Optional Courses

In addition to the intensive Marine Biology curriculum, Sierra Tropical Marine Science for Divers students choose from these scuba diving options (to either get certified for the first time or pursue an advanced certification.)  Diving services are provided by Sail Caribbean Divers, a  PADI Five Star Instructor Development Dive Center, PADI highest dive center rating. Using our own trusted professionals ensures we get the most out of whichever dive site we visit.

Open Water Diver

Become a certified diver with the most widely recognized rating in the world at our marine biology camps.  The PADI Open Water (OW) certification requires 25 to 30 hours of class instruction, work in shallow water, exams, and open-water dives. You'll complete the PADI Open Water online portion at home and receive other materials before your program begins, so you can complete the required knowledge prior to arrival. You'll complete your PADI Open Water certification during the first 3 days and then apply your skills on marine research dives (as well as some recreational dives) during the rest of the program.  Learn more about the Open Water certification

Advanced Open Water Diver

Certified divers choose this option to take your diving to the next level!  The PADI Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification requires five certification dives (two core dives and 3 speciality dives) and limited bookwork. After obtaining your certification during the first 3 days of the program, you'll be qualified to dive to deeper depths, obtain dive specialities as you participate in marine research dives and additional recreational dives. Learn more about the Advanced Open Water certification

Dive Specialties

While the focus is on marine research diving, students may also be able to earn dive specialty certifications. There are many specialties available with Sail Caribbean, however particular specialties offered will depend on the diving schedule. Here are some examples of the specialties that are available:

National Geographic Diver is available to beginning divers in conjunction with the Open Water certification, and to certified divers as a specialty. It consists of 1 or 2 dives that focus on buoyancy control, fish identification, navigation, and an exploration project (a sketch, graph, photo-essay or video).

Peak Performance Buoyancy is a two-dive specialty focusing strictly on improving buoyancy and decreasing air consumption, resulting in better control and more enjoyment of the underwater environment.

RMS Rhone Diver - For certified divers 15 years or older, the "RMS Rhone Diver Specialty", a PADI Distinctive Specialty, is exclusively available at Sail Caribbean. Taking part in this unique certification will educate you on the history and tragic events that surround the RMS Rhone, sunk in 1867 and recently voted #1 wreck dive in the Caribbean by Sport Diver Magazine.  Learn more about Dive Specialties

Academic Credit

The Sierra program is an exciting hands-on course focusing on tropical marine science, service-learning and leadership. Course topics include: Ecological Principles, Marine Survey Techniques, Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Geology of the British Virgin Islands. Students are required to complete an in-depth research project and presentation. Upon completing the course, you'll receive a comprehensive evaluation of your academic performance by your course instructors. Those students wishing to receive academic credit at their school for their achievements on the Sierra program must have a faculty sponsor at their school review and approve our curriculum. Students seeking academic credit will receive a course description to provide to your academic advisor or science teacher. He or she must approve the Sierra Tropical Marine Science for Divers course and determine how much credit you will receive. Sail Caribbean cannot guarantee that you will receive credit from your school but will assist you as necessary to obtain credit.   Learn more about Academic Credit on Sail Caribbean