Wreck Diving Adventures with Paragon Diving in Big Pine Key
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours (full day)
Fitness Level
Good swimming skills and moderate physical fitness recommended due to handling gear and boat transfers
Overview
Dive into the hidden world of shipwrecks off Big Pine Key with Paragon Diving. Learn vital wreck diving skills and discover vibrant marine ecosystems thriving on historic underwater structures.
Wreck Diving
Ages 12+ • 1 Day • Explore the wonders of shipwrecks!
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Duration
1 day
About
Many of the ocean’s best dive sites are wrecks. These impressive structures attract unusually high densities of marine life and give you the chance to immerse in living history as you dive.
There is nothing quite like wreck diving and the SSI Wreck Diving specialty will give you all the skills and knowledge you need to become a safe and confident wreck diver. With a combination of academic and confined water sessions, you will be taught how to safely conduct non-penetration dives around wrecks and artificial reefs, up to a depth of 100ft (30m).
You will also get to practice your wreck diving skills during open water training dives. All of which will ensure you can enjoy wreck diving with confidence and get the most out of every dive. Upon completion of this program, you will earn your SSI Wreck Diving specialty certification. Continue your adventures and become a wreck diver. Get started online today!
More Info
This is the first of 2 wreck diving specialties. When you have completed this course you will be eligible to take the Advanced Wreck Diving specialty course. Wreck Diving and Advanced Wreck Diving may be combined as a bundle (please see recreational bundles section).
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 1 boat trip (2 dives) to the wreck.
Prerequisites
- 12 years of age
- Certified as an Open Water Diver
Adventure Tips
Complete Open Water Certification First
You must be a certified Open Water Diver before enrolling in wreck diving courses for safety and skill prerequisites.
Practice Non-Penetration Techniques
Focus on mastering safe non-penetration dives to avoid hazards inside wrecks and protect fragile ecosystems.
Bring an Underwater Light
Even non-penetration dives benefit from a dive light to illuminate crevices and support clear navigation around the wreck.
Check Weather and Currents
Florida Keys conditions can change quickly; verify sea state and currents before your dive day for a safer outing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Spotted moray eels
- Southern stingrays
History
Big Pine Key’s waters hold several historic wrecks from early maritime commerce and the Florida Straits shipping routes.
Conservation
Paragon Diving emphasizes low-impact diving practices to protect fragile coral growth on and around the wrecks, aiding reef preservation.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Key West
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Wetsuit (3mm-5mm)
Keeps you warm and protected in varied Florida Keys water temperatures.
fall|winter|spring|summer specific
Dive light
Essential for illuminating wreck interiors and shadowed areas during non-penetration dives.
Surface marker buoy
Improves your visibility to boats and enhances dive safety during ascent and at the surface.
Underwater camera
Capture the colorful marine life and dramatic shipwrecks to remember your dive adventure.