Florida Keys Open Water SCUBA

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 3^rd 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:

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.