RAMROD KEY SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Boat Diving at Ramrod Key: Master Offshore Reefs and Pelagics (Ages 10+, Half Day)
A half‑day SSI Boat Diving specialty run by Looe Key Reef Resort that teaches boat skills, opens access to offshore reefs and pelagic encounters, and readies certified divers to dive from a variety of boats.
Boat Diving at Ramrod Key: Master Offshore Reefs and Pelagics (Ages 10+, Half Day).
The ocean beyond the shallows around Ramrod Key opens into reef walls and offshore pinnacles that attract schooling pelagics and larger marine visitors—sites often reachable only by boat. The SSI Boat Diving Specialty at Looe Key Reef Resort uses online academics and in‑water sessions to teach the boat skills and etiquette that let certified divers access those remote reefs with confidence and safety.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Access Remote Offshore Reefs
Boat diving opens a corridor to offshore reef habitat—sites that attract schooling pelagics and marine megafauna you won't find close to shore. The program emphasizes how boat access expands your day of diving beyond crowded shore dives.
SSI Boat Diving Specialty
Complete the online academics and two open‑water dives to earn the SSI Boat Diving Specialty certification, equipping you to dive safely from small craft and liveaboards.
Learn Seamanship and Boat Etiquette
The course covers procedures and etiquette for efficient, safe boat dives—skills that make multi‑dive days and sunset cruises smoother for you and your crew.
What the day feels like
What the Course Feels Like
After completing the online academics before arrival, the day moves briskly: a briefing on boat etiquette and procedures followed by two open‑water dives on the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary reef. The focus is practical—boardings, entries and exits from different craft, surface procedures, and buddy management—so you leave able to dive from a boat with confidence.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a half‑day specialty course that combines prior online academics with two in‑water dives.
Complete the required online academics before arrival so in‑water time is spent on boat skills and dives.
Bring documentation showing you hold an Open Water Diver (or comparable) certification and any personal dive paperwork required by the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Boat Diving course?
The program is a half‑day course combining prior online academics with two open‑water dives.
What are the age and certification prerequisites?
Participants must be at least 10 years old and hold an Open Water Diver (or comparable) certification from a recognized training agency.
Do I need to complete anything before arrival?
Yes—complete the online academics before you arrive so you can focus on in‑water boat skills and dives.
How many open‑water dives are included?
The course includes two open‑water dives at the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary reef as part of the specialty.
Can I book this course for a group larger than four?
Class sizes are generally limited to four students; for bookings of more than four people, contact the resort at [email protected] or call (305) 872‑2215 to discuss options.
What types of boats will I learn to dive from?
The specialty covers diving from different types of boats including small personal craft and liveaboards to prepare you for varied boat diving environments.