Florida Keys Open Water SCUBA
Overview
Discover an exciting new world below the ocean’s surface along the beautiful islands of the Florida Keys! The crystal clear water of the Keys allows students to get a close-up look at the abundant marine life that these tropical waters have to offer. If you’re ready to dive deep beneath the ocean’s surface to check out the world’s 3rd largest barrier island reef system, then our Florida Keys Open Water SCUBA Camp is where you want to be!
After flying into Key West, students will begin their trip above water in the classroom and then will take to the pool for some hands-on, feet-wet practice with master divers. After students get a little experience and are comfortable with their new gear, they will jump right in and get a close-up look at all the marine life within the waters of the Keys. After completing their skills tests, students will receive their Open Water SCUBA certification.
NAUI Certification Includes:
- Self-Guided E-Learning prior to program start
- 1 Classroom session
- 2 Pool sessions
- 4 Ocean Checkout dives
Students will then use their new certification to do real coral reef health surveys with the Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration. The laboratory is a fully equipped marine science facility dedicated to research and education in the Florida Keys. We will receive a tour of the research facility, information on the current coral reef research taking place, a lesson on coral reefs, earn 10 hours of community service credit, and will then put their NAUI certification to use!
* * Schedule is subject to change. Please keep in mind that we try out best to adhere to this schedule but we cannot control mother nature, in the event of adverse weather, we have rainy-day activities in place. We cannot control canceled vendors. We will try our best to incorporate what was missed in later days, but it does not always fit into our schedule **
This program is designed for rising 10th graders – recent high school graduates graders that are passionate about the marine environment and looking for a tropical adventure spent underwater!
Camp Tuition includes lodging, all meals from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day, 24-hour same-gender adult supervision (5:1 camper to staff ratio), admission to all activities, all equipment, professional scuba instruction, transportation including pick up and drop off from the Key West International Airport (EYW), Sea Turtle Camp t-shirt and rashguard, and memorable group photo.
Campers are responsible for round-trip airfare to EYW, baggage fees at the airport, and additional money for snacks or souvenirs.
2023 SCUBA Keys Camp Dates:
Lodging
Located in the heart of the Lower Keys, the Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3) is a fully equipped marine science facility dedicated to marine research and education in the Florida Keys. The facility also offers dorm-style accommodations to house us for the week!
The rooms are gender-specific and feature air-conditioning, comfortable common areas, and gender-specific bathrooms. Each participant will have his or her own bed, with linens and bath towels provided! Sea Turtle Camp staff members are housed on-site and will provide 24-hour, same-gender adult supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airport is best to fly into for your program, and do you provide a shuttle service?
For this program, campers are required to arrive at the Key West International Airport (EYW) between 11 am-3 pm for pick up. Campers will be picked up by a Sea Turtle Camp staff member wearing a red t-shirt to start their Florida Keys’ adventure. They will be taken to the airport for departure and our staff will stay until their flight is safely in the air. Flights must take off between 12-3 pm.
What if I can't get in by the set check-in time?
Please contact our Program Coordinator (travel@seaturtlecamp.com) to discuss arrivals and departures outside of our preferred times. Due to the short nature and traveling aspect of this trip, you must be able to arrive/depart in the listed time window.
Where do we stay during camp?
We will be staying in Summerland, Florida in dorm-style housing at the Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration. All linens and bath towels are provided.
Can I call home during camp?
We have all campers check in with their parents upon arrival, but we have limited parental contact for the duration of the camp. Sea Turtle Camp is a growing experience, and we find that young people do best and gain confidence through independence. Campers are NOT allowed to carry cell phones at any time during camp. Any cell phones brought to camp will be collected upon arrival and returned upon departure. Parents will be updated through emails and the many pictures we’ll be posting on Facebook throughout the trip! We will provide an after-hours number to reach the office in the event of an emergency.
I am a finicky eater. Can you cater to special diets?
Yes, we can. We know how important it is to eat healthy meals when you are outside and in the sun all day long. We’ll ask you in a questionnaire what types of food, snacks, and drinks you prefer. Due to the nature of this travel program, we will be unable to cater to severe allergies.
Does my child need to know how to swim to be able to attend this program?
Yes. Due to the nature of this program, all campers must be able to swim and have a basic level of comfort in the water.