Discover Scuba Diving
No certification, no experience needed. IDC's Discover Scuba program takes you from first breath underwater in the pool to two real coral reef dives — all in a single day.
About this Course
None
Discover Scuba is a one-day introduction to scuba diving — no certification required, no prior experience needed. By the end of the day you'll have completed a pool session with an instructor and two shallow coral reef dives in the Florida Keys.
What's Included
Everything. All scuba gear, mask, fins, snorkel, the morning pool session, and both afternoon reef dives — taxes included. Bring a swimsuit and a towel. That's it.
Thinking About Getting Certified?
Discover Scuba is not a certification, but it counts. If you decide you want to continue — and most people do — the time and cost of your Discover Scuba course applies directly toward the PADI Open Water certification, reducing what's left to complete.
After purchase, we'll send a confirmation email with instructions for scheduling your session.
How the Course Works
The morning starts at IDC's on-site pool, where your instructor walks you through the basics: how to breathe underwater, how to use the equipment, and the fundamental skills you'll need before heading offshore. Most students are comfortable in the water within the first hour.
After a lunch break, you'll return to the dive shop to check in for the afternoon boat trip. The rest of the day is spent on the reef — two dive locations, your instructor in the water with you the entire time.
Course Schedule
- 7:30 a.m. – Paperwork and Instructor meet & greet in the shop
- 8:00 a.m. – Head to the ON-SITE pool for pool session
- 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. – break for lunch
- 12:00 p.m. – Check in at dive shop for afternoon boat dives
- 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Two location dive trip with instructor
What's Covered
What's Next
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be certified to try scuba diving?
A: No. Discover Scuba is built for people who have never breathed underwater and hold no certification. You spend the morning in IDC’s on-site pool with an instructor, then head out for two real reef dives that same afternoon. One day, start to finish. If you can swim and you’re in good health, you can do this.
Q: How much does Discover Scuba Diving cost in Islamorada?
A: It starts at $250 per person when two or more book together, or $275 for a single diver. That price covers everything — all scuba gear, mask, fins, snorkel, the pool session, both afternoon reef dives, and taxes. Bring a swimsuit and a towel. Nothing else.
Q: How old do you have to be to do Discover Scuba?
A: The minimum age is 10. Kids and adults dive the same program, with a PADI instructor in the water the whole time. Two shallow reef dives, close supervision, and no prior experience needed.
Q: Does Discover Scuba count toward getting certified?
A: It does. Discover Scuba is not a certification on its own, but if you decide to continue — and most people do — the time and cost roll directly into your PADI Open Water certification. Think of it as day one of a course you have not committed to yet.
Q: What does a Discover Scuba day actually look like?
A: You check in at 7:30 a.m. for paperwork and meet your instructor, then start the pool session at 8. Most students are breathing easy underwater within the first hour. After a lunch break, you’re back at the shop by noon and on the boat until about 4 p.m. for two dives on the Islamorada reef.
Book Your Course Online
Morning and afternoon charters run year-round from Three Waters Marina. Whether you're booking a charter, a course, or just have questions — we're here.