BIG PINE KEY GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Lead the Next Dive: Six Days to Confident Dive Guiding in Big Pine Key
A 6-day Dive Guide program that trains certified divers to plan and lead dives, teaching briefings, site evaluation and hands-on leadership skills.
Lead the Next Dive: Six Days to Confident Dive Guiding in Big Pine Key.
The Dive Guide program on Big Pine Key is the first professional step for divers who want to move from skilled participant to on-site leader. Over an intensive curriculum you will learn how to evaluate sites, deliver clear dive briefings and lead certified divers across varied conditions—preparing you for paid guiding roles or further professional training toward Divemaster.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands-on leadership training
The course focuses on practical leadership: giving dive briefings, conducting site evaluations and actually leading dives so you gain the confidence and experience needed to guide certified divers.
A direct route to professional work
Completing the Dive Guide program positions you to begin work as a professional dive guide or to continue training toward Divemaster qualifications.
Flexible scheduling to fit training needs
Training is typically delivered over three weekends but can also be run as six consecutive days, allowing candidates to choose the rhythm that best fits their schedules.
What the day feels like
What the training feels like
Expect a mix of academic preparation and repeated practical sessions where you brief groups, assess conditions and lead dives under instructor supervision. The flow is disciplined and focused: online academics and a course introduction set expectations, followed by in-person verification and progressive in-water leadership practice.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits—and who should prepare first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The course totals six days of training and is typically delivered over three weekends but can be run as six consecutive days.
After booking you will receive online academic materials and a course introduction letter; bring documentation of CPR/First Aid, specialty certifications and proof of logged dives for verification.
Prepare to demonstrate swim and water‑skills (tread water for 15 minutes, swim 400 yards without stopping); logged dives will be checked on the first in‑person day.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Dive Guide program take?
The program totals six days and is typically taught over three weekends but may be run as six consecutive days.
What age do I need to be to enroll?
You must be at least 15 years old to participate.
What prerequisites are required before the course?
Prerequisites include the ability to tread water for 15 minutes, swim 400 yards without stopping (without mask, fins, snorkel), current CPR and First Aid certification (within two years), certifications in Deep; Diver Stress & Rescue; Navigation; and Night & Limited Visibility specialties, plus the required logged dives.
When and how will I receive course materials?
Once booked you will receive online academic materials and a course introduction letter that outlines the schedule and expectations.
How is my logged‑dive experience verified?
Logged dives will be verified on the first day of the in‑person portion of the course.
Can I complete the course in a single block instead of weekends?
Yes — the course may be conducted over six consecutive days if desired instead of the typical three‑weekend schedule.