Advance your scuba skills off Tamarindo’s Pacific coast with mandatory deep and navigation dives plus three elective ‘adventure’ dives. This three-day SSI course teaches deeper planning, buoyancy refinement, and underwater navigation in a biologically rich, volcanic seascape.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The Pacific lifts and falls as you board the skiff at dawn; salt on your lips, reef-studded silhouettes sliding away beneath a copper sky. In this Advanced Open Water course around Tamarindo you move beyond basic certification — plotting deeper profiles, reading currents that dare you, and practicing navigation when visibility tightens.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3 days (approx.)
Fitness Level
Moderate to good cardiovascular health and ability to swim comfortably; expect multiple dives per day and surface swims.
Wildlife
History
Tamarindo evolved from a small fishing community into a surf and dive hub in the late 20th century, drawing marine-focused tourism to its volcanic Pacific shoreline.
Conservation
Operators in the area participate in turtle-nesting protections and emphasize reef-safe practices — avoid touching corals and use non-toxic sunscreen.
Reserve your spot on the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver Course today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring your certification card
You’ll need proof of Open Water certification to enroll and to access deeper training dives.
Hydrate and rest before dives
Deep dives increase nitrogen loading — being well-hydrated and rested helps with recovery between profiles.
Use a dive computer
A personal dive computer improves depth and time management during deep and repetitive dives compared to tables alone.
Protect from the sun between dives
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rashguard for surface intervals; operators often wait between dives on small boats.
Personal mask and snorkel
A properly fitted mask improves clarity and comfort during skills and shore entries.
Dive computer
Essential for tracking depth and no-decompression limits on deep and repetitive dives.
3mm wetsuit
Light thermal protection for Pacific waters; many operators provide suits but personal fit is better.
Logbook and certification card
Record of dives and proof of prior certification are required for course progression and certification.