Rainbow Reef Retail Store - Florida Keys
The team at Rainbow Reef Retail Store are the kind of people you want to dive with. They’re based in Key Largo, which means you’re right on the doorstep of some truly special sites, like the Spiegel Grove wreck. We’ve always found their shop well-stocked, but it’s the boat operation that really shines. They run multiple trips daily, which we appreciate when we’re trying to squeeze in as many dives as possible. What we love about Rainbow Reef is their focus on training, from beginner to pro. If you’re looking to get your Advanced Open Water or finally tackle Nitrox, this is a solid choice. The instructors are patient, even when you’re struggling with a skill, and they make sure you feel comfortable before heading out to the reef. Expect a professional but relaxed atmosphere – it’s Florida, after all. We’d suggest booking ahead, especially for weekend trips or specific courses; those spots fill up fast. We’ve always found their rental gear to be in good nick, too, which isn’t always a given.
- Location
- Florida Keys, United States, North America
- Coordinates
- 25.106077, -80.429565
- Phone
- +1 800 457 4354
- Website
- http://www.rainbowreef.us/
- Certification Agencies
- PADI
- Courses
- all levels of dive training, Advanced Open Water, Nitrox (Enriched Air)
- Equipment Rental
- yes
- Air Fills
- Air, Nitrox
- Address
- 100800, Overseas Highway, Key Largo, 33037, US
- Price Range
- mid-range
Dive Sites Near Rainbow Reef Retail Store
Rainbow Reef Retail Store provides access to 15 dive sites in Florida Keys.
- 1 Girón
- 9-foot Stake (reef)
- Ajax Reef (reef)
- Alexander Springs
- Alligator Reef (reef)
- Anglin Pier Ledge - 10m (reef)
- Anglin’s Pier Reef - 5-15m (reef)
- Aquarium - 10m
- Ball and Chain - 11m
- Banana Patch Reef - 10m (reef)
- Barracuda Dive Centre
- Beach House - 19m
- Blue Grotto Spring (cave)
- Boynton Comb Reef (reef)
- Boynton Ledges - 21m (reef)
Other Dive Centres in Florida Keys
Best Time to Dive in Florida Keys
The warmest water temperatures in Florida Keys occur in July, averaging 31.5°C (up to 34.8°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 19.3°C.
Monthly Water Temperatures
- January: 19.3°C (air: 18.5°C)
- February: 20.5°C (air: 21.6°C)
- March: 23.1°C (air: 22.4°C)
- April: 25.5°C (air: 24.3°C)
- May: 27.8°C (air: 25.9°C)
- June: 30.2°C (air: 27.5°C)
- July: 31.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
- August: 31.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
- September: 30.2°C (air: 27.3°C)
- October: 27.3°C (air: 26.0°C)
- November: 24.1°C (air: 22.3°C)
- December: 20.9°C (air: 19.8°C)
Marine Life in Florida Keys
Home to 91 recorded species including 69 reef fish, 6 sharks & rays, 3 other, 3 hard corals, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 sea urchins.
Notable Marine Life
- Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) - Sharks & Rays
- Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) - Sharks & Rays
- Cowfish (Rhinoptera bonasus) - Sharks & Rays
- Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
- Blacknose shark (Carcharhinus acronotus) - Sharks & Rays
- Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) - Sharks & Rays
- Prodigal Son (Rachycentron canadum) - Reef Fish
- Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) - Reef Fish
- Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna) - Reef Fish
- Least Killifish (Heterandria formosa) - Reef Fish
Recommended Packing List for Florida Keys
Based on average water temperature of 26.0°C, currents 1 cm/s.
- Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
- Mask - essential for every dive
- Fins
- BCD - buoyancy compensator
- Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
- Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
- Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
- Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
- Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories