Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about scuba prerequisites, swim tests, gear requirements, scheduling, and learning to dive in Gainesville's freshwater springs or Key Largo's ocean waters.
Key Policies at a Glance
Quick guidelines on requirements, equipment, and training format.
Swim & Float Test
200m continuous swim and 10-minute float required for student safety and certification.
All 4 Dives Included
Confined water training and all 4 open water checkout dives included in course fees.
Personal Gear Needed
Students provide basic mask, snorkel, boots, and fins ($185 package available).
Diving Since 1993
Learn from an instructor with over 30 years of real-world dive experience.
Common Questions & Inquiries
Browse our frequently asked questions below. If your question is not covered, feel free to call or message us directly.
I have been diving since 1993. Over the past 30+ years, I have logged thousands of dives across Florida springs, rivers, and tropical ocean reefs, certifying hundreds of recreational and professional divers as a PADI Elite and SDI Instructor.
We focus on diver safety, practical competency, relaxation, and having fun rather than an obsession with checklist perfection. We cap class sizes at 6 students max so no one is rushed, and we train in pristine 72°F freshwater springs rather than chlorine pools or murky quarries.
Yes. Students must be reasonably comfortable in the water and pass a standard swim and float test: swimming 200 meters/yards (or 300 meters with mask, snorkel, and fins) without stopping, and treading water or floating for 10 minutes. Minors must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult.
YES! All confined water skills sessions and all four open water checkout dives are fully included in course pricing. We provide tanks, air fills, weights, 5mm Pinnacle wetsuits, BCDs, regulators, and dive computers. The only additional expenses are personal gear (mask, fins, snorkel, boots, mouthpiece) and state park entrance fees ($6.00 per car).
Water naturally provides a +1 magnification underwater, which may make glasses unnecessary for some divers. Alternatively, contact lenses can safely be worn under a mask. Masks with bifocal reader lenses or corrective lenses are also readily available.
Courses are non-refundable after eLearning course registration because upfront costs are incurred immediately. However, we allow one free reschedule up to a year from your eLearning registration date when notified at least 48 hours prior to training. Operator weather cancellations are rescheduled at no additional cost.
Yes! We refresh our training equipment every 6 to 12 months. If you love the 5mm Pinnacle suit, balanced HOG regulator, or Edge BCD you train in, you can purchase it at a substantial discount with a complete verified usage log provided.
SpringAdventures offers scuba diving training in two Florida locations: Gainesville and Key Largo. Choose Gainesville for freshwater spring diving or Key Largo for ocean diving. Contact us or use our online booking system to select your preferred location and available training dates.
Still Have Questions About Learning to Dive?
We are always happy to discuss class dates, medical questions, or gear sizing. Call us directly or send a message online.
Training Locations: Gainesville & Key Largo
We offer scuba training at two Florida locations. Gainesville features freshwater diving at Fanning Springs and Manatee Springs, with optional training sites including Devil's Den and Blue Grotto. Key Largo offers ocean diving and training, with specific dive sites and meeting points confirmed during booking.
Gainesville Address - Mobile Services, Mail reciept only
Hours
Monday - Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Training Locations: Gainesville & Key Largo
We offer scuba training at two Florida locations. Gainesville features freshwater diving at Fanning Springs and Manatee Springs, with optional training sites including Devil's Den and Blue Grotto. Key Largo offers ocean diving and training, with specific dive sites and meeting points confirmed during booking.
Gainesville Address - Mobile Services, Mail reciept only
Hours
Monday - Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
