10 years old and up Must be able to Swim
Get certified where the reef comes alive: this PADI Open Water course pairs flexible eLearning with four supervised open-water dives in Islamorada. Small groups, local reef sites like Cheeca Rocks, and warm water make it an ideal way to earn a global credential.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–4 days
Fitness Level
Able to swim and tread water for short periods; basic comfort in open water and light to moderate cardiovascular fitness recommended.
Wildlife
History
The area sits on the Florida Reef Tract, the only living barrier reef in the continental U.S., with dive culture shaped by decades of recreational and scientific exploration.
Conservation
Practice no-touch diving, use reef-safe sunscreen, and follow instructor briefings to minimize impact on sensitive coral and marine life.
Sea Monkey Divers
10 years old and up Must be able to Swim
Sea Monkey Divers is a Florida Keys dive and charter operator based in Islamorada that offers snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and private boat charters. The company runs shared and private snorkeling tours, multi-person scuba dives, private charter trips for snorkeling or sandbar visits, sunset cruises, eco-tours, and reef or trolling fishing trips. Trips include a 2-hour shared snorkeling tour for 1–6 people, 3-hour and 2-hour private charter options for snorkeling, sandbar, sunset or eco-tour activities, a scuba diving private charter for the whole boat, and per-person scuba dives with gear included. Fishing excursions run about four hours targeting snapper, grouper, sailfish and marlin. Scuba per-person pricing requires a three-person minimum and includes all gear; private charters accommodate up to six passengers and offer customizable dive sites. Private tours and charters are led by a US Coast Guard–approved captain, and boats carry safety and comfort provisions such as an ice chest with refreshments.
Sea Monkey Divers serves all skill levels, provides corrective masks and basic lesson options on snorkeling tours, and supplies top-quality rental gear for dive trips. The operation focuses on small-group experiences to maximize personalized attention and safe, memorable time on the water. Sea Monkey Divers is a choice for visitors to Islamorada seeking guided reef snorkeling, sandbar relaxation, sunset cruises, eco-tours, private scuba charters, or reef and trolling fishing in the Florida Keys. Bookings accommodate groups and individuals, with clear pricing and options for corrective masks, lessons, refreshments, flexible itineraries, and seasonal scheduling to match tide and weather.
Tours Offered
6 experiences
Snorkel, scuba, fishing, charters
Private Charters
Up to 6 people
Customizable private trips
Shared Tours
1–6 persons
4-person minimum on shared
Typical Duration
2–4 hours
Short, half-day excursions
Secure a spot on snorkeling, scuba, or fishing trips with transparent pricing, included gear options, and USCG-approved captains—book early for preferred times.
Start eLearning Early
Complete the PADI eLearning before your first pool session so you can focus on hands-on skills in the water.
Arrive Early for Fit and Waivers
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before class at 80460 Overseas Hwy. to sign waivers and get fitted for rental gear.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Apply biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen before entering the water to protect corals and comply with local best practices.
Book Multiple Days
Schedule two to four days for the course to allow time for pool work, four open-water dives, and weather adjustments.
Mask and Snorkel
Well-fitting mask and snorkel help you get comfortable at the surface and during confined-water drills.
Fins
Open-heel fins improve propulsion and make buoyancy control drills easier.
Rashguard/Wetskin
Provides sun protection and a bit of thermal comfort during longer surface intervals.
summer
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin and the coral by avoiding oxybenzone and octinoxate ingredients.
summer