BIG PINE KEY GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Navigate the Reef: SSI Navigation Specialty on Big Pine Key
A one-day SSI Navigation Specialty that teaches compass and natural navigation techniques and finishes with two reef dives and certification.
Navigate the Reef: SSI Navigation Specialty on Big Pine Key.
On Big Pine Key, this one-day SSI Navigation Specialty sharpens the skills that keep you oriented beneath the waves—compass work, natural navigation, distance estimation and basic navigation patterns—then puts them to use across two reef dives so you finish certified and more confident in the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Compass and Natural Navigation
The program focuses on mastering compass use alongside natural navigation techniques so you can estimate distance, leave and return to a designated point, and combine methods to improve underwater observation and safety.
Two Guided Reef Dives
The course culminates in a single boat trip carrying two dives to the reef where you apply navigation patterns in open water and complete the specialty.
Certification & Confidence
Complete the day’s training and dives to earn the SSI Navigation Specialty certification and return to future dives with clearer situational awareness and improved safety margins.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a focused, hands-on day: you’ll cover the academic foundation, practice compass drills and natural navigation techniques, then take those skills on two guided reef dives where you repeatedly apply, test and refine what you’ve learned until the navigation patterns become second nature.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who should wait.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
You are required to have and use an underwater slate and compass for the course; academic materials are provided online (typically within 24 hours of booking). The course includes one boat trip consisting of two dives to the reef.
This is a one-day specialty program that combines online academics with in-water training and a single boat trip to the reef for two dives.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Navigation course take?
The course is conducted over one day.
What navigation skills will I learn?
You will learn compass use and natural navigation techniques, how to estimate distance, leave and return to a designated point, basic navigation patterns, and how to combine techniques to enhance observation and dive safety.
How many dives are included?
The course includes one boat trip comprising two dives to the reef.
What are the prerequisites to join?
Participants must be at least 12 years old and certified as Open Water Divers.
What equipment is required for the course?
Students are required to have and use an underwater slate and compass; online academic materials are provided after booking.