Stay informed and plan your dive trip to the Palm Beaches this year with our 2023 Dive Policy Updates.
It’s no secret that drift diving in the Palm Beaches boasts some of the best diving in the world. You can swim alongside hulking Goliath grouper, weave through sprawling wreck treks, and drift over beautiful reefs spotted with sleeping turtles and bright purple barrel sponges.
Drift diving also comes with its own unique set of challenges and thrills.
We always strive to be industry leaders laying the groundwork for positive change. This year, we are implementing some new policies to help ensure the quality and safety of your experience. We want you to have the best dives possible, feel safe underwater, and continue to grow as a scuba diver.
2023 DIVE POLICY UPDATES
ADVANCED AND NITROX CERTS REQUIRED FOR DIVES DEEPER THAN 60FT
As of January 1, 2023, an Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) certification and Enriched Air (Nitrox) certification are required for dives deeper than 60 ft. This includes diving on our deep dive charters, which visit reefs and wrecks at 70-90 ft.
Drift diving is a wonderful thrill. On deep charters, you can encounter wildlife like Goliath grouper and different species of sharks. But there are more considerations to take into account on a deep drift dive.
For example, it’s recommended to do a negative entry and practice thorough navigation on wreck dives in the Palm Beaches. Also, the best way to maximize your dive time on deeper sites is with Nitrox. These skills can be learned and fine-tuned during your Advanced Open Water and Nitrox courses.
If you have similar qualifying certifications or experience, like a Deep Diver certification, we’ll review them on a case-by-case basis. Reach out to our Reservations team with any questions or concerns at reservations@puravidadivers.com or call 561-840-8750.
GET BACK INTO DIVING
Has it been a while since your last dive? Put your best fin forward as you get back into scuba diving! Brush up on your dive knowledge or in-water skills with a PVD pro by your side.
If it’s been 1 year or more since your last dive, or if you want the peace of mind of diving alongside a professional, hire a Private Dive Guide to accompany you. Private Dive Guides may be booked for Blue Heron Bridge or boat dives.
2+ YEARS SINCE YOUR LAST DIVE? START BACK WITH A REFRESHER
Has it been more than 2 years since your last dive? Or do you simply want a little practice and guidance before drift diving? If so, you’ll need to kick off your 2023 dive trip in the Palm Beaches by starting back with a Refresher.
The Refresher can take place at the Blue Heron Bridge or a local pool. Our team of instructors and guides will tell you there’s no better way to start diving in the Palm Beaches than with a dive at the Blue Heron Bridge.
After the skill review, you will use the guided dive portion of the Refresher to explore the Blue Heron Bridge. Check out the amazing marine life that lives there, like seahorses, octopuses, yellow stingrays, and more.
During the Refresher, a PVD pro will be by your side as you double-check your gear and figure out how much weight you need before you hop on a charter. You can also chat with an experienced dive pro to learn more about drift diving and the offshore environment to expect in the Palm Beaches.
5+ YEARS SINCE YOUR LAST DIVE? START BACK WITH REACTIVATE
Haven’t been diving in the last 5 years? You must be excited to get back underwater! Before diving in, it’s very important to make sure you are prepared with the knowledge and skills to go drift diving. If you haven’t been diving in 5 or more years, you’ll need to start back with a ReActivate course in 2023.
The ReActivate course ensures you are ready to get back into diving. Just complete the online eLearning before you arrive. Then, you will meet with a PVD Pro to go over gear setup, review how to handle common problems, and practice scuba skills. Once the skill review is complete, you may be able to explore Blue Heron Bridge during a guided dive portion of the course.
If you are a PADI certified diver, you will receive a new ReActivate certification card after the class.
If you already have a visit booked to Pura Vida Divers and any of the above policies apply to you, don’t worry. Our reservations team will be in touch soon to answer any questions you may have.
DIVE THE PALM BEACHES
Drift diving is one of the most fun, rewarding, and exhilarating ways to dive. But it can be daunting if you’ve never done it before or aren’t prepared. That’s why we’re making these 2023 Dive Policy Updates. We want you to be prepared before giant-striding in so your dives are more enjoyable and stress-free.
In the Palm Beaches, you can drift along shallow 50-60 ft reefs or explore deeper reefs and wrecks at 70-90 ft. Read more about our dive sites here.
DRIFT DIVER SPECIALTY
Learn how to master currents in the PADI Drift Diver Specialty. Work under the guidance of an instructor before diving on your own. Use the current to move efficiently around underwater structures.
Click here to learn more about becoming a PADI Drift Diver.
DSMB DIVER
While drift diving in the Palm Beaches, every single diver needs an SMB, DSMB, or lift bag. Let boaters know there’s a diver in the water before you surface.
Take the DSMB Diver Specialty to learn how to use yours since every surface marker is different.
PVD Pro Tip: Renting gear? An SMB is included with your BCD rental.
Drift diving is one of the most fun, rewarding, and exhilarating ways to dive. But it can be daunting if you’ve never done it before or aren’t prepared.
That’s why we’re making these 2023 Dive Policy Updates. We want you to be prepared before giant-striding in so your dives are more enjoyable and stress-free.
Let’s go diving! Sign up for a dive charter, Refresher, or ReActivate course. Reserve your spot online. Contact us at reservations@puravidadivers.com or call 561-840-8750 for more information.
