Explorer

Learn to scuba dive. Become a marine scientist. Explore the world.

TIDES Explorer

TIDES (Teaching Interdisciplinary and Experiential Science) Diver is the first course in this one one-of-a-kind, multi-year program that takes students on a transformative journey into the underwater world of marine science and ocean conservation. Students will be introduced to the world of marine science completing Ocean First Education’s Ocean Literacy course and earn their open water scuba certification.

More about TIDES:

By actively engaging in the research process, students are immersed into the world of science in meaningful ways that:

  • build self-confidence and agency,

  • bolster classroom performance and engagement, and

  • foster social-emotional development and environmental stewardship.

TIDES’ immersive, placed-based learning experiences help young minds develop the lifelong skills that will serve them as the leaders, scientists, and environmentalists of tomorrow. 

TIDES was developed collaboratively between Ocean First and Ocean First Education in 2009 to connect students to the ocean, regardless of where they live. This immersive experiential program combines confidence-building scuba diving, classroom science, and fieldwork to give students an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience that increases achievement and agency while creating a deeper connection with the natural world.

As part of TIDES, students study STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and receive real-life experiences in marine research and scientific diving. These place-based learning opportunities provide a window into the careers of marine scientists, technicians, and field researchers. Students will practice critical thinking and data analysis, which together introduce them to the process of asking questions, defining problems, and carrying out investigations into real-world settings.

In the classroom, students begin by investigating the seven principles of Ocean Literacy through courses developed by Ocean First Education. These fundamental concepts will provide the backbone to understanding how we are connected to the ocean and why it’s so important. Students will then learn about coral reefs and their amazing inhabitants and start to understand the many factors that affect their health. By the time they graduate from the TIDES program, students will have a developed and refined understanding of the marine environment and be well-positioned to pursue a career in a number of related fields.

Summer Program Cost: $1,199/student

Program inclusions:

  • Snorkel Equipment Package: Dive mask, snorkel, fins, dive booties, and mesh bag

  • Open water diver certification (SSI)

  • Certification card and logbook

  • Ocean Literacy Short Course

  • Scuba gear rental

  • Personal Dive Accident Insurance for duration of training

  • TIDES T-shirt

Not included:

  • Transportation to and from the Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, NM

  • Room and board in Santa Rosa, NM

Age

12-18 yrs


Summer Explorer Program @ Ocean First Boulder, CO:

July 18th - July 26th, 2023

Classroom & Pool Sessions:

Tues, July 18th from 6pm - 9pm

Wed, July 19th from 6pm - 9pm

Thurs, July 20th from 6pm - 9pm

Sun, July 23rd from 10am - 4pm

Tues, July 25th from 6pm - 9pm

Wed, July 26th from 6pm-9pm

Open Water Dives:

Location: Blue Hole, NM

Dates: Fri. Aug 4th - Sun. Aug. 6th

Enrollment Deadline: July 3rd, 2023

Please note, this class has a minimum student enrollment of 3 students. If there are not 3 students enrolled by the enrollment deadline, the class is subject to cancellation.

Registrations after the enrollment deadline will be accepted until the first day of class.

Please note, registrations after the enrollment deadline may have a delay in receiving the snorkel equipment package in time for class sessions.


Summer Explorer Program @ Ocean First Key Largo, FL:

Dates: June 21st - June 27th, 2023

Cancelled

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What Our Grads Say

““Thank you, TIDES instructors, for teaching me how to scuba dive. I had an amazing time that I will never forget. Your job change lives, you teach people things that they might not learn anywhere else, you opened up adventure into my life. Thank you so much!” 

— Calyx K, age 13