Book early to secure a spot. There are only 26 spots available per trip. A deposit of $100 is need to reserve your spot.

Student Divers -$525 for Student Checkout Dive. This includes instructor fees and 3-days of diving. Three dives at Vortex Springs on Friday and 2 dives per day in Panama City on Saturday & Sunday. Dive sites are subject to change depending on weather. 

Certified Divers – $385 for 3-days of diving, Vortex Springs on Friday and Panama City on Saturday & Sunday, or $315 for 2-days of diving in Panama City on Saturday & Sunday.

Night dives may be available on weekend trips for $145! Call us to see when a night dive will be available.

Nitrox is also available for $28 per tank!

Deposit and final payment must be made in CASH or CHECK.

We will make one snorkel dive (unless already certified), two scuba dives in the freshwater springs and four dives in the Gulf of Mexico making for a total of seven dives. Although the minimum is only five dives, we feel the additional dives give our students valuable additional experience as well as accommodate for sick days and/or unexpected events during the trip. You can think of the spring as a intermediate between the pool and the ocean, since it’s like a freshwater pool with fish and rocks! Then, on Saturday, you’ll be ready for the transition to the ocean aboard one of the Panama City Dive Center Vessels. After demonstrating proficiency in the required skills, you’ll be able to demonstrate independence as a buddy team on Sunday as you execute and plan your dives with your instructor.

You are responsible for trying on, reserving, picking up, paying for, keeping track of, cleaning, and returning all equipment needed, including 3 tanks from Underwater Adventures. That is part of a certified diver’s responsibilities! Please also make sure you bring enough weights for the trip, since we don’t carry many extra with us. You can pick up your rental equipment and tanks at Underwater Adventures during business hours Wednesday or Thursday the week of your trip. If you have special circumstances and need to make special arrangements for gear and transportation, please let us know ahead of time.

We offer a full gear weekend rental package for students at $130 each. This includes BCD, regulator, and wet suit. Computers are optional, but definitely encouraged! Student divers should only use scuba equipment from Underwater Adventures unless you have used the gear during your Openwater class and it was determined to fit well and be fully functional.

All divers must have their own mask, snorkel, fins, boots, logbook, dive tables, dive watch or computer, weights, BCD with power inflator, regulator, 3 tanks (or more, depending on certification), and wet suit. Accessories to make your trip more enjoyable include: sea sickness meds (better to have than find out the hard way!), sunscreen, towels, mask defogger, and a dive light. Water is available at the springs and boat, but it’s a good idea to bring snacks and Powerade! We like to have fun and sometimes we even throw BBQs after a good day of diving too!

After completing the required dives, your instructor will work with the group to review and debrief while you complete your logbooks. We will order your certification card and it is usually available the following week at the store. We can also fill out a temporary certification card if you think you may need it before you get your permanent card. All gear is due back at Underwater Adventures by Tuesday the following week.

Please check the calendar for current trip schedules.

The following is a general timeline of events. They are subject to change, therefore please verify with Underwater Adventures prior to trip!

Friday – Vortex Springs

9:00   AM: Instructors and upper level students arrive at the springs and begin preparations.
10:00 AM: Students should arrive by this time and sign into the dive shop, receiving a bracelet. Join the group for briefings and begin diving
2:00   PM: Conclude first day of diving, debrief, lunch, and travel to Panama City to check into hotels and drop of tanks for fills.

Saturday and Sunday – Panama City Beach

6:00   AM: Sign in at Panama City Dive Center, and pick up tanks (if instruct to).
                   After  signing the roster at Panama City Dive Center, drive less than a mile to the boat dock (next to Captain Anderson’s)
6:30   AM: The dive boat leaves the dock, DO NOT BE LATE. The boat will leave without you.
12:00 PM: Diving concludes for the day.
5:00   PM: Boat leaves for the night dive (if one has been scheduled) 

From Baton Rouge to Vortex Springs

From Baton Rouge to Panama City Dive Center

From Vortex to Panama City Dive Center

The dive shop, Panama City Dive Center, is located on the beach at the intersection of Front Beach Rd and Thomas Drive. To get to the boat from the dive shop, follow Thomas Drive approximately 1 mile north. Take the first right after the bridge (@ Capt. Anderson’s restaurant) and then turn right into the big parking lot. The boats are located at the far right corner of the marina.