Reel 1 Up Fish & Dive Charters

From backwater mangrove flats to reefs and wrecks up to 30 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, Reel 1 Up puts you on fish — and underwater — with an experienced USCG-licensed crew and a fleet of four fishing vessels and two dive boats.

Reel 1 Up Fish & Dive Charters operates out of Bonita Springs, Florida, offering dive trips to the Gulf of Mexico spanning reefs (both artificial and natural), ledges, springs, and wrecks in Collier and Lee County waters up to 30 miles offshore. The operation is headed by Captain Mark Garcy, a USCG-licensed captain certified in Advanced Open Water, Nitrox, Rescue Diver, and a NAUI Oxygen Provider with over 35 years of on-water experience. The fleet includes four fishing vessels and two dedicated dive boats, with rental gear and tanks available through their affiliated full-service PADI Dive Center, Cruise Fish Dive, located in Bonita Springs. Scuba diving trips are structured in three tiers by distance from shore: Tier 1 covers sites within 7 miles, Tier 2 spans 8–15 miles, and Tier 3 reaches 15–30 miles offshore. Gulf water temperatures range from around 60°F in December to 90°F in August, and visibility averages 50 feet or better at most sites through much of the year. Dive trips are offered exclusively to certified divers; guests seeking a guided dive can request one of the several PADI Instructors on staff, and a Discover Scuba Diving intro course is available for non-certified guests. Beyond diving, the business offers extensive fishing options including backwater, offshore, shark, tarpon, and full-moon/night fishing trips, as well as private nature tours along the Cocohatchee River Estuary, dolphin encounter tours, sunset cruises, and combo excursions. All fishing trips include fishing licenses, bait, rods, tackle, ice, coolers, sunscreen, and fish cleaning.