⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) This rating reflects our honest Amoray Dive Resort Review.
Move over, crowded resorts and cookie-cutter hotels. There’s a quieter way to do the Florida Keys—and we found it.
We spent our first full week in the Keys at Amoray Dive Resort (official website) in Key Largo, and from the moment we arrived, we knew we’d stumbled onto something special. Rooms right along Florida Bay. A beachfront hot tub that practically begged for sunset soaks. Free bikes and kayaks waiting by the water like old friends ready to take you out. This wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t pretentious. It was pure, unpretentious “Old Florida”—and we loved every minute of it. This Amoray Dive Resort Review is based on our stay in 2000, so keep in mind that the property, rooms, and amenities may have changed since our visit.
Table of Contents
Christmas Boat Parade Surprise
We happened to be there over Christmas—unplanned, just how the dates fell. On our first evening, we wandered outside to watch the sunset over Florida Bay, the sky melting into shades of coral and gold. We were still standing there, quietly mesmerized, when the Christmas boat parade drifted past. Glittering vessels decked out in twinkling lights, holiday music floating across the water, boats of all sizes decorated with reckless festive abandon. Nobody planned that. It just happened. And that’s the magic of the Keys—serendipity is always part of the package.
Room Details
The room itself was spacious, clean, and refreshingly straightforward. Our room had a small kitchenette, which made it easy to make coffee in the morning and keep leftovers from the local seafood we were enjoying around Key Largo. The bed was comfortable, the linens were crisp, and the whole space had that easygoing Florida feel that made it easy to settle in. It wasn’t luxury, and that’s exactly what we liked about it. It was basic but comfortable, with everything we needed for our stay.
Keep in mind that our stay was in 2000, so the room, furnishings, and amenities may have changed since our visit.
Amenities
The amenities at Amoray Dive Resort were all about getting out on the water. Free bikes, free kayaks, and a beachfront hot tub overlooking the bay gave us plenty to enjoy when we weren’t exploring Key Largo.
But the real highlight for us was the dive operation.
We took the resort’s Discover Scuba course—not a full PADI certification, but an introduction to diving that gave us a chance to experience the underwater world. Our instructor was patient and professional, making us feel comfortable and confident from the first breath underwater.
We started with a morning pool session to get comfortable with the equipment and basic skills. That afternoon, we headed out for two open-water dives.
For us, it was one of the highlights of our stay and an experience we’ll never forget.
Remember, our stay at Amoray Dive Resort was in 2000, so amenities, dive programs, and other services may have changed since our visit. Check with the resort for current offerings before booking.
First Dive: Molasses Reef
Our first dive dropped us into a world we’d only ever seen on nature documentaries. Molasses Reef was alive: barracuda patrolling the blue, parrotfish munching on coral in their signature technicolor, a graceful turtle gliding past like it owned the place, and then—a nurse shark swimming casually by, unbothered and utterly magnificent. Visibility was stunning, the water clear as gin, and we floated there, suspended in a world of color and movement that felt almost surreal.
Second Dive: Dry Rocks
The current was stronger here, tugging at our fins as we descended. But the reward? Weightlessness above the Christ of the Abyss statue—that iconic submerged bronze figure with arms outstretched, a silent sentinel in the deep. Breathtaking doesn’t quite cover it. And then, as if the universe was showing off, an eagle ray soared past, wings rippling through the water like something from a dream. Seconds later, a massive goliath grouper—the size of a small car—emerged from the shadows and hovered, unblinking, just feet away.
Then the wind picked up. The surface grew choppy. And your author? Let’s just say the seasickness hit hard. Worth it. Every dizzy, queasy second of it.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unbeatable location right on Florida Bay
- Relaxed, no-fuss “Old Florida” atmosphere
- Free kayaks, bikes, and hot tub access
- Excellent on-site dive operation with patient, knowledgeable instructors
- Spacious, clean rooms with kitchenettes
- Unexpected magic—like a Christmas boat parade you didn’t see coming
Cons:
- The wind can pick up and make bay conditions choppy (and seasickness real)
- No fine dining on-site—but honestly, you’re in Key Largo, so go explore
- Basic rooms, so if you’re looking for luxury resort amenities, look elsewhere
Is Amoray Dive Resort Worth It?
Amoray Dive Resort was a great fit for us because we were looking for something relaxed and uncomplicated. We weren’t interested in a fancy resort. We wanted to be near the water, enjoy the Keys, and have a comfortable place to come back to after a day of exploring.
The dive operation was a big part of the appeal, but we also loved the laid-back atmosphere. Having the water right outside our door made it easy to slow down and enjoy the setting. It felt like the kind of Florida Keys stay where you could spend the morning on the water, take a break in the afternoon, and watch the sun go down without ever feeling rushed.
Would We Stay at Amoray Dive Resort Again?
Based on our experience, yes. Our stay gave us some wonderful memories of Key Largo and our first real taste of diving.
Just remember that our Amoray Dive Resort Review is based on our stay in 2000. The property, accommodations, amenities, and dive operation may be different today, so check the resort’s official website for current information before booking.
The Florida Keys have changed a lot over the years, but we’re glad we experienced this little piece of them when we did. It was simple, comfortable, right on the water, and exactly the kind of place that made us fall in love with the Keys.
