The Florida Keys, the island chain that extends from the southernmost tip of Florida, contain dozens of locations for Scuba diving or snorkeling. Among the sites that divers can visit in the Keys are coral reefs or one of 500 sunken ships. There are opportunities for both novice and expert divers in the waters surrounding Key West.
Select a date for your trip. Although diving can be scheduled for any time of the year, temperatures are warmest in the summer, specifically during late July and August. The Keys have an average air temperature of about 90 degrees in August.
Select and book a location for your trip.The Keys have dozens of dive providers, which are split among the four regions of the Keys: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and the Lower Keys. Dive depths range from about 20 feet, which is suitable for beginners, to about 100 feet, which is for advanced divers.
Take a diving certification course, if you've not already done so. These courses, which are offered by several providers in the Key area, usually take three to five days and cover depths of up to 60 feet. The courses cost about $200, and sometimes more.
Pass the certification test to become a open water diver. This test requires a knowledge-based exam and a completion of several dives. When you pass the course, you'll be able to book dives or rent boats from most underwater operations.
