Do I need to be certified to take the Advanced Open Water Diver course?

No, this course is designed for certified Open Water Divers looking to improve their skills and explore new underwater environments.

What kind of marine life can I expect to see?

Expect to see colorful reef fish, sea turtles, barracudas, and possibly playful dolphins near the surface.

Are wreck dives safe for beginners?

While wreck dives are exciting, they require additional skills; they are suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.

What is the minimum age for this course?

The minimum age typically is 12 years old, but it’s best to check with the dive shop for specific age requirements.

What equipment is provided during the course?

Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center supplies tanks, weights, and regulators; students should bring personal gear like masks and wetsuits.

Can I take the course if I have limited diving experience?

Yes, as long as you are comfortable in the water and meet the prerequisites, you'll be guided step by step.

Scuba Adventure at Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center | Water Activities

Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center, situated in the vibrant waters of Miami, Florida, offers an exceptional gateway for those ready to deepen their scuba skills. The Advanced Open Water Diver course is more than a certification; it's a voyage into the depths of the Atlantic’s colorful marine life and intriguing underwater features. Over two days, divers complete five dives, each tailored to their interests, whether exploring wrecks, navigating intricate coral formations, or capturing stunning underwater photos. What makes this experience stand out is the diverse set of Adventure Dives offered. Participants can choose from deep dives, night dives, wreck explorations, and navigation training—all in the warm, clear waters of South Florida. Tarpoon Lagoon’s professional instructors have a knack for fostering confidence in divers of all levels, ensuring safety with expert guidance and top-notch equipment. The location itself is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasionally playful dolphins. The wreck dives reveal the history beneath the surface, with sunken vessels now teeming with marine biodiversity. This dive shop is a community hub for adventurers seeking to elevate their underwater experience with a personalized touch. The surrounding Florida Keys are famous for their accessible, lively reefs, making it an ideal base for both novices and seasoned divers. Whether you're looking to improve navigation, sharpen buoyancy skills, or simply immerse yourself in underwater beauty, Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center makes it approachable, memorable, and safe. Joining this course not only boosts your diving proficiency but also immerses you in Florida's rich maritime history and vibrant underwater ecosystems, cementing your love for the ocean while expanding your skill set. It’s a must-visit destination for aquatic explorers chasing their next deep-sea thrill.

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

2 days (five dives).

Fitness level

Divers should be comfortable in water and have basic swimming skills. Physical fitness helps with buoyancy control and navigation.

Wildlife

Seahorses
Grouper

History

The Florida Keys have been a hub for maritime activity since the 19th century, with many wrecks now serving as artificial reefs.

Conservation

Tarpoon Lagoon is committed to sustainable diving practices, including reef-safe practices and protected marine areas.

Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center is a PADI-affiliated dive center based in Hialeah, Florida. The center offers a range of PADI courses and guided trips designed for beginners through advanced divers. Courses offered include PADI Open Water Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, PADI Scuba Diver, PADI Enriched Air Diver, and Discover Scuba Diving / Re-Activate Refresher Course. The PADI Open Water Diver course requires no prior experience and certifies participants to dive independently up to 60 feet. The PADI Scuba Diver course is tailored for those short on time and allows dives to a maximum depth of 12 meters. The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course includes five dives over two days and requires choosing three Adventure Dives such as deep diving and underwater navigation. The PADI Enriched Air Diver specialty covers nitrox procedures with online learning, practical tasks, and optional dives. The Discover Scuba Diving / Re-Activate Refresher combines pool training and ocean dives in a single day with expert instruction. Tarpoon Lagoon also runs guided Miami Beach Dive & Snorkel trips that explore coral reefs and wreck sites, with options for certified divers, beginners, and snorkelers. The Miami Beach trips operate roughly 30 minutes offshore. Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center is featured on The Adventure Collective and lists its set of PADI courses and Miami Beach excursions as its core offerings. Course formats vary by program and include online learning modules, classroom review, confined-water or pool sessions, and open-water ocean dives where specified in each course description and schedules.

Base locationMiami Beach, Florida

Tours offered6+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace