA dive.
Does Captain Hooks offer package deals on diving?
Yes, we do. If you are diving a lot with us or if you have a large group, we do offer discounts. It is best to call and we will have a Director of Dive Operations contact you for your specific situation.
We will soon be introducing a Capt. Hook’s Dive Club that will include a monthly membership fee for deeply discounted diving for divers that like to dive a lot and enjoy a dive club community with events and conservation activities. Coming Soon!
Can a person ride on the boat and not snorkel or dive?
Yes. This is consider a Rider and we have pricing for that on our booking site for each of the activities that offer it.
How old does a child have to be to ride on the boat or snorkel?
A child needs to be at a least 3 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. The child must wear their own personal life jacket and keep it on at all times.
Does Captain Hooks provide a guide in the water on all dives?
Yes. They are there to point out things of interest to the group, keep track of time and the location of the boat. We also offer a private dive master service for divers who need personal attention.
Do we rent fishing rods with reels?
Yes at our Marathon location. They include a light tackle rod and reel with a hook and a small amount of weight. We do have both fresh and live bait and fishing supplies for sale and locals that have fished the waters for many years and can steer you in the right direction.