Dive With Us!
Small classes, the same instructor from start to finish, and no rushing.
As an Instructor Development Center, our team also trains the next generation of instructors, so you are learning from career professionals. You go at your pace and leave a confident, capable diver.
The Florida Dive Company Difference
| Our Shop | Others |
|---|---|
| Semi-private and private courses | Large classes of 12+ students |
| Direct training with your instructor | Limited one-on-one instructor time |
| eLearning at your pace, on your schedule | Classroom teaching over multiple days, set schedule |
| Experienced career instructors | Part-time or freelance instructors |
| All costs listed upfront | Hidden equipment and course fees |
| Well-maintained rental equipment | Poorly maintained rental gear |
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
SDI Open Water DiverGet Scuba Certified
From $550 eLearning included
- SDI eLearning at your own pace
- In-person orientation at our shop
- 3 days of in-water training with the same instructor
- Rental gear and digital certification card included
- Small classes: up to 6 students (4 for Junior Open Water)
Open Water Course Pricing
SDI Open Water Diver certification, recognized worldwide. Every option includes eLearning, rental gear, pool training, open water dives and your certification card.
| Option | Class size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-Private Open Water | 4–6 students max | $550 |
| Semi-Private Open Water + Computer Nitrox | 4–6 students max | $650 |
| Private Open Water | Just you | $1,100 |
| Private Open Water + Computer Nitrox | Just you | $1,300 |
What's included
- SDI eLearning course materials
- The same instructor throughout your course
- Rental gear: BCD, regulator, 3mm wetsuit, dive computer, tanks and weights
- Pool (confined water) training
- Open water training dives
- Certification processing and digital certification card
- Gear discounts and free Dive Club entry
Not included
- Personal gear: scuba-quality mask, fins, snorkel and boots (new student gear discount available with your class)
- Entry fees at dive sites
- Transportation to training locations
- Tips for instructors and crew
Who Can Learn to Dive?
Requirements
- Age 18+, or 15+ with parental consent
- Ages 10–14: SDI Junior Open Water
- A completed diver medical questionnaire, found in our Student Folder
Not sure yet?
Try scuba first with a guided Try Scuba experience at Blue Spring State Park. No certification needed.
Try Scuba FirstWays to pay
- Step Up For Students scholarships (Direct Pay provider)
- VA-approved programs for veterans
Junior Open Water vs. Open Water
Kids ages 10–14 can earn the SDI Junior Open Water certification. Here is how it compares to the standard course.
| Junior Open Water | Open Water | |
|---|---|---|
| Ages | 10–14 | 15 and up (under 18 with parental consent) |
| Instructor ratio | 1 instructor to 4 students | 1 instructor to 6 students |
| Diving after certification | Must dive with a dive professional and/or a parent or legal guardian | Dives with a certified buddy |
| Turning 15 | Free administrative upgrade to Open Water, with proof of active diving | — |
| Same for both courses | ||
| The same SDI eLearning course and final exam, and the same 12 months to finish. See Step 1 below for how long the eLearning takes. | ||
Using a Step Up For Students scholarship?
We are a Direct Pay provider. See how scholarship booking works, or call us to talk through your student's abilities and goals before you book.
Step Up For Students Info Call (386) 663-8030Start diving in 3 Simple Steps!
Study online at your own pace, attend a short in-person orientation at our shop, then complete 3 days of in-water training.
eLearning Course
Start your eLearning course and master all the important academic information. You can complete this phase through self-study, at your own pace in the convenience of your home or office. All eLearning courses work on mobile and tablet devices too!
How long it takes: about 8–12 hours, plus about 3–5 hours if you add Computer Nitrox, including the final exam. You have 12 months to complete both the eLearning and your in-water training.
Pool Training
The next step will be to complete your in-water skill development training. This takes place in a swimming pool or similar body of confined water, under the supervision your Scuba Instructor.
Open Water Dives
The final step is to complete the required number of Open Water training dives under the supervision of your Instructor. Here you will apply what you have learned during your academic and skill development sessions, while learning practical lessons that can only be gained through real world experience in open water.
Why Learn to Dive?
Central Florida puts you close to crystal-clear springs and to both coasts, from the Gulf to the Atlantic. Get certified once and you can dive them all, and anywhere else in the world.
Florida Dive Company is your one-stop dive shop:
- Training, from Open Water to Instructor and beyond
- Dive gear sales
- Equipment service
- Adult and youth dive clubs (youth divers join with a parent or guardian). Free club entry when you pass a course.
Important Reminder: It is illegal to approach, pursue, or touch manatees. Every encounter we share happens only because the animal chooses it. At Florida Dive Company, we follow all conservation guidelines to ensure these incredible creatures stay safe, protected and wild.
See Course PricingAfter You're Certified
Your Open Water card is just the start. Every student who finishes a course gets free entry into our dive club. From there, you can join group dives, trips and continuing education.
| Next step | From |
|---|---|
| Computer Nitrox | $150 |
| Advanced Adventure Diver | $650 |
| Rescue Diver | $500 |
| Specialty courses (Deep, Night, Wreck, Drift and more) | $200 |
| Go professional (Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, Instructor) | $1,800 |
Learn to Dive FAQ
How long does it take to get scuba certified?
The SDI eLearning takes about 8 to 12 hours, plus about 3 to 5 hours if you add Computer Nitrox. You do it at your own pace at home, including the final exam. Then you attend a required in-person orientation at our shop to review questions and size your gear, followed by 3 days of in-water training: pool skills, then open water training dives. You have 12 months to complete both the eLearning and the in-water training.
How much does scuba certification cost?
Semi-private SDI Open Water is $550, or $650 with Computer Nitrox. Private courses are $1,100, or $1,300 with Nitrox. eLearning, rental gear and your certification card are included.
What gear do I need to buy?
Rental gear is included: BCD, regulator, 3mm wetsuit, dive computer, tanks and weights. You'll need your own scuba-quality mask, fins, snorkel and boots, and students get a new student gear discount.
How old do you have to be?
18 and up, or 15 and up with parental consent. Kids 10 to 14 can take SDI Junior Open Water, taught at a smaller ratio of 1 instructor to 4 students. Call us at (386) 663-8030 to plan it.
What happens when a Junior Open Water diver turns 15?
They can upgrade to standard Open Water certification for free, as long as they can show proof they have been actively diving. Until then, junior divers must dive with a dive professional and/or a parent or legal guardian.
How big are the classes?
Semi-private Open Water classes have up to 6 students per instructor, and Junior Open Water classes up to 4, with the same instructor throughout, so you get close to private attention at no extra cost.
Is SDI certification recognized worldwide?
Yes. SDI Open Water Diver certification is recognized by dive shops, charters and resorts around the world.
Can I use a Step Up For Students scholarship or VA benefits?
Yes. We're an approved Step Up For Students Direct Pay provider and offer VA-approved programs for veterans. Contact us and we'll help you get started.
Need More Info?
Call us at (386) 663-8030, email reservations@floridadivecompany.com, or fill out the form below and we'll help you start your adventure!