Enroll in diving classes. Use the Internet and navigate to the Florida Keys official tourism website, which features a list of SCUBA dive schools in the Keys, or ask the hotel's concierge for dive school recommendations. Most diving excursions require divers to be certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructor, PADI. Start obtaining the certification online through the PADI website. Certification requires passing written tests and underwater diving tests, which can take as little as three to four days or as much as six weeks to complete, depending on the dive school.
Purchase a snorkel, SCUBA mask and fins. A wet suit is optional. Bring this equipment to the Keys, or rent these items along with other necessary dive gear from a dive shop in the Keys.
Locate SCUBA diving tour companies in and around the Keys. Hotel staff, travel agencies and tourism companies used for booking the trip can assist in finding dive tour companies. Many diving companies offer several pre-planned tours from which to choose, or divers can charter a boat to specific dive locations. Ask for specifics on the excursion, such as the depths reached, especially if divers are inexperienced outside of dive school.
