How to become an advanced diver?
Explore New Depths on your Underwater Adventure
Already taken your first steps as a certified diver and ready to take your experience to the next level? Advanced Open Water Diver is your gateway to new adventures, exciting challenges and greater confidence underwater.
- You will have access to more dive sites, including those with deeper or technical conditions.
- You will learn to navigate better, control your buoyancy and move more efficiently.
- You will be able to choose specialties that match your interests: photography, night diving, marine life identification, etc.
- You are one step closer to becoming a Rescue Diver or even a dive professional.
- It is also ideal for those who wish to travel and dive in exotic destinations where more advanced skills are required.
- You will be able to dive with more security and confidence.
- Expand your knowledge and technique.
- You will access deeper and more challenging dive sites.
- It is a fundamental step for more advanced courses such as Rescue Diver or specialties.
The course consists of five adventure dives, each focused on a particular skill or specialty. It is not necessary to have a minimum number of dives prior to the course (beyond the ones you did in Open Water), although it is recommended to have some comfort underwater.
And 3 are chosen by you, depending on your interests and local conditions. Some popular options include:
- Night diving
- Peak performance buoyancy
- Digital underwater photography
- Current diving
- Fish identification
- Boat diving
Of the five dives, 2 are mandatory:
- Deep Diver
Underwater Navigation
Although you can rent equipment at the dive center, it is recommended that you have the following:
- Mask, snorkel and fins (fitted to you)
- Dive computer or depth gauge
- Compass (for navigation)
- Flashlight (for night diving)
- Underwater board and slate (optional but useful)
- BCD, regulator and wetsuit suitable for the environment.
Take your passion for scuba diving to the next level
FAQ's about the Advanced Open Water Diver Course
How long does the Advanced Open Water Diver course last?
Normally between 2 and 3 days, depending on your pace, sea conditions and weather. In places like Costa Rica, it is often done in a weekend.
Is it mandatory to take the course right after the Open Water?
No, you can do it whenever you feel ready, but the sooner you do it, the more you will consolidate what you have learned.
Can I do the advanced course right after the basic course "Open Water"?
Yes, in fact, many divers take the Advanced Open Water course immediately after the Open Water. It is an excellent way to reinforce what they have learned and continue to gain experience under professional supervision.
How many dives in total and what type of dives are required?
Five adventure dives are required; two are mandatory (deep and navigation), and three are free choice. There are no formal theory exams, only knowledge reviews and practices.
Can I choose adventure dives?
Yes, in addition to the two mandatory ones (deep and navigation), you can choose three more according to your interests and local conditions.
What if I can't complete all five dives in one visit?
You can complete the remaining dives at another PADI center at a later date. Just be sure to keep track of your previous dives.
Is the course valid internationally?
Yes, like all PADI courses, your certification is valid anywhere in the world.
Take your diving to the next level!
Are you ready to discover new specialties, go deeper and feel more comfortable in the water?
Discover what it really means to dive with freedom, depth and purpose to continue exploring the incredible underwater world of Costa Rica.