Who can take the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course?

Divers aged 12 and older with a valid Open Water Diver certification and in good health can enroll.

How long does the course take?

The course is typically completed over two full days, including five adventure dives.

Can I choose the type of adventure dives I do?

Yes, after completing the required deep and navigation dives, you select three adventure dives that suit your interests.

Is special equipment required for the course?

Basic scuba gear plus a compass and cutting tool are essential; specific gear like dive lights may be required for certain dives and are provided if needed.

What is the difference between PADI and NAUI certifications here?

Both agencies are globally recognized; Key Largo Dive Center offers both, and choice depends on personal preference.

Does the course improve diving safety?

Yes, it builds skills in deeper diving and navigation, lowering risk and increasing confidence in the water.

Advanced Diving Thrills with Key Largo Dive Center | Water Activities

Key Largo, Florida, a gateway to the Florida Keys and known internationally as the “Dive Capital of the World,” offers a vibrant underwater playground defined by sprawling coral reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and historically rich wreck dives. At the heart of this aquatic adventure hub is Key Largo Dive Center, a prominent professional PADI and NAUI-certified dive operation dedicated to advancing divers’ skills and confidence beneath the waves.

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course at Key Largo Dive Center unfolds over two immersive days designed specifically for certified divers aiming to deepen their expertise and broaden their underwater experiences. Unlike basic certification, this course hands you the tools to confidently traverse deeper waters beyond 18 meters (60 feet), master compass navigation, and adapt to varied dive environments.

The course features five distinct Adventure Dives, each selected to align with individual interests and skill development. Required dives include deep diving—which addresses physiological adjustments and planning challenges—and underwater navigation that hones your sense of direction through kick cycles, visual landmarks, and compass use. The remaining three dives are your opportunities to customize learning with high-adrenaline options such as wreck exploration, night diving, underwater photography, buoyancy refinement, or fish identification.

This tailored approach not only elevates your diving proficiency but also maximizes enjoyment of Key Largo’s unique marine landscapes. The reefs here boast hard and soft corals, schools of tropical fish, rays, and occasional sea turtles, alongside historical shipwrecks that serve as artificial reefs bustling with marine life.

Key Largo Dive Center stands out not just for its certifications, but for its intimate local knowledge, personalized instruction, and commitment to responsible dive practices. In a region sensitive to coral health, the center promotes sustainable diving to safeguard fragile ecosystems for future adventurers.

Whether you’re sharpening navigation skills or venturing into night dives under a starry sky reflected in the water, this course offers a rich blend of challenge, education, and unforgettable exploration. For divers ready to push beyond the basics, this two-day experience is a gateway to new realms beneath the surface.

About Key Largo Dive Center

Key Largo Dive Center is a full-service SCUBA operator located in Key Largo, Florida, offering certification courses, guided boat dives, and refresher programs for divers of all levels. The center provides NAUI and PADI training options, including open water and advanced courses, rescue and specialty programs, Discover Scuba for beginners, and two-tank boat dives to local reefs and wrecks. Staffed by certified instructors and divemasters, Key Largo Dive Center focuses on safe, supervised instruction and guided exploration in the “Dive Capital of the World.”

The business lists structured courses such as NAUI Open Water Diver and NAUI Advanced SCUBA Diver Course, PADI Open Water Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, PADI Rescue Diver, PADI Scuba Diver, PADI Enriched Air Diver, and PADI ReActivate SCUBA Refresher. Hands-on experiences include PADI Discover Scuba Diving and Two Tank Boat Dive or Snorkel trips. Each offering combines classroom or eLearning components with confined-water practice and open-water dives where applicable.

Key Largo Dive Center emphasizes clear pre-trip information, professional equipment handling, and adherence to safety standards. The operation serves visiting vacationers and returning divers seeking refreshers or advanced certification. As a locally based dive provider in Key Largo, the business supports access to nearby reefs, wrecks, and diverse marine habitats. Prospective guests are encouraged to review course prerequisites and contact the center for scheduling, equipment rental, and local dive site details.

Availability varies by season; special accommodations, private instruction, and group bookings are available—contact the center directly for current schedules, pricing, and confirmation of certification prerequisites.