Before scuba diving was invented, humans attempted to gain a closer look at underwater life by gluing Jules Verne books to their eyeglasses. Venture into sea society with today's Groupon: for $99, you get a Discover Scuba program at H2O Dive Center in North Miami Beach (a $225 value).
Instructors backed by Scuba School International show students the aquatic ropes to taming the open azure sea during Discover Scuba programs. Seafaring sessions begin with a classroom lesson before students head out to a pool, a controlled environment free of jostling waves or jousting mermaids. During the coastal coaching, instructors instill floaters with the basic skills to complete a shallow dive using all the necessary equipment. After their pool-bound instruction, students head to nearby shallow reefs (30 feet deep or less), where they can gawk with closed mouths at the elkhorn and pillar coral of Emerald Reef and the wave-riding leprechauns circling Rainbow Reef.
H2O Dive Center
H2O Dive Center—located in North Miami Beach—facilitates safe diving experiences with a staff of SSI–certified instructors, who oversee informative ocean-exploration courses and quality equipment rentals. During dips in the center's pool, professional scuba divers prep beginners for open-water dives, demonstrating properly using the equipment and techniques for luring sea turtles into pulling you ashore. Seasoned divers can further their studies during advanced diving courses or a three-part open-water certification course.