Con-Ed BOGO Promo!

For the month of April, take advantage of our BOGO con-ed class deal: buy one continuing education class, get another class of equal or lesser value for FREE. This promo includes your SSI materials, classroom and pool training. Does not include your open water checkout dives. Must sign up for both classes on the date of purchase. Offer ends April 30th.
 

Save $50 on GoPro Hero 7 Black

Save $50 on the GoPro Hero 7 Black! Originally $399. Offer ends April 27th.

April Social: Protecting Antarctica

Antarctica is a fragile and enigmatic area of the world, home to the Ross Sea, one of the healthiest and most productive marine ecosystems left on Earth. Ocean First welcomes Prof. Cassandra Brooks, an expert on marine resource management who has spent a great amount of time living in and studying the frozen continent. Through unique stories, videos, and photos, you will learn about this remote corner of the world and the international cooperation underway to help protect it. Thursday, April 25th at 6:30pm at Ocean First. 

Summer Marine Science & Swim Mini Camp

Learn about the exciting world of marine science with games and crafts, then hop in the pool for a full swim lesson every day of the week! Monday-Friday from 1-3pm. Recommended for ages 4-8. Camp runs select weeks June - August. More info. 

All Water Leads to the Sea: a Chemical Footprint Workshop

We are all about reducing our carbon footprints in the name of the environment, but what about our chemical footprint? Many common household and personal care products contain contaminants that don't get filtered out, ending up in our waterways and affecting the health of marine life. Join our hands-on workshop and learn about contaminants, the harm they can cause to humans and the environment, and how to identify them on a label. You will make your own DIY products that can affordably and effectively replace store-bought versions. Everyone will get to take their products with them along with a DIY recipe list for making more contaminant-free products at home. Thursday, May 9th at 6:30pm. $10 per person to cover the costs of materials. Space is limited. BUY TICKETS HERE

OFI Marine Science Summer Camps

Ocean First Institute is running a selection of marine science camps this July. Available for ages 9-14, each camp is run by staff scientists who will share their knowledge of the marine world while instilling a sense of wonder for the ocean through interactive learning and fun! Camps include Girls in Ocean Science, Marine Conservation, Ocean Research & Technology, and Ocean Science. 

OFI Youth Research Expedition

Ocean First Institute is offering an opportunity for students, ages 13-18, to participate in shark and sea turtle research in South Florida this summer. Students will work alongside our very own Dr. Mikki, and researchers from Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Juno Beach and Field School in Miami. This is a fantastic way to gain experience in the field to help prepare students for future study in marine science. June 27th - July 2nd, 2019

Monday/Tuesday Open Water Class

Earn your open water certification in three weeks. Classes meet on Monday and Tuesdays for three weeks from 6pm-9pm.

Upcoming Classes:

• April: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16
• May: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
• June: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
• July: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16

Weekend Open Water Class

Earn your open water certification in two weekends. Classes generally meet on the first and second Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the month. Friday from 6pm-9pm, Sat & Sun 10am-1pm.

Upcoming Classes:

• April: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14
• May: 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12
• June: 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23
• July: 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21

Semi-Private Weekend Open Water Class

Earn your open water certification in two weekends with personalized private instruction for you and your family or friends. Classes generally meet on Friday-Sunday. Fri from 6pm-9pm, Sat & Sun from 10am-1pm.

Upcoming Classes:

• Mar: 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24
• April: 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28

Accelerated Open Water Class

Complete your open water certification in one weekend! Ask about eligibility. Classes meet the last Tuesday from 6:30pm-8:30pm, Friday from 6pm-9pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9am-4pm of each month.

Upcoming Classes:

• March: 26, 29, 30, 31
• June: 25, 28, 29, 30
• July: 23, 25, 26, 27, 28

Open Water Practice Sessions

All current open water students are invited to our free open water practice sessions on select Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings, where students can work on their comfort and skills in the pool before their open water dives. Please call ahead to ensure your space. 

Upcoming Dates:

• March 24th 9am-11am
• April 13th 1-3pm
• April 28th 9-11am
• May 12th 9-11am
• June 15th 1-3pm
• June 30th 9-11am

Scuba Skills Update

Refresh your scuba knowledge before your next open water dive. This three-hour class will re-introduce you to your dive skills so you can have a safe and worry-free dive trip.

Upcoming Dates:

• Mar 13th 6pm-9pm
• Mar 23rd 9am-12pm
• Mar 24th 12pm-3pm
• April 10th 6-9pm
• April 27th 2-6pm
• May 8th 6-9pm
• May 18th: 9-12pm
• June 12th 6-9pm
• June 22th 12-3pm

Group Try Scuba Class

Get your feet wet in our exciting introductory two-hour Try Scuba class. Everything is included, just bring your bathing suit!

• March 17th 1-3pm
• April 3rd 6:30-8:30pm
• April 21st 1-3pm
• May 1st 6:30-8:30pm
• May 12th 1-3pm
• June 5th 6:30-8:30pm
• June 16th 1-3pm

Freediving Class

Learn how to safely explore the underwater world on a single breath in our Level 1 Freediving class. Class is generally held on the first three Thursdays of every month. 

Upcoming Dates:

• April: 4, 11, 21
• May: 2, 9, 16
• June: 6, 13, 20
• July: 11, 18, 25

Freediving Clinics

Our monthly freediving clinics are designed to help freedivers fine-tune their skills and learn new techniques and concepts emerging in the sport. Certified freedivers only unless otherwise specified. The drop-in cost is $20, or free for Freediving Club Members.  

Upcoming Clinics:

Scuba Rangers

Scuba Rangers is a five-session developmental scuba diving program built for kids ages 8+ that sets the foundation for scuba skills. Once your child has completed the first developmental program, they can participate in single-day Ranger Specialty programs to earn their Intermediate, Advanced, and Master Ranger certificates. Learn more.

Upcoming Program Dates: 

1. Thurs, May 9th from 6-7:30p
2. Thurs, May 16th from 6-8p
3. Wed, May 22rd from 6:30-8:30p
4. Thurs, May 30th from 6-8p
5. Thurs, June 6th from 6-8p

Aurora Reservoir, Colorado

Complete your certification dives closer to home at Aurora Reservoir, only an hour from Boulder. Summer water temperatures are generally 65-70ºF. Available July through October.

Upcoming Dates:

• June 22-23
• July 27-28

Blue Hole, New Mexico

Located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico along old Route 66, the Blue Hole is an 80ft deep natural sinkhole filled with cool, crystal clear springwater. Trips run year-round.

Upcoming Dates:

• Mar 30-31
• Apr 27-28
• May 18-19
• June 29-30
• July 20-21

Homestead Crater, Utah

Complete your dives in the geothermally heated Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah. The toasty 95ºF water makes this a truly unique dive experience. Trips run from the fall through the spring.

Upcoming Dates:

• April 6-7
• May 4-5
• June 1-2

Cozumel, Mexico

Complete your open water dives in the warm waters of Cozumel. Fly in on Saturday, have five days of diving, and return on Saturday. Open Water students who choose to complete their Open Water certification dives on this trip can apply the certification fee towards the overall trip cost. Trips run Jan/Feb and Sept/Oct. Visit our Upcoming Adventures page for more information.

Looking for something more exotic?

Ocean First Travel offers a variety of group trips to exciting international dive destinations, and are able to help plan a custom trip for all types of divers.

Enriched Air Nitrox

Nitrox allows for longer bottom time and larger safety margins. One of our most popular con-ed courses, and can be completed without pool time. Class times are from 1-4pm

Upcoming Dates:

• April 6th
• May 4th
• May 7th (6pm-9pm)
• June 1st
• July 6th

Ecology Programs

These programs offer a wealth of knowledge about different aspects of the underwater world, including how to identify fish based on physical appearance and behavior, the life-cycles of sea turtles, the unique reproductive cycle of corals, and how human behaviors impact the marine environment. Class generally runs from 6-8pm.

• March 20th - Coral Identification
• April 17th - Sea Turtle Ecology
• May 22nd - Marine Ecology
• June 19th - Shark Ecology

React Right

Learn the the basics of First Aid, CPR, AED and Oxygen administration in diving emergencies and how to properly evaluate an emergency situation. Required prerequisite for Stress & Rescue. Class runs from 5:30-9:30pm. 

Upcoming Dates:

• March 14th
• April 11th
• June 13th
• July 18th

Stress & Rescue

Learn how to avoid, recognize, and solve problems on the surface and underwater and be prepared for an unexpected emergency. Class time is from 6-9pm for three days in a row. 

Upcoming Dates:

• March 25-27th
• April 22-24th
• June 24-26th
• July 29-31st

Science of Diving

This program provides an in-depth and detailed study of physics, physiology, decompression theory, the aquatic environment and diving equipment. It is required training for most SSI Dive Professional programs.

Upcoming Dates:

• April 15-17th
• July 22-24th

Underwater Navigation

Learn how to use a compass, natural navigation skills, estimate distances, perform search patterns, and find your way back to the exit point. Class time is from 10am-12pm.

Upcoming Dates:

• April 6th
• May 4th
• June 1st
• July 6th

Wreck Diving

Wreck dives offer a glimpse into the past and a hearty history lesson. Learn how to stay safe while navigating these exciting nautical artifacts. Class time is from 10am-12pm.

• March 16th
• April 20th
• May 18th
• June 15th
• July 13th

Perfect Buoyancy

Proper buoyancy control is best mastered with proper training. The Perfect Buoyancy course will teach you how to reduce your effort and improve air consumption underwater, while preventing you from accidentally damaging the reef. Class time is from 6-9pm. 

Upcoming Dates:

• March 28th
• April 25th
• May 23rd
• June 27th
• July 25th

Deep Diving

This course will give you the knowledge, skills, and experience to safely dive to deeper depths. Class time is from 12-2pm.

Upcoming Dates:

• April 7th
• May 5th
• June 2nd
• July 7th

Night & Limited Visibility

This course will teach you about planning and conducting safe night and limited visibility dives. Class generally runs from 2-4pm

Upcoming Dates:

• April 7th
• May 5th
• June 2nd
• July 7th

Waves, Tides, and Currents

The motion of the ocean can have a big effect on your enjoyment of a dive. This course will teach you how to interact with a variety of water conditions. Individually scheduled.

Boat Diving

This course covers the knowledge you need to make your first boat diving vacation a true success, and how to prepare for diving from all sizes and types of boats. Individually scheduled.

Drysuit Diving

With a Dry Suit Diving speciality course, never fear cold water again! Learn the basics of dry suit diving in this specialty course, and ensure your comfort and safety underwater. Typically individually scheduled. 

Upcoming Dates:

Monday, April 29th 6pm-9pm

Photo and Video

This program teaches you the skills needed to dive with an underwater camera, and provides the in-depth knowledge and experience required to properly use, maintain and store your equipment. Our goal is help you capture your amazing underwater experiences. Individually scheduled. 

Equipment Techniques

Become one with your Total Diving System. In this course, you will learn about equipment selection, care and maintenance of your gear, and proper gear storage. Your equipment will thank you! Individually scheduled. 

Altitude Diving

When diving at altitudes higher than 1000’, your dive table changes. Altitude Diving teaches you how to safely plan dives at high altitudes. Individually scheduled.