Optional Courses

In addition to the Outdoor Adventure Education Leadership Training and Advanced Sailing curriculum, Echo students seeking that extra challenge may select from optional courses in scuba diving.  Diving services are provided by Sail Caribbean Divers, our own year-round 5-Star IDC Dive Center on Tortola, and trusted dive partners in the Leeward Islands.

Discover Scuba

Available on Echo ($90 additional fee)

It's a whole new world underwater and we can introduce you to the natural wonders of the deep with a Discover Scuba dive. We'll get you accustomed to the equipment and the new sensations in the underwater environment. Then we focus on the sights around you. There are colorful pinnacles and coral reefs, sea fans, tropical fish, sea turtles and rays. You might even be inspired to get certified in the future. DSD on Echo includes basic instruction, and one supervised open water dive.  Learn more about Discover Scuba

Recreational Diving

For certified divers on Echo ($90 additional fee)

Ever imagine diving on a Coral Garden or drifting through a Rainbow Canyon?  Certified divers on Echo can enjoy four recreational dives in the BVI and in Saba. You must bring proof of certification from a recognized agency, such as PADI, NAUI, YMCA, NASDS. Learn more about diving

Open Water Diver

Offered only on Echo OW

Become a certified diver with the most widely recognized rating in the world. 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 receive a PADI textbook and other materials at home before your program begins, so you can get a head start. You'll earn your Open Water certification during the first two days of the Echo OW program, arriving before the regular 21-day program begins.  Once certified, you'll enjoy recreational diving during the program.  Learn more about the Open Water certification

Marine Biology and Basic Keelboat

Everyone will participate in Marine Biology Seminars and the Basic Keelboat course as part of standard curriculum. Learn more about the Basic Keelboat certification and Marine Biology

Academic Credit

Participants choosing to receive a transcript of their four semester credits in Adventure Education from Prescott College must submit the $150/credit payment to Sail Caribbean, prior to the program start.  Sail Caribbean will forward the payment to Prescott College with the requisite student assessment forms after the program is successfully completed.  Note this transcripting cost is in addition to the Sail Caribbean program tuition. Learn more about Academic Credit