Who can take the Advanced Open Water course?

Divers aged 10 and older with a basic open water certification can enroll in this course.

How many dives are included in the course?

The course includes three core dives—Navigation, Deep, and Night—and two to three elective dives.

What agencies does Tilden's certification cover?

The course covers skills for NAUI, PADI, and SSI certifications, providing broad recognition.

Is prior experience required for night dives?

Yes, divers must be comfortable with basic scuba skills; night dives are taught under close supervision.

Do I need to provide my own gear?

Gear rentals are included in the course price, but personal gear is welcome and encouraged for best fit.

How do I prepare academically for the course?

Students receive course books or digital materials in advance, and no exam is required, focusing on practical skills.

Advanced Scuba Diving with Tilden's Scuba Center in Marathon | Water Activities | Sports

Located in Marathon, Florida, Tilden's Scuba Center offers a premier gateway for divers ready to push beyond the basics with its Advanced Open Water course. Spanning 1.5 days, this course is designed for adventurers as young as 10, bringing a fresh level of challenge beneath the waves in one of the most vibrant marine environments in the United States.

The Florida Keys are famed for their crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Here, Tilden's Scuba Center anchors itself as a trusted local institution, known for its hands-on, personalized instruction. Unlike many general dive shops, Tilden’s blends technical skill-building with an emphasis on safety and confidence, making advanced diving accessible without sacrificing rigor.

The course itself involves three essential dives: Navigation, Deep, and Night, each tailored to hone specific skills that elevate diving capability. Additional electives, including underwater photography and fish identification, allow divers to customize their experience and deepen their connection to the reef ecosystem. Students complete these dives under seasoned instructors, benefiting from expertly guided boat trips launched directly from Marathon’s Overseas Highway—a key dive hub in the Keys.

What sets Tilden's apart is its inclusive approach to certification, covering the core requirements accepted by all major agencies: NAUI, PADI, and SSI. This means divers can continue their underwater journeys with a recognized and flexible credential.

For visitors, Marathon offers more than diving: nearby spots like Sombrero Beach and the Dolphin Research Center enrich every trip with local charm. The advanced course here doesn’t just teach skills, it immerses divers in the experience of the Keys’ unique underwater world, where ancient coral formations and abundant wildlife create a playground for those eager to dive deeper and longer.

About Tilden's Scuba Center

Tilden's Scuba Center in Marathon, Florida specializes in scuba training, guided reef trips, and spearfishing certification. The shop offers a full range of experiences for new and returning divers, including Open Water Certification (2.5 days), Open Water Check Out Dives (two half-day charters), Advanced Open Water (1.5 days), Resort Course (one day), Refresher Course, Reef Trips, and Hunting (spearfishing) Certification.

Instruction comes from certified agencies — NAUI, PADI, and SSI — with personalized, small-group teaching tailored to student schedules. Pool sessions, classroom instruction, and boat trips are included where required by the course. The Refresher Course provides a thorough pool review, a guided ocean dive, and full gear rentals for divers returning after two years.

Reef Trips visit local sites including Sombrero Reef Sanctuary and feature options for certified divers as well as SNUBA and snorkel participants. The Hunting Certification spans two half-day sessions covering gun handling, target practice, fillet techniques, and sustainable harvest practices with certification available through PADI or NAUI. Advanced courses include core dives like Navigation, Deep, and Night plus electives such as underwater photography and fish identification. Resort and youth-friendly options welcome participants ages 10 and up.

Tilden's Scuba Center emphasizes safety, skill development, and memorable marine experiences in the Florida Keys. Third-party certifications, guided boat charters, and structured course formats support credibility, while clear age guidelines and step-by-step training make the center accessible to families, novice divers, and returning students. Booking details, schedules, and equipment options are available directly through Tilden's Scuba Center in Marathon.