Join Southpoint Divers in Key West for a unique scuba adventure that helps protect coral reefs. Experience hands-on coral restoration and dive into Florida’s vibrant reef ecosystems.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition able to manage entry, exit, and moderate underwater activity.
Wildlife
History
The Florida Keys coral reefs have been impacted by storms and human activity; restoration efforts began in earnest in the early 2000s to revive this vital ecosystem.
Conservation
Southpoint Divers partners with the Coral Restoration Foundation™ to promote sustainable diving practices and hands-on reef rehabilitation.
Southpoint Divers
Join Southpoint Divers in Key West for a unique scuba adventure that helps protect coral reefs. Experience hands-on coral restoration and dive into Florida’s vibrant reef ecosystems.
Southpoint Divers is a dive operation based in Key West, Florida, offering PADI training, guided reef dives, and coral conservation experiences. The business provides structured PADI courses including a PADI Open Water Pool Session that combines confined water training and open water dives to certify divers to 60 feet. Short-format programs such as Discover Scuba – a one-day resort course – and Try Scuba Diving (a complimentary 1.5-hour pool session for The Keys Collection guests) introduce newcomers to breathing underwater in safe, controlled conditions.
For returning divers, Southpoint Divers offers an 8-hour Refresher course with a morning pool session followed by a guided 2-tank reef dive. The PADI Enriched Air Nitrox certification blends independent study with a hands-on workshop and gas-analyzer practice. Conservation-focused offerings include the PADI Coral Reef Conservation Specialty, Coral Nursery / Out-planting through a hands-on day with the Coral Restoration Foundation™, and a Coral Health Experience conducted in partnership with Mission: Iconic Reef to collect observations that support NOAA efforts. The team also hosts free Debris Cleanup events open to divers aged 10 and up.
Southpoint Divers delivers training and guided dives that follow PADI standards and emphasizes safety, progressive skill-building, and real-world application of skills on reef dives. The operation supports both recreational diving and measurable conservation activities, enabling visitors and residents of Key West to pursue certification, night and sunset dives, enriched-air diving, and direct participation in coral restoration and reef monitoring projects.
Location
Key West, FL
Dives depart from Key West waters
Tours Offered
10 Experiences
Ranging from pool sessions to reef dives
Certifications
PADI Courses
Open Water, Nitrox, specialties
Conservation Partners
CRF™ & Mission: Iconic Reef
Hands-on coral restoration projects
Reserve now to secure PADI training, guided reef dives, Nitrox certification, or a hands-on coral restoration experience in Key West.
Practice Neutral Buoyancy
Maintaining good buoyancy control protects delicate corals during your dive.
Stay Hydrated Before Diving
Florida’s subtropical climate means staying hydrated is crucial to avoid fatigue.
Respect Marine Wildlife
Observe but do not touch or disturb marine animals to protect the reef ecosystem.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Apply biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen to minimize environmental impact.
Open Water Certified Dive Gear
Standard scuba equipment is required to safely participate in the underwater coral restoration activities.
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin while ensuring no harmful chemicals enter the delicate reef ecosystem.
summer
Lightweight Rash Guard
Provides protection from sun and minor scrapes during surface intervals.
spring
Underwater Slate or Dive Notebook
Useful for recording notes or observations while working on coral restoration underwater.