Business Details
48 Years
experience
Scuba Diving Adventures in Tavernier, FL
Captain Slate's SCUBA Adventures has been a trusted leader in scuba diving instruction and exploration since 1978. Our team of industry-recognized professionals, including Hall of Fame inductee Captain Spencer Slate, delivers unparalleled training and dive experiences across Florida's most renowned underwater sites. With a fleet of custom-designed dive vessels and a commitment to small-class instruction, we prioritize safety, expertise, and personalized service. Our state-licensed facility offers PADI, NAUI, SDI, and SEI certifications, from beginner courses to professional instructor training. Over four decades of operation have solidified our reputation for technical excellence and customer-centric service.We maintain rigorous safety standards while providing access to 30+ reef and wreck dive locations daily. Our instructors' combined 130 years of experience ensure every participant receives expert guidance tailored to their skill level. From recreational dives to career-focused training, we combine operational excellence with a passion for underwater exploration. Our facility's strategic location in Tavernier, Florida - the dive capital of the world - enables immediate ocean access for all programs. We guarantee comprehensive support, including equipment rental, accommodation partnerships, and career placement assistance for instructor graduates.
Services
Open Water Diver Course
Advanced Open Water Course
Enriched Air Nitrox Certification
Specialty Diver Programs
Instructor Training
Underwater Weddings
Boat Dive Charter
Hotel Bookings
Equipment Rental
Group Dive Packages
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- Over 130 years of combined instructor training experience
- Daily 2-tank dives to 30+ reef/wreck locations
- Certified by NAUI, SDI, and SEI training organizations
- State-licensed facility operating since 1978
- Custom-designed 40' dive vessels with safety features
Associations and certifications
- NAUI
- SDI
- SEI
- Florida Department of Education
Services
Open Water Diver Course
Our Open Water Diver Course provides comprehensive training for first-time divers. Through classroom instruction, pool sessions, and four open water dives over two days, students master essential scuba skills. The program includes equipment rental, course materials, and certification fees, preparing graduates for safe independent diving.
Instructor Training
The Instructor Training Program develops professional scuba instructors through 10 days of intensive coursework. Combining classroom teaching, pool demonstrations, and ocean dives, the curriculum covers NAUI, SDI, and SEI certification standards. Graduates receive career placement assistance and access to exclusive dive industry opportunities through our extensive network.
2-tank Dive Trips
Daily 2-tank dive excursions explore Florida's premier reef and wreck sites. Each trip includes equipment transport, weights, and access to 30+ locations. Our 40' dive vessels feature safety ladders, tank racks, and onboard showers, accommodating up to 24 divers per trip with personalized dive master support.
Underwater Weddings
We specialize in unique underwater wedding ceremonies performed by Captain Slate. Non-diving guests observe through our glass-bottom boat while couples exchange vows at designated dive sites. The package includes officiant services, photography coordination, and surface support, creating memorable experiences for both participants and spectators.
Hotel Partnerships
Our curated hotel partnerships offer convenient lodging options for dive guests. From budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts, we coordinate bookings at properties within 9 miles of our dive center. Partners provide special rates for diving guests, with select locations offering direct transportation to our facility.
People
Captain Spencer Slate
Owner/Instructor
Diving Hall of Fame inductee with 45+ years in scuba instruction. Recipient of DEMA Reaching Out Award. Specializes in advanced wreck diving techniques and instructor development. Leads training programs at the facility he founded in 1978.
Captain Skip Dawson
Senior Instructor
Certified NAUI/SDI master instructor with 30+ years experience. Focuses on professional development courses and technical diving instruction. Assists in curriculum design and instructor candidate evaluations at the training facility.
Frazier Nivens
Lead Dive Master
Specializes in open water diver instruction and boat operations. 25-year veteran of the program with expertise in local reef ecosystems. Trains students in environmental conservation practices during dive excursions.
Questions
What scuba certification levels do you offer?
We provide PADI, NAUI, SDI, and SEI certifications from beginner Open Water Diver to professional instructor levels, including specialty courses in wreck and technical diving.
Are equipment rentals included in dive packages?
Yes, all necessary scuba gear including tanks and weights are included in our dive packages. We maintain modern equipment for rent including wetsuits, regulators, and dive computers.
How many dive sites do you visit regularly?
Our boats access 30+ different reef and wreck locations throughout the Florida Keys, with daily trips to varied sites based on weather and diver experience levels.
Can non-divers participate in underwater weddings?
Yes, our glass-bottom boat accommodates non-diving wedding guests. Captain Slate performs traditional ceremonies on land or underwater ceremonies for certified divers with surface observation options.
Do you offer group discounts for dive trips?
Yes, we provide discounted rates for groups of 6 or more divers. Group packages include coordinated boat charters, equipment rentals, and accommodation arrangements at partner hotels.
What's included in the instructor training program?
The 10-day program includes classroom instruction, pool training, ocean dives, course materials, national certification fees, and career placement assistance for graduates.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Jonathan Sanchez
Oct 20, 2021
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Probably the worst scuba diving team. Not knowledgeable at all. And are super rude to the customers, for the high price definitely not worth a penny!
Robb Withrow
Sep 15, 2021
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Capt slate was a awesome dive of I had Facebook I would give him100 I have twin boys that are 11 he called them the mullet boys him and his crew was awesome they gave is a good time real down to earth people I would tell everybody do the creacher fecher dive good times everyone should do this dive good people and good times
Jon B.
Sep 06, 2021
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Love diving the creature feature. It's awesome. Took my boy and brother to do the dive they also loved it. Captain Slate and his crew are great and ensure a great dive.
Hal G.
Jun 28, 2021
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The crew was extremely friendly, interactive, and engaged. Each diver was checked prior to going into the water, and if adjustments were necessary, the crew assisted or made the adjustments themselves. As there was a current, a crew member was in the water to assist if necessary - overall, I was extremely pleased and recommend them.
Denzel Rigaud
Jun 23, 2021
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They have fantastic people working there. The long drive was totaled wroth it because you get to see so much cool stuff on the way there. Their rule was fun and straightforward with no time wasted, and its easy to get along and have some fun. They will bring you to beautiful blue water, where theres lots of ocean life, and its right next to a good spot to eat when your finish.
Benjamin Foster
May 26, 2021
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Wicked cool people %100 recommend. I'm as new as you can get to diving for going to the ocean. When I asked questions they got answered if I messed up I was helped out. A real family environment and I'm happy I met these people. Do yourself a favor and book your dive.
Sabrina Delarosa
May 15, 2021
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Hannah, Sunshine, & Patrick were an amazing crew! We were not experienced swimmers & felt very safe, & comfortable with them. During our snorkeling trip we saw a hammerhead shark, nurse shark, & stingray! 10/10 experience.
