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Must be a Certified Cavern Diver

TDI Intro to Cave Diver Course

Take your overhead diving skills to the next level

Designed for certified cavern divers, the TDI Intro to Cave Diver course teaches safe penetration beyond the light zone. Gain experience, precision, and confidence in overhead environments.

This course is ideal for certified cavern divers ready to move deeper into the cave environment. The TDI Intro to Cave Diver course builds on existing skills and introduces new techniques needed for safe penetration beyond the daylight zone. It’s perfect for divers looking to develop precision, control, and confidence inside overhead environments.

Phase 1: Knowledge Development
Students complete theory sessions using TDI’s eLearning or manual, focusing on guideline protocols, gas planning, communication, and problem-solving techniques. All concepts are presented clearly with instructor support at every step.

Phase 2: Cave Dives
Over two days, students complete a minimum of 4 dives in two different cave systems. Skills include line deployment, zero visibility drills, touch contact, and light failure procedures. All dives follow strict safety limits and emphasize situational awareness.

This program allows divers to train at their own pace with close instructor guidance. It’s not about speed — it’s about control, focus, and mindset.

With Florida’s famous freshwater caves as a backdrop, divers learn to handle complex environments while staying calm and in control. After successful completion, students earn the TDI Intro to Cave Diver certification and become eligible for full cave diver training.

Before the Course

  • Complete TDI Medical Statement
  • Review liability and risk forms
  • Study TDI Overhead Environments manual or eLearning

Day 1

  • Knowledge review and dive planning
  • Briefings and land drills with guideline
  • 2 cave dives focused on line handling, buoyancy, and trim

Day 2

  • Pre-dive checks and safety drills
  • 2 cave dives with stress scenarios and air sharing
  • Debrief, log dives, and written exam

Upon successful completion, students receive the TDI Intro to Cave Diver certification.

Additional training days may be scheduled, if needed by the instructor or requested by the student, for an extra fee.

Use safety reels in emergency drills

Follow guidelines with zero visibility

Control buoyancy in overhead spaces

Share air using touch contact only

  • Minimum age: 18, or 15 with parental consent
  • Certification: TDI Cavern Diver or equivalent
  • Alternatively: currently enrolled in a TDI Cavern course
  • Completed TDI Medical Statement
  • Signed liability release and assumption of risk form
  • Ability to demonstrate safe buoyancy and trim
  • Own or rent full cave diving equipment (see checklist)
How to get started in cave diving?

To begin cave diving, you first need to complete an entry-level Cavern Diver course. From there, you can continue with TDI Intro to Cave Diver and eventually progress to full Cave Diver certification.

The TDI Intro to Cave Diver course is the foundational step into real cave diving. It builds on cavern-level skills and introduces guideline handling, zero visibility drills, and overhead environment protocols.
It typically takes three progressive courses: Cavern Diver, Intro to Cave Diver, and Full Cave Diver. Some students take all three in a row, but most choose to complete them separately. You may decide to stop after one or two courses—or continue through the full path. Your pace depends on your experience, comfort, and readiness.
To enter cave environments beyond the daylight zone, you need at least the TDI Intro to Cave Diver certification. It qualifies you to dive with a single continuous guideline, limited depth, and controlled penetration. If you’re looking for more freedom and access to complex cave systems, completing the Full Cave Diver course removes those limits and opens the full cave environment.
Cave diving requires focus, calm under pressure, and precise control. With proper training and the right mindset, most divers find it challenging but deeply rewarding.
This course is conducted in natural freshwater cave systems, with at least two different sites. All locations meet TDI safety and environmental standards. We offer training both in Florida and in Mexico, depending on your preferences and schedule.
Students learn to deploy guidelines, follow lines in zero visibility, share air in low-light conditions, and handle light failures and lost diver scenarios—while maintaining perfect buoyancy and control.
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This Course Includes:

  • All entrance fees and taxes
  • Certified multilingual cave instructor
  • Theory sessions and 4 guided cave dives
  • Full rental set of cave diving equipment
  • TDI Intro to Cave Diver certification
  • Snacks and bottled water between dives
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected areas)
  • Use of eLearning or printed manual

Not Included:

  • Tips for instructor and driver
  • Medical/dive insurance (optional)
  • Hotel pickup outside standard zone
  • Accommodation and meals outside dive time
  • Photo or video package (available on request)