First Coast Divers

2777 University Blvd. West Jacksonville, Florida 32217

Hours

Open Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Closed Sunday

Cost

We can only list some things with many class options and rental equipment. Instead, here's a sample of what you can expect at First Coast Divers:

Snorkel gear rental from $20
Tank services from $25 - $220
Standard one-weekend Learn to Dive: $529
Private classes (1-4 people): from $1799

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

(904) 737-0050

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About

Florida's beaches and ecosystems are breathtaking and a nature lover's playground. But have you thought about exploring the hidden reefs and natural springs? Now you can with First Coast Divers, ranked as one of the top Jacksonville Beach attractions.

Dan Mechelke opened the dive shop in 2007, and it has grown to become Jacksonville's only 5-star PADI facility offering lessons, dives, certification, and rental gear. Dan has partnered with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) to offer only the best regarding scuba diving.

At First Coast Divers, Dan brings his enthusiasm for the sport and zeal to meet new people to the forefront of all he does. While he admits you may find better price deals, you won't find another dive shop that matches their service and quality gear.

While you'd picture a dive shop near the beach, First Coast Divers is closer to downtown Jacksonville. Such convenience allows for trips to other landmarks, like visiting the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens after a dive lesson or grabbing drinks to celebrate getting certified at Restaurant Orsay.

When you're ready to explore the area's reefs and springs, First Coast Divers will get you in the water safely and with expertise.

First Coast Divers: Fun Facts & Cool Features

If you've ever dreamed of diving, Coast Divers is your go-to to get your open-water certification. They offer various classes to fit any schedule, including a ladies-only session.

The Standard course is done on a weekend and has a faster-paced format for those eager to get underwater. Plan on Thursday evening for a classroom, Friday evening for a pool session, and all day Saturday at Devil's Den Springs for your open water check-out. Sunday is a half-day at Rainbow River Springs.

The Private course is ideal for families and groups wanting a one-on-one instructional experience. With flexible scheduling, you can tailor your course to suit your needs. You'll get access to the PADI eLearning site to complete the required pre-class home study. Also included is the scuba gear for your open water check-out dive at Devil's Den Springs and Rainbow River Springs.

I you're PADI certified and it's been years since you've been in the water, investigate the Refresher course. Once you complete the pre-class eLearning course, you'll meet on Thursday evening for a class. On Friday evening, you'll have a pool session and a dive at Devil's Den Springs on Saturday morning.

As mentioned, planning a visit to another nearby landmark is easy. Before your evening class, explore the MOSH (Museum of Science and History) or meet your diving buddies at Culhane's Irish Pub to chat about the marine life you encountered at the springs.

First Coast Divers offers rentals for snorkeling and dives. Rest assured you're getting safe, modern equipment, not hand-me-downs or overly used gear.

When you're ready to take the plunge into discovering Florida's underwater world, visit First Coast Divers. Whether getting certified or renting gear, you'll discover why they are a top Jacksonville Beach attraction.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to First Coast Divers from Jacksonville:

Head south on N Main St toward E Union St.
Merge onto FL-10 E/Atlantic Blvd via the ramp to the Beaches.
Follow Atlantic Blvd and turn right onto San Pablo Rd S.
Turn left onto Beach Blvd/FL-212.
Continue on Beach Blvd, then turn right on Penman Rd S.
Turn left onto Beach Plaza Dr.
Address: 1234 Beach Plaza Dr, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Local Tips

You must have a SCUBA mask, fins, snorkel, lead weight, surface marker buoy (SMB), and gear bag for the classes.
If you lack this necessary gear, First Coast Divers offers rentals.
Bring your underwater camera for unique photo opportunities.
Ask about the buddy discount for the Standard OWC course.

Location

2777 University Blvd. West Jacksonville, Florida 32217

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a recommended one-day itinerary in Jacksonville Beaches?

Start the day off along 3rd St. at Jax Beach Brunch Haus for everything from basic breakfast favorites to hearty brunch options and tasty brunch-tails that go way beyond mere mimosas. From JBBH it’s a short hop over to the Jacksonville Beach Golf Course for those looking to spend a day on the greens.

On the north side of 3rd St., step into Maple Street Biscuit Co. for coffee and their self-proclaimed biscuits that wow. After breakfast, walk to Jacksonville Beach’s extended pier. Enjoy a stroll out over the Atlantic Ocean, or watch anglers casting their fishing lines. This is a great way to enjoy fishing in the area, especially if you don’t have enough time to go out on a boat. If surfing is more your style, be sure to hit the waves. Atlantic Beach to the north is more apt for novice surfers, while swells near the Jacksonville Beach Pier can be more challenging as this is the area’s high-tide break.

For lunch, savor the region’s fresh seafood as restaurants in Jacksonville and across the First Coast proudly serve fresh Mayport shrimp. Take in the view at Dockside Seafood restaurant to satisfy your shrimp cravings. Or, try Palm Valley Fish Camp in Ponte Vedra south of Jacksonville Beach after visiting the famed TPC Sawgrass golf course.

Many people who visit Jacksonville Beach are simply asking, where can I go to relax? Consider Neptune Beach to the north, a less crowded beach with calmer waves and plenty of space to spread out. A stroll through Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is also a calm way to spend the day. If visiting downtown Jacksonville, the Riverwalk along St. John’s River provides ample walking space and benches to relax on while enjoying the view.

Wrap up the evening in Jacksonville Beach with the warm and elegant setting of Eleven South. This award-winning restaurant provides an exquisite fine dining experience to top off your day. For more casual fare, stop by TacoLu for fresh baja tacos and tequila with the essence of Florida.

Why is Jacksonville known as the First Coast?

People often refer to this part of northern Florida hugging the Atlantic Ocean as the “First Coast” (sometimes called the “Historic Coast”). Today, the First Coast moniker has come to represent it as the first coast in Florida that tourists visit when traveling southbound along the Atlantic seaboard. The name initially represented this area as the first part of Florida colonized by Europeans in the 16th century. Both the French and the Spanish settled into this part of northern Florida on lands of the Mocama and the Timucua. Further down the coast, St. Augustine was Florida’s first European settlement.

What are the biggest main events around Jacksonville Beach?

Jacksonville Beach welcomes visitors throughout the year to enjoy its wonderful weather and prime events. Each March, The Players Championship attracts golf aficionados from across the globe to our beckoning beaches.TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra has been home to The Players Championship of the PGA Tour since 1982.

If pigskin is more your style, Jacksonville is home to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, so it’s easy to catch a game in season. Another highlight, though up in the sky over Jacksonville’s Naval Air Station, is the NAS Jax Air Show. Birthplace of the Blue Angels, the NAS Jax Air Show generally takes place mid-October each year (check the event site for upcoming dates and program changes).

Back on land, or rather in the waves, the Super Girl Surf Pro also hits Jacksonville Beach in the fall. Held at the Jacksonville Beach Pier, this is the world’s largest women’s surf, lifestyle, and music festival.

When your vacation plans include an adventure to Jacksonville Beach, you can be certain there’ll be plenty to see and do!