About
Southpoint Divers
Dive Into Key West. Discover More Beneath the Surface.
Rooted in Key West
Three Decades. One Passion.
Since 1991, Southpoint Divers has been helping people experience the underwater world of Key West—from first-time divers taking their first breath underwater to experienced divers exploring reefs, wrecks, and everything in between. Located in the heart of Old Town Key West, we’re proud to be a trusted PADI 5 Star Dive Center with a passion for exceptional diving, conservation, and genuine island hospitality.
For us, diving is about more than checking a site off your list. It’s about discovering the vibrant marine life of the Florida Keys, building confidence in the water, and creating experiences you’ll remember long after you leave Key West.
What Sets Us Apart
Experience, expertise, and a commitment to the ocean.
Our Location
Located at 606 Front Street in the heart of Old Town Key West, our shop is directly across from our dive boat, The Phoenix, at the Hyatt Resort and Marina. Our convenient location puts you steps from diving, hotels, restaurants, and the best of Old Town.
The Phoenix
The Phoenix has been docked at the Hyatt Resort and Marina since Southpoint’s first day of operation. With full shade—the only dive boat in the Lower Keys offering this feature—she provides a comfortable base for exploring Key West’s reefs and wrecks.
Local Knowledge & Professional Training
Southpoint Divers is a PADI 5-Star Dive Center and Platinum SCUBAPRO Dealer, offering expert local knowledge and professional training from first-time divers through Divemaster, including reef and wreck diving, specialty courses, and continuing education.
Conservation
We believe diving means protecting what we love. As a PADI Eco Center, Blue Star operator, and Green Fins member, we promote responsible diving through education, reef monitoring, coral restoration, and conservation efforts.
Our Certifications & Conservation Credentials
Recognized for exceptional diving experiences, outstanding service, and our commitment to Key West’s underwater community.
Our Crew
Experienced divers. Passionate guides.
Meet the team behind your next underwater adventure.
Don Mckenzie
Owner / Scuba Instructor
Certifications: PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, USCG Master Captains License
Originally from Upstate New York, I’ve called Key West home since 1994. Inspired by Jacques Cousteau, I came to Key West to become a diver and joined Southpoint Divers in the mid-1990s, eventually purchasing the shop. Today, diving and fishing remain a big part of my life.
Tropical Mike
Captain / Master Scuba Instructor
Certifications: Master Scuba Instructor
Tropical Mike is Southpoint’s Head Captain and a familiar favorite among returning divers. With decades of experience on the water, he keeps every trip safe, smooth, and memorable while sharing local knowledge, great stories, and his signature island humor. Originally from Amelia Island, Florida, Mike is an essential part of the Southpoint family.
Drew Rutherford
Captain / Engineer / Scuba Instructor
Certifications: USCG 100 Ton Captain License with towing endorsement, Open Water Scuba Instructor, CPR First Aid, Scubapro Technician, Nitrox, Gas Blender
Drew has been with Southpoint Divers since 2015. A PADI Instructor, USCG 100-Ton Captain, and marine engineer, he helps keep our boats and equipment safe while sharing his passion for diving.
McKinzie Parks
Conservation Lead Instructor, PADI Scuba Instructor
Specialties Taught: Dive Against Debris, Project Aware, Coral Conservation, Nitrox
McKinzie is a dedicated PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor with a passion for marine conservation and education. She creates safe, supportive environment where students can build confidence, overcome nerves, and develop deeper appreciation for the underwater world.
Palmer Dunn
Lead SCUBAPRO Technician, PADI Scuba Instructor
Certifications: PADI Scuba Instructor, EFR, Pro SCUBAPRO Technician
Specialties: CPR & First Aid, AWARE Shark Conservation, Wreck, Dive Against Debris, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Nitrox, Deep Diver
Palmer has been with Southpoint Divers for over four years, known for his professionalism, and friendly service.
Don Mckenzie
Owner / Scuba Instructor
Certifications: PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, USCG Master Captains License
Originally from Upstate New York, I’ve called Key West home since 1994. Inspired by Jacques Cousteau, I came to Key West to become a diver and joined Southpoint Divers in the mid-1990s, eventually purchasing the shop. Today, diving and fishing remain a big part of my life.
Tropical Mike
Captain / Master Scuba Instructor
Certifications: Master Scuba Instructor
Tropical Mike is Southpoint’s Head Captain and a familiar favorite among returning divers. With decades of experience on the water, he keeps every trip safe, smooth, and memorable while sharing local knowledge, great stories, and his signature island humor. Originally from Amelia Island, Florida, Mike is an essential part of the Southpoint family.
Drew Rutherford
Captain / Engineer / Scuba Instructor
Certifications: USCG 100 Ton Captain License with towing endorsement, Open Water Scuba Instructor, CPR First Aid, Scubapro Technician, Nitrox, Gas Blender
Drew has been with Southpoint Divers since 2015. A PADI Instructor, USCG 100-Ton Captain, and marine engineer, he helps keep our boats and equipment safe while sharing his passion for diving.
McKinzie Parks
Conservation Lead Instructor, PADI Scuba Instructor
Specialties Taught: Dive Against Debris, Project Aware, Coral Conservation, Nitrox
McKinzie is a dedicated PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor with a passion for marine conservation and education. She creates safe, supportive environment where students can build confidence, overcome nerves, and develop deeper appreciation for the underwater world.
Palmer Dunn
Lead SCUBAPRO Technician, PADI Scuba Instructor
Certifications: PADI Scuba Instructor, EFR, Pro SCUBAPRO Technician
Specialties: CPR & First Aid, AWARE Shark Conservation, Wreck, Dive Against Debris, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Nitrox, Deep Diver
Palmer has been with Southpoint Divers for over four years, known for his professionalism, and friendly service.
Get to Know Southpoint Divers
Frequently asked questions
Explore the story behind Southpoint Divers, from our family-owned beginnings to our commitment to exceptional diving, personal service, and preserving the waters of the Florida Keys for generations to come.
Southpoint Divers has been introducing guests to the underwater world of Key West since 1991. Family-owned and operated since 1995, we’ve spent more than three decades sharing our passion for diving while building lasting relationships with divers from around the world.
The Phoenix represents resilience, renewal, and our commitment to always moving forward. Like its namesake, our boat symbolizes growth through change while continuing our mission of providing exceptional diving experiences and protecting the reefs we call home.
We believe diving is about more than just getting underwater. Our experienced crew focuses on safety, small-group experiences, personal service, and protecting the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. As a PADI Eco Center, Green Fins Member, and Blue Star Operator, conservation isn’t something we talk about—it’s something we actively participate in every day.
Yes. Southpoint Divers has been locally owned and family operated for over 30 years. We’ve weathered hurricanes, economic downturns, 9/11, and COVID while continuing to serve divers from around the world with the same commitment to quality and customer service.
Our dive boat departs directly from the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa in the heart of Old Town. This central location makes it easy for guests staying throughout Key West to access the marina while enjoying nearby restaurants, shopping, and attractions before or after their dive.
Protecting the ocean isn’t just part of our business—it’s our responsibility. Becoming a PADI Eco Center reflects our commitment to sustainable diving practices, reef conservation, marine education, and preserving the Florida Keys for future generations.