Optional Courses
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Many students are happy with Foxtrot's regular curriculum and activities. (Note our Foxtrot summer community service programs have busy service curriculums and thus limited time for regular watersports activities.) For those students seeking that extra challenge, Foxtrot programs offer the option to pursue several diving options. Certain optional courses have limited enrollment and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Scuba Options
Non-divers can fully participate in Foxtrot's service activities with mask, snorkel and fins, but you can take your adventure a little deeper by selecting our Discover Scuba course or by earning your Open Water Diver certification on one of our Foxtrot OW programs. While snorkelers perform reef check-ups in shallow waters, certified divers will do the same for the deeper portions of the reef. Since a complete picture of the reef's health is important, our Foxtrot programs strive for a balance of divers and non-divers. Therefore, the Open Water certification options (Foxtrot OW) have limited enrollment.
Discover Scuba
Offered on Foxtrot 1, 2 & 3
($75 additional)
Want to dip your toe into the world of scuba diving without plunging into a full certification program? Our Discover Scuba course is the perfect place to take your first underwater breaths. You'll learn diving safely and slowly as our expert staff demonstrates safety essentials and equipment use. Once you're comfortable with the basics, you'll start in waist-deep water off the beach, and then glide gradually into 20-30 feet of crystal-clear tropical water. You'll then enjoy your first open water dives, supervised by our expert dive instructors. This course includes basic instruction, and a supervised open water dive. Learn more about Discover Scuba
Open Water Diver
Offered only on Foxtrot OW programs
(Foxtrot OW tuition includes dive education)
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 complete the PADI Open Water online portion at home before your program begins through PADI's e-learning course. This way you'll complete the required knowledge prior to arrival so you can have a quick review and jump right in at the program start. You can then apply your skills to marine research diving and earn select specialty certifications during the remainder of your program. Learn more about the Open Water certification
Advanced Open Water Diver
Offered on Foxtrot OW programs (& regular Foxtrot if already certified)
(Foxtrot OW tuition includes diving education. $75 additional on Foxtrot 1, 2, 3)
Open Water Divers can go to the next level to earn their Advanced Open Water (AOW) Diver certification during the Foxtrot programs. During the course you will complete interesting and informative knowledge reviews along with navigation, night and deep dives, plus two other dives of your choice in assorted specialty areas for a total of five dives. Learn more about the Advanced Open Water certification
Recreational Diving
Offered on all Foxtrot programs for certified divers
($75 additional on Foxtrot 1, 2, 3. Foxtrot OW tuition includes recreational diving)
Ever imagine diving on a Coral Garden or drifting through a Rainbow Canyon? In addition to the marine research diving you'll be doing as part of Foxtrot's community service activities, certified divers will have a chance to visit one or two of the BVI's beautiful sites on recreational dives. You must bring proof of certification from a recognized agency, such as PADI, NAUI, YMCA, NASDS. Learn more about diving
Dive Specialties
Offered on all Foxtrot programs for certified divers
In addition to the marine research diving as part of Foxtrot's regular community service activities, certified divers may also be able to earn a dive specialty certification. The particular specialties offered will depend on the diving schedule. Here are some examples of the specialties that may be available:
National Geographic Diver - It 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 - This two-dive specialty focuses strictly on techniques for improving buoyancy and decreasing air consumption resulting in better underwater control and more enjoyment of diving environment.
Underwater Naturalist - During two dives, you'll explore and identify a variety of marine life, including vertebrates, invertebrates, and plant life.