Maybe it’s the reef. Maybe it’s the wildlife. Or maybe it’s feeling weightless underwater. But let’s be honest here—it’s more than that. Getting certified isn’t just strapping on a tank and jumping in. It’s learning how to breathe. It’s about awareness. Control. Respect. Knowing your limits. As every dive demands you to own your breathing, hone your trim, and respect buoyancy. You’re free, yet responsible; exhilarated, yet deliberate. Leave only bubbles. Touch nothing. Move thoughtfully. The reefs, the wrecks, the creatures — they reward the diver who shows up prepared and present. If you’re gonna do it, do it right. Look no further than Sail Fish Scuba in Key Largo, Florida. Small class sizes. Personalized attention. And the finest PADI instruction you’ll find anywhere.
Curious? Stick around—there’s more to read below.
Start by exploring scuba diving principles and terminology, either through in-person classes or online learning. Next, practice essential scuba skills in a pool or similar controlled environment under the guidance of a certified PADI Instructor. Once you’re confident, complete four open water dives—whether in the ocean or a confined lagoon—while your instructor supports and guides you throughout the experience!

Ready to start your scuba diving adventure in Key Largo?
The first step in your PADI Open Water Diver certification is learning the fundamental scuba diving principles and concepts. At Sail Fish Scuba, your trusted Key Largo scuba diving shop, we make it easy and convenient with PADI eLearning. Complete the knowledge development portion of your course online at your own pace—anytime, anywhere.
Whether you’re using a computer or mobile device, online or offline, our flexible eLearning format fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle. You’ll study essential topics like dive safety, scuba equipment, underwater communication, and the science behind diving.
Plus, your experienced PADI Instructor is just a message or call away to offer expert support and answer your questions.
Finish your knowledge development before you arrive in Key Largo, Florida, so you can focus on enjoying your open water dives in some of the best dive spots in the Florida Keys.

Build Confidence with Pool Training Before Your Open Water Dives
As part of your PADI Open Water Diver certification course with Sail Fish Scuba, you’ll participate in a series of practice sessions—known as “mini dives”—designed to build confidence and help you master essential scuba skills.
These confined water training sessions are a key part of earning your Open Water Diver certification, giving you the chance to get comfortable with your gear and practice essential skills in a safe, controlled setting before heading out to the reef.
With the pool sessions completed, you’ll move on to complete your Open Water Diver certification checkout dives in Key Largo at some of the best scuba diving locations in the Florida Keys.

Complete Your Open Water Dives in Key Largo and Earn Your Lifetime Certification!
In the final step of your PADI Open Water Diver course with Sail Fish Scuba in Key Largo, you’ll complete four open water dives guided by your expert instructor. These exciting Key Largo scuba diving experiences give you the chance to apply all the skills you’ve learned in a real underwater environment.
During your Key Largo open water dives, you’ll practice essential techniques such as buoyancy control, mask clearing, and underwater navigation—building your comfort and confidence beneath the waves while exploring some of the best Florida Keys dive sites.
Successfully complete all four dives, and you’ll earn your official PADI Open Water Diver certification, unlocking access to dive sites around the world and countless underwater adventures.
Start your scuba diving adventure in Key Largo today with Sail Fish Scuba, your premier Key Largo scuba diving shop and 5-star PADI dive center!

1. Prerequisites
Able to swim
Medically fit for diving
Complete the required paperwork
2. Health
Good physical health
3. Time
PADI eLearning: approximately 12-15 hours
Course Duration: 2 days
4. Depth
Expect shallow dives (12m/40ft), the maximum allowed depth is 18m/60ft
5. Age
10 years or older
(Please note: All scuba diving courses for individuals under the age of 18 require parental approval.)

The PADI Open Water Diver course itself spans 2 days, with each day following the same schedule: morning pool sessions to practice skills in a safe environment, followed by two open water checkout dives in the afternoon to apply those skills in real diving conditions.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn essential diving techniques, safely manage your equipment and buoyancy, gain confidence underwater, and enjoy exploring the underwater world!
Be sure to check out our Policies page!
To ensure safety, all PADI Open Water Diver students must be comfortable in the water, able to stay afloat in depths too deep to stand, and able to avoid putting themselves or others at risk during pool training and open water sessions.
During the water skills assessment, each student must successfully demonstrate the ability to:
"I recently had the pleasure of completing my Open Water Diver certification with Sail Fish Scuba and I cannot say enough great things about this dive shop. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with genuine warmth by the owners, Tarek and Michaela. Their passion for diving, commitment to safety, and warm hospitality made this an unforgettable experience.
My instructor Tarek was absolutely fantastic. His experience, patience, and ability to explain skills clearly made the learning process smooth and stress-free. He took the time to ensure that I was comfortable and confident in every aspect of the training, never rushing me and always offering encouragement. His calm and reassuring presence made a huge difference, especially as a new diver getting used to the open water environment. It was clear that safety was the top priority, and thanks to his excellent instruction, I now feel fully prepared and excited for future dives.
A special thank you to Michaela who helped me select the perfect gear for my dives. She took the time to explain the different options available, ensuring that I found equipment that fit comfortably and suited my needs.
One of the things that truly sets Sail Fish Scuba apart is their small-group approach. Unlike larger operations that feel crowded or rushed, they prioritize personal attention, which is very helpful in my learning experience. Our certification dives took place at some of Key Largo’s most stunning reefs, teeming with marine life. I was lucky enough to see colorful fishes and even a sea turtle.
Beyond the dives, what truly made this experience exceptional was Tarek and Michaela treating me like a part of their driving family. From answering all my questions with patience to making sure I felt comfortable every step of the way, they genuinely care about their divers. A special touch was their underwater photos—a fantastic keepsake to remember my certification journey!
If you’re looking to get certified or just want an amazing dive experience in Key Largo, Sail Fish Scuba is the place to go. With their expert instruction and warm hospitality, they create an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait to come back for more dives in the future!"
Review by Sha L.


The Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire is designed to help assess your overall health and identify any medical conditions that could affect your ability to dive safely. The Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire is required for all recreational scuba diving and freediving courses.
1. If you respond with a “yes” to statements 3, 5 or 10 on page 1 of the Diver Medical form, you must obtain written clearance to dive from a physician as a prerequisite to in-water activities.
2. A “yes” response to statements 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9 on page 1 of the Diver Medical form requires you to respond to statements on page 2. A “yes” response to any statements on page 2 requires written clearance to dive from your physician as a prerequisite to in-water activities.
3. There can be no restrictions or conditions noted by your physician (for example, depth limits, water temperature restrictions, etc.)
4. Medical clearance from a physician is valid for one year.
Scuba diving, freediving, and snorkeling are physically strenuous activities that require participants to be in good overall physical and mental health. If you have any concerns about your health or fitness to dive, we strongly recommend consulting with a physician prior to your participation. As a certified diver, it is your responsibility to maintain and refresh your knowledge and skills through regular practice and ongoing education.
Please reach us at info@sailfishscuba.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Once you've earned your PADI Open Water Diver certification, you unlock a passport to the underwater world, opening access to reefs and wrecks up to 60 feet worldwide. You can book dive excursions with boats or resorts, rent scuba gear and tanks, get air fills, and connect with fellow ocean lovers!
The PADI Open Water Diver course is divided into three parts: learning dive theory through eLearning, practicing core skills in the pool during confined water sessions, and finally, completing four open water dives where everything comes together.
A Special Mention about eLearning
The eLearning usually takes approximately 12–15 hours to complete, depending on the student. We do recommend to start your eLearning coursework sooner rather than later, so you can complete this required component at your own pace and fully enjoy it. Please note: If you arrive at the shop on your course start date without completing the eLearning, we will not be able to start your course.
The PADI Open Water course itself spans 2 days, with each day following the same schedule: morning pool sessions to practice skills in a safe environment, followed by two open water dives in the afternoon to apply those skills in real diving conditions.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn essential diving techniques, safely manage your equipment and buoyancy, gain confidence underwater, and enjoy exploring the underwater world!
To meet PADI certification requirements, all Open Water students must successfully demonstrate the ability to:
Your scuba diving certification lasts a lifetime! That said, it’s important to dive regularly to keep your skills sharp and your knowledge up to date. Try to avoid going longer than six months without diving. If it’s been a while since your last dive, consider taking the PADI Reactivate Scuba Refresher course to regain your confidence and refresh your skills before you jump back in.
Once you sign up for the PADI eLearning course, you’ll be asked to complete several waivers. You will also be required to complete the Diver Medical Form known as the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire which may require your medical doctor’s signed approval before diving. In addition to the PADI paperwork/waivers, you’ll also fill out our own Smartwaiver online to complete all the necessary paperwork.
We have the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire available on our website, so you can review it before signing up for the course. You can find a PDF of the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire at the bottom of our Sail Fish Scuba Policy Page. As part of your eLearning, you will also be prompted to complete the questionnaire during the registration process.
The safest way to address any medical issues or prescription concerns is by consulting your personal physician to ensure your safety. All students participating in a course must complete the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire. If you answer “yes” to any question that requires medical evaluation, a licensed physician or medical doctor must provide signed clearance on the medical form before you can participate in the course.
The only item not included in the course price is your personal gear, which we define as your mask, fins, and snorkel. While it isn’t required to purchase your personal gear from us, you're welcome to bring your own or take advantage of our great dive gear packages. As a student, you’ll receive a special discount on our high-quality equipment from Cressi, a trusted name in scuba diving gear known for its comfort, performance, and Italian craftsmanship. Cressi gear is designed by divers, for divers, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced underwater explorers!
Absolutely! You can always bring your list of completed skills from your other PADI instructor (known as the PADI Open Water Referral form) and we can take over your training with the open water checkout dives. If you finished only a part of your pool training, we can still finish the required remaining skills in the pool and then head out on the boat to get your open water dives completed.
PADI courses/programs are performance-based. Certification signifies that the student demonstrated mastery of all course knowledge and skill performance requirements. PADI defines mastery during confined and open water dives as performing the skill so it meets the stated performance requirements in a reasonably comfortable, fluid, repeatable manner as would be expected of a diver at that certification level. While many students complete their certification with ease, others may need additional time or practice depending on their individual comfort level, learning style, readiness, or overall understanding of the skills. At Sail Fish Scuba, we’re committed to providing the personalized support and extra training needed to help every student succeed and feel confident in the water.
Key Largo sits on the edge of the third-largest barrier reef on the planet—behind only Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the Mesoamerican system in Central America. It’s also the only living coral reef in the continental U.S., which makes it one of the best training grounds anywhere. Most of the dive sites in Key Largo are shallow, calm, and full of marine life—ideal conditions for learning to dive. Instead of doing your checkout dives in a cold, murky lake wrapped in a 7mm wetsuit, you’ll be training in Key Largo’s clear water with comfortable conditions and abundant marine life.
Our courses are kept small to ensure personalized attention and safety. We maintain a maximum 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio, meaning no more than four students per PADI Instructor.
If the weather isn’t suitable for your open water checkout dives in the ocean, we’ll arrange training dives in a protected, confined lagoon instead. This way, you can complete your certification safely and comfortably, regardless of the conditions.
Now that you’re a certified PADI Open Water Diver, the underwater world is truly open to you. The natural next step is enrolling in the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course.
Different organizations have varying guidelines for surface intervals before flying, but PADI currently recommends waiting at least 12 hours after a single dive and 18 hours after multiple dives over multiple days. For example, if your last dive ends at 7 p.m., a flight the next day at 1 p.m. meets the 18-hour guideline. Many divers choose to wait 24 hours to be extra safe and allow time to relax.
To ensure safety, we always follow proper surface intervals and safe diving procedures on our trips.
Warm waters make Key Largo inviting any time of year for scuba diving and snorkeling. Ocean temperatures peak in August and are coolest in January.
Although daily water temperatures and conditions can vary, the figures below represent Key Largo’s typical ocean averages.
January–February (the coldest months):
Water temps average 70–75°F. Folks typically wear full 3mm-5mm wetsuits.
March–April (transition to warmer waters):
Around 75–77°F. Divers are typically wearing full 3mm wetsuits or at least a shorty wetsuit.
Guests from colder climates often find the water warm enough to dive without a full wetsuit or shorty wetsuit.
May–June (early summer warm-up):
With water around 80°F, a rash guard or shorty wetsuit is usually all you’ll need.
July–August (peak summer temperatures):
A warm 85°F+ . We love this time of year! These months typically offer pretty consistently great visibility, calm waters, and amazing marine life. Most people are not diving with a full wetsuit or shorty wetsuit.
September–October (cooler waters):
Still 80–85°F. Most divers are comfortable without wetsuits, though some start using at least shorty wetsuits toward the end of October.
November–December (transition to winter season) :
Water cools to around 79°F, and many divers switch back to full wetsuits. It is also a good idea, too, to pack yourself a jacket or sweater on the boat ride back to to the docks!
We generally recommend wearing a wetsuit from November-April, as water temperatures can feel cool. Because our activities take place in the open ocean, it’s also possible to encounter jellyfish from time to time. Their presence is seasonal and unpredictable, so it is a good idea to have a rash guard or wetsuit/shorty for extra protection.
Sail Fish Scuba offers a wide range of rental wetsuits and we have long-sleeve rash guards available. Did we mention the rental of wetsuits is FREE?
In accordance with training agency safety standards, no student may have a camera during training dives.
PADI now issues certifications digitally. You can view your certification by downloading the PADI app and accessing your e-card. If you’d like a physical plastic card, it is available for an additional fee.
We understand that each student learns at their own pace, and our instructors are committed to providing a supportive and thorough training environment. While skill mastery is important, it's also essential to manage time effectively to ensure a productive training experience for all participants. Our goal is to provide focused, efficient instruction—extended training time is available if needed, but it must be scheduled in advance and will incur an additional fee of $100 per student.
If you’re looking for an experienced PADI instructor to teach and guide you on a safe—and unforgettable—underwater adventure, we’re your Key Largo dive shop. At Sail Fish Scuba, you’ll learn in small classes with a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio while earning your PADI Open Water Diver certification in Key Largo and exploring some of the best Florida Keys dive sites, from vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life to historic shipwrecks.
Best of all, you can sign up for your Open Water Diver certification in Key Largo any time of year—we’re open 365 days, so the ocean is always ready for your next adventure.

sailfishscuba.com
103100 Overseas Highway #33 Key Largo, FL 33037