Amoray Dive Resort’s boat, a 45-foot Corinthian catamaran, sports a heart and peace symbol painted on the hull. The playful artwork isn’t just decoration; as co-owner Jeff Gneiser explains, it symbolizes the resort’s ethos: “peace, love, diving.” This informs everything they do, and it’s once again earned Amoray multiple honors in Scuba Diving’s 2026 Readers Choice Awards.
Key Largo is often called the “dive capital of the world,” but even in a destination filled with choices, Amoray stands out. The dive center is integrated into a boutique hotel that blends beachy kitsch with understated modern rooms—an amenity praised by readers for its clean comfort and friendly atmosphere. One of the few true dive resorts in the U.S., it creates a welcoming space where divers connect above and below the water. Guests especially appreciate the seamless integration of accommodations and diving, which allows them to enjoy stress-free mornings, smooth departures, and relaxing evenings. Even the resort name is a friendly pun, blending the Italian word amore with moray eels.
James FerraraAmoray’s boat is a spacious 45-foot Corinthian catamaran.
From the moment divers arrive, the resort philosophy is clear: no intimidation, no macho posturing, just family-friendly fun. “Too often in this industry, people feel judged if they’re nervous or need help with their gear,” says Gneiser. “We’re the antithesis of that. Our mission is to make everyone, from kids to seasoned divers, feel comfortable and supported.”
Another element praised by Scuba Diving readers is the staff. While Gneiser emphasizes their technical skills, he drives home respect and empathy in every interaction, whether guiding a first-timer through mask clearing or leading a family on a shallow reef tour. As he explains it, Amoray is a place where you can bring your whole family to dive, knowing they’ll be trained and guided under the strictest PADI safety standards—another Reader’s Choice accolade. While one deep dive is offered each Thursday afternoon, most trips are relaxed excursions in 30 feet of water or less, specifically designed to reduce anxiety and maximize enjoyment. Their trips also mix divers and snorkelers, so no one has to sit out.
James FerraraAdvanced and specialty courses let guests level up skills during their stay.
The people-first philosophy extends to rental gear, where Amoray refreshes its Sherwood equipment regularly. “Center for profit? No, not the way I do it,” says Gneiser. “It’s about ensuring people dive in really nice equipment that makes them feel good.” That guest-first focus earned Amoray another Readers Choice accolade for Rental Gear.
By combining community, quality, and an inclusive culture, Amoray Dive Resort has become a must-visit for recreational divers seeking safety, comfort, and memorable connections beneath the surface. Their formula is simple yet powerful: invest in people, provide quality gear and boats, and nurture an environment where everyone feels at home underwater.
“Peace, love, diving,” indeed.
A Saintly Dive
Among Amoray’s stand-out dives are shipwrecks and shallow reefs. But perhaps their most memorable dive offering is the chance to dive the famed Christ of the Abyss statue. Located 25 feet below in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the bronze Christ figure, arms outstretched, offers a spiritual and cinematic dive experience, equal parts art, history, and magical marine life encounter.
2026 Readers Choice Awards
Amoray Dive Resort and its on-site dive center won a combined 12 awards in the United States and Canada, including first-place wins in Best Overall, Quality of Staff, Value of Resort, Quality of the Resort and Quality of the Rooms.
Contact Info
305-451-3595
