Advanced Diving Skills with Paragon Diving in Big Pine Key
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Good physical fitness required to handle repetitive dives and equipment management in offshore conditions.
Overview
Take your diving to the next level with Paragon Diving’s 4-day Decompression Diver Bundle at Big Pine Key. Complete specialty courses and dive a historic wreck while working toward SSI Advanced Open Water certification.
Adventure Tips
Verify Your Dive Log
Bring proof of at least 24 logged dives to confirm eligibility for the course.
Prepare Specialty Gear
Discuss and arrange the necessary equipment required for decompression diving with your instructor before the course starts.
Stay Hydrated
Florida’s warm climate demands consistent hydration before and after dives to reduce decompression sickness risk.
Arrive Early for Boat Trips
Plan to arrive early for boat departures to ensure smooth diving logistics and a full briefing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Nurse sharks frequently seen resting on sandy bottoms
- Colorful parrotfish grazing on coral formations
History
Big Pine Key and surrounding waters are home to historic shipwrecks dating back to 18th-century trade routes, now protected dive sites.
Conservation
Paragon Diving promotes reef preservation by adhering to responsible dive practices and educating divers on minimizing impact to fragile marine habitats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Dive Computer
Crucial for monitoring decompression stops and dive profiles during specialty dives.
Enriched Air Nitrox Tank
Extends bottom time safely during deep and decompression dives.
Dry Suit or Thick Wetsuit
Provides insulation during cooler winter dives in the Florida Keys.
winter specific
Surface Signaling Devices
Required for boat and open water safety during decompression stops.