Jump into scuba diving with Tilden's one-day Resort Course in Marathon, Florida. This package combines a thorough pool session and classroom instruction with a guided reef dive, ideal for newcomers ages 10 and up.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–6 hours total
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable swimming and in generally good health but no advanced fitness level is required.
Wildlife
History
Marathon grew from a fishing village into a hub for Keys diving in the mid-20th century, contributing to reef conservation awareness.
Conservation
Tilden's promotes reef-safe practices and operates within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary guidelines to minimize environmental impact.
Tilden's Scuba Center
Jump into scuba diving with Tilden's one-day Resort Course in Marathon, Florida. This package combines a thorough pool session and classroom instruction with a guided reef dive, ideal for newcomers ages 10 and up.
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.
Location
Marathon, FL
Central Florida Keys dive location
Tours Offered
7 Trips
Courses, reef trips, and certifications
Certifications
PADI • NAUI • SSI
Agency-recognized instruction
Minimum Age
Ages 10+
Youth-friendly course options
Confirm course length, certification agency (PADI, NAUI, SSI), and charter availability for your preferred dates in Marathon, FL.
Arrive Hydrated and Rested
Fatigue and dehydration can increase the risk of decompression sickness, so drink plenty of water and rest well before your dives.
Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin while helping preserve the local marine ecosystem by using environmentally friendly sunscreen before your dive.
Don’t Rush the Pool Session
Use the classroom and pool time to become fully comfortable with your gear—this foundation makes reef dives safer and more enjoyable.
Plan Your Flights Around Dive Times
Avoid flying within 24 hours after diving to reduce the risk of decompression sickness, a crucial safety guideline for all divers.
Wetsuit (3mm to 5mm)
Keeps divers warm in the cooler parts of the year and protects skin from abrasion.
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Mask and Snorkel
Essential for underwater visibility and surface breathing if needed.
Dive Computer or Watch
Helps monitor dive time and depth for safety, especially if continuing beyond the course.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects skin from UV rays while minimizing environmental impact.
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