SSI Open Water Diver Course with Paragon Diving in Big Pine Key
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in moderate physical condition able to swim and handle basic exertion during dive and boat activities.
Overview
Paragon Diving in Big Pine Key offers a three-day SSI Open Water Diver course, blending focused instruction with four reef dives to certify you for lifelong underwater adventure. Discover why this Florida Keys experience stands apart.
Open Water Diver
Ages 12+ • 3 Days • Discover the underwater world!
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About This Adventure
Embark on a thrilling 3-day journey to become a certified scuba diver with the globally recognized SSI Open Water Diver program. Experience personalized training and in-water practice, culminating in two exhilarating boat trips and four dives at the reef, ensuring you gain confidence and essential skills for underwater exploration.
Duration
3 Days
About
This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.
More Info
Training will occur over the course of 3 consecutive days. Once you have booked your course, you will receive your online academic materials (typically within 24 hours) and a course introduction letter laying out schedule and expectations for the course.
This course includes 2 boat trips (4 dives) to the reef.
Prerequisites
- 12 years of age
- Ability to tread water for 10 minutes
- Ability to swim 200yds without stopping (without mask, fins, snorkel)
Adventure Tips
Complete Pre-Course Swim Test
Ensure you can swim 200 yards and tread water for 10 minutes to meet certification requirements and ease into the course.
Arrive Hydrated and Rested
Good hydration and rest will help prevent fatigue and lessen the chance of dehydration during boat dives.
Practice Equalizing Early
Mastering ear equalization techniques on day one will keep your dives comfortable as you descend through various depths.
Bring a Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Choose biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself without harming the fragile coral ecosystem.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Queen Angelfish
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle
History
Big Pine Key is part of the Florida Keys, an area historically shaped by maritime industries and home to the indigenous Calusa people.
Conservation
Paragon Diving emphasizes eco-friendly diving techniques to protect the sensitive reef habitats and contributes to local marine preservation efforts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Key West
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mask and Snorkel
A well-fitting mask and snorkel improve comfort during surface intervals and practice sessions.
Dive Fins
Responsive fins help you maneuver efficiently underwater, crucial for mastering buoyancy control.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin and the reef ecosystem with environmentally friendly sunscreen during surface time.
summer specific
Lightweight Rash Guard
Provides sun protection and slight warmth during cooler water or windy boat rides.
spring|fall specific