Scuba Diving F.A.Q.

Where will we be diving?

We have over 25 different dive sites, no more than 30 minutes from our dock, which include both natural reefs and artificial reefs (shipwrecks). Most dives occur along limestone "ledges" which are home to sponges, hard and soft corals, and an abundance of fish life. The current varies from day to day so typically we like to asess the conditions once we are out in the ocean and determine our dive site based on that information.

What type of dive will we do?

All of our dives are "drift" dives. We dive in a group and drift along the reef with the current. The divemaster/instructor will have a large marker buoy that they will carry which let's the boat easily monitor the position of the divers. As the divers drift, the boat follows the buoy, and once the dive is finished the boat will be there to pick us up. We never anchor the boat to dive, we use the current to our advantage.

What do you think we'll see on the dive?

It is hard to predict what marine life we'll see on any dive however, we do see a large number of sea turtles (mostly Loggerheads and Hawksbills) and Goliath Groupers on most of the wrecks. There are many different types of schooling and tropical fish we see as well including: Grunts, Porkfish, Jacks, Sargeant Majors, Creole Wrasses, Parrotfish, and Angelfish just to name a few. Nurse Sharks are common during the winter months although we see them occasionally year round. On very special occasions we see more elusive creatures such as Sailfish & Whale Sharks. We have even seen Humpback whales! The bottom line is that you have the chance to see just about anything on any given day. Of course you do have to go diving to see them.

Do I need a buddy?

We always need a buddy but, you don't need to bring one with you. We have instructors and divemasters in the water on every dive and we invite you to buddy up with them. If you need that little extra bit of attention, you can hire a personal divemaster for the modest fee of $50.

Is NITROX available?

Yes. We can fill your NITROX tank or you can rent one of ours. You will find a large percentage of the divers on our boat are NITROX certified and although it is not mandatory to use it, NITROX will allow you to extend your bottom time and shorten your surface interval.

What kind of boat will we be diving on?

Our boat, the Loggerhead III, is a commercial dive boat that was custom built for us. It is certified by the US Coast Guard for 40 passengers but we take a maximum of 20 divers plus crew. We don't want to overcrowd the boat.

Is there a shower on the boat?

Yes, there is a fresh water shower on the boat. There is also a fresh water rinse bin at our dock for your equipment. Plus, our facility is equipped with hot showers and changing rooms.

When is check-in time?

Since the boat is located at the Riviera Beach Marina and there is plenty of free parking, we ask that you check-in no later than 30 minutes prior to the departure time. You must present a valid certification card in order to dive with us. Lost your card? We can usually verify your certification pretty easily but it makes the process alot easier if you provide us with your information ahead of time. If you arrive extra early for the dive, we have areas at the facility where you can relax until you check-in.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

You can rent everything from masks to NITROX tanks to dive computers; forgot your swimsuit, they're available in our store! Rental equipment is charged by the day, not by the trip. We have Scubapro regulators and BCs and all of our regulators are equipped with Scubapro NITROX computers. We also have a well stocked Pro Shop with anything you need available for purchase.

Do most visitors rent a car?

Yes. The West Palm Beach area doesn't have the most extensive public transportation system and cab fares will probably be more expensive than a rental car but there's always Uber too.

Scuba Instruction F.A.Q.

How much does it cost?

The Group class is $395 and meets 2 nights a week for 3 weeks from 7-9 pm. Our Executive Class is $495 and can be completed in a week or less or, at your convenience.

What type of certification will I receive?

There are four major training agencies that issue scuba certifications, National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Scuba Diving International (SDI) and Scuba Schools International (SSI). All of these certifications are recognized worldwide. One is not better or worse than any other. The certification that you receive here at The Scuba Club will be dependent on which instructor teaches the class and which training agency he is affiliated with. Again, any certification you receive here at The Scuba Club will be good wherever your travels may take you.

What equipment do I have to purchase?

None. Our Open Water class includes the use of all scuba equipment. The latest in mask, fins and snorkels are available to rent at a flat rate for the duration of the course and open water dives. Any money spent on rental can be applied towards the purchase of your own mask, fins and snorkel. We believe that it's better to use different types of equipment in the water before you make the decision to purchase. You can really discover what is best for you. Everything in our Pro Shop is available for you to try before you buy. Can any other store make that claim?

Where do we do the Open Water dives?

The Open Water training dives depart from the Riviera Beach Marina on our own USCG certified boat. They are conducted in the ocean at several dive sites ranging in depth from 30'-60'.

Why should I learn at The Scuba Club as opposed to the other guys?

• Staff: The instructors at The Scuba Club love what they do and it shows. Our crew has over 100 years of combined teaching experience!  We're extremely proud of them. Check them out yourself, why don't you meet Our Team.