Ages 6+ • Half Day Course • Become a Certified SSI Coral Identification Diver Today!
Spend a half day learning to identify corals in Ramrod Key and earn your SSI Coral Identification specialty. Ideal for snorkelers, families, and divers who want to read reefs with confidence.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
Half day (3–4 hours)
Fitness Level
Light activity; suitable for most ages six and up with basic mobility
Wildlife
History
Looe Key takes its name from the British ship Looe that struck the reef in the 18th century; the reef has long been a landmark for mariners and researchers.
Conservation
Instructors emphasize no-touch observation and reef-safe sunscreen; students are encouraged to report bleaching or disease to local monitoring programs.
Looe Key Reef Resort
Ages 6+ • Half Day Course • Become a Certified SSI Coral Identification Diver Today!
Looe Key Reef Resort is a dive and education center located on Ramrod Key, Florida. The resort offers a diverse catalog of SSI courses and non‑diving ecology classes designed for recreational divers, advanced students, and marine enthusiasts. Programs include emergency response training, specialty deep and decompression diving, independent diving certification, search and recovery, equipment techniques, and reef‑focused non‑diving courses such as coral identification, manta and ray ecology, and marine ecology. Instruction typically combines classroom learning, pool sessions, and open‑water dives where required, plus hands‑on scenarios for practical skill practice and risk management.
Several courses award official SSI certifications upon successful completion, including React Right and Deep Diving. Training emphasizes scenario‑based drills, dive computer use, Nitrox and decompression awareness, and safe equipment selection and maintenance. Non‑diving offerings allow visitors to deepen reef knowledge and species identification without entering the water. Located on Ramrod Key with direct access to the Looe Key reef system and nearby dive sites, Looe Key Reef Resort supports both entry‑level students and divers seeking advanced qualifications. By presenting documented SSI course options and combining classroom, pool, and open‑water components, the resort provides verifiable training pathways and practical reef education for divers and marine enthusiasts seeking recognized certifications and a deeper connection to Florida’s coral ecosystems.
Location
Ramrod Key, FL
Situated on the Lower Florida Keys
Tours Offered
10
Diving and non‑diving courses
Certifications
SSI courses
Includes React Right and Deep Diving
Training Format
Practical skills
Classroom, pool, and open‑water
Reserve classroom, pool, or open‑water sessions on Ramrod Key and take the next step in diving skills, safety, and reef knowledge.
Complete the online academics first
Finish the pre-course online modules before arrival so you can focus on hands-on identification and local species during class.
Bring photo references
A camera or phone with macro capability helps capture small features instructors will review for ID practice.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen
Use mineral, reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard to protect corals and reduce the need for reapplying in the water.
Ask about larger-group bookings
Classes are kept small; contact [email protected] or call (305) 872-2215 if you need to reserve for more than four people.
Field notebook and pencil
Jot ID notes and sketch coral features during the classroom session.
Underwater camera or phone in waterproof case
Macro photos help instructors confirm IDs during debriefs.
summer
Reef-safe sunscreen and rash guard
Protects skin and prevents harmful chemicals from reaching corals.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated keeps you focused during classroom instruction and on-deck briefings.