Take your scuba diving skills to the next level with our PADI or PSS Advanced Open Water Course
Experience new challenges and adventures in the underwater world!
PADI/PSS Advanced Open Water Course
If you’re a certified Open Water Diver looking to take your scuba diving skills and experience to the next level, the PADI/PSS Advanced Open Water Course is the perfect choice. Our course is designed to introduce you to new challenges and adventures in the underwater world, and to help you become a more confident and skilled diver.
During the course, you’ll complete five adventure dives, including a deep dive and a navigation dive, and three additional adventure dives of your choice. The course is flexible, allowing you to customize your adventure dives based on your interests and goals.
At the end of the course, you’ll be a certified Advanced Open Water Diver, which allows you to dive up to 100 feet/30 meters deep anywhere in the world.
What is included in the PADI/PSS Advanced Open Water Course?
- Worldwide scuba diving license (PADI or PSS)
- Professional PADI/PSS Instructor
- 5 Adventure Dives at nearby divesites
- PADI or PSS learning material
- Complete rental equipment
- First aid equipment & Emergency Oxygen
- Maximum of 4 students per Instructor
- Snacks and Drinks on all boat dives
- Fotos/Videos (additional cost)
What skills will you learn during the PADI/PSS Advanced Open Water Course?
This course consists of two sections:
In the knowledge development part you will learn more details about the concepts of scuba diving. You will also learn about the specific implications that arise for your chosen adventure dives, such as deep diving knowledge or underwater search techniques. Your instructor will make sure you understand all the concepts to prepare you for the final exam.
The second section consists of five Adventure Open Water training dives at nearby divesites in the Machalilla National Park. On these dives you will put into practice what you’ve learned in the knowledge section. A deep dive and navigation dive are mandatory. Furthermore, you can choose which other three adventure dives you want to complete.
Adventure Dives Options
Deep Adventure Dive
This dive will teach you how to plan and execute dives down to a depth of 100 feet (30 meters). You’ll learn about deep diving considerations, including managing gas supply and dealing with nitrogen narcosis.
After this dive you will be able to plan and dive safely to depths of 100 feet/30 meters.
Underwater Navigation
This dive will teach you how to use a compass and natural navigation techniques to find your way underwater. You’ll learn how to use visual landmarks for navigation, handling of a compass and how to navigate in straight lines, squares and in and out.
This dive will improve your confidence and navigation skills in sites you have not dived before.
Peak Performance Buoyancy Adventure Dive (PPB)
This dive will teach you one of the most important diving skills: Buoyancy. Your instructor will show you how to control your buoyancy and achieve neutral buoyancy, which is essential for conserving energy and avoiding damage to the environment. You’ll learn how to use weight distribution, breathing, and fin techniques to achieve perfect buoyancy.
Night Diver
This dive will teach you how to dive safely and comfortably at night, and how to use specialized equipment such as dive lights. You’ll learn about the unique marine life that comes out at night and how to safely navigate in the dark.
You will be amazed at how different the same divesite can be at night. Some animals are only active during night time which makes for an unforgettable experience.
Search and Recovery
This dive will teach you how to search for and recover objects underwater, using specialized equipment such as lift bags. You’ll learn how to plan and execute a search pattern, and how to safely lift and transport objects to the surface.
After this dive you will be able to efficiently recover lost items and help others in need.
Dive Against Debris (Project AWARE)
You’ll learn how to identify and remove debris from the underwater environment, and how to record and report your findings to contribute to global efforts to address the issue. You’ll also learn how to prevent debris from entering the marine environment in the first place, through responsible waste management practices and community education initiatives.
This dive is a unique opportunity to combine your passion for scuba diving with your commitment to protect the environment.
Enriched Air Nitrox Adventure Dive
Enriched air, also called Nitrox, is air that contains a higher percentage of oxygen than standard compressed air. During this dive, you’ll learn how to analyze and use enriched air nitrox, and how it can benefit your diving by allowing longer dive times and shorter surface intervals.
You’ll learn about the different oxygen content levels used in enriched air nitrox, and how to plan and execute dives using this gas blend. You’ll also learn about the potential risks and limitations of diving with enriched air nitrox, and how to manage these risks effectively.
What is the schedule for the PADI/PSS Advanced Open Water Course?
The schedule for our PADI/PSS Advanced Open Water Course is flexible to allow adjustments for personal needs and timeframes.
A exemplary schedule could look like this:
Day 1 – Classroom session to cover dive theory and equipment setup for the adventure dives.
Day 2 & 3 – Five adventure dives, including a deep dive and a navigation dive, and three additional adventure dives of your choice.
At the end of the course, you’ll have expanded your scuba diving skills and knowledge, and be a more confident and experienced diver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for the Advanced Open Water Course?
- Must be a certified Open Water Diver or equivalent
- Must be at least 12 years old
- Good physical health and fitness
What dive organization to you certify with?
Our instructors are PADI and PSS certified instructors. You can freely decide in which organization you want your certification. If in doubt, feel free to contact us.
What makes Isla de la Plata the best dive site in mainland Ecuador?
Short answer: Giant Manta Rays. Recent research estimates the area around Isla de la Plata to be the home to the largest manta ray population in the world.
We can also find a variety of schools of fish, green and hawksbill turtles, lobsters, octopus, seahorses, eagle rays, coral reefs, hard and soft coral.
Occasionally if we are very lucky we can also observe species such as tropical whales, dolphins, whale sharks, mola mola, sea lions, orcas, and sharks.
Additionally, the different types of underwater topography makes each dive site on Isla de la Plata unique.
Do you have a first-aid-kit and trained first-aid personnel?
Yes! Our boats have first-aid-kits on board in case of any emergency. All of our crew members is trained to offer immediate first-aid assistance during emergencies.
Do you have Emergency Oxygen available on your boat?
Yes! Your safety and comfort is very important to us. We always carry Emergency Oxygen on our boat dives and our staff is trained in the use of Emergency Oxygen.
What languages do you speak?
We provide service in both, Spanish and English.
Can I leave my luggage at the office after checkin-out from my hotel?
Sure! You can leave your luggage in the office. Please contact us to arrange this.
Do I have to make my reservation in advance?
We strongly recommend to make your reservation in advance as the regulations of the Machalilla National Park restrict the maximum number of passengers per tour.
How can I make my reservation?
You can make your reservation through our contact form, by E-Mail, phone, WhatsApp, or visiting us in our office.
I have a dietary restriction. Can you accomodate for this?
Sure! In any case of dietary restrictions or allergies we will provide you with a personalized menu. Please mention your dietary restriction in your reservation!
What is your payment and cancellation policy?
In case of early reservations: 50% has to be deposited one month before the tour. The remaining 50% are due, 15 days before the tour.
In case of last minute offers (less than 15 days): 100% payment necessary at time of booking to reserve your spot.
Cancellations:
If you cancel 15 days before your first tour, we refund 100% of your payment (minus possible bank charges).
If you cancel between 14 days and 48 hours before your first tour, we refund 50% of your payment (minus possible bank charges).
For cancellations less than 48 hours before your first tour we cannot make any refund.
Do you provide discounts?
If you book multiple tours with us or book for a large group you can get in contact with us to check if you are eligible for a discount.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cash payments, bank transfer and credit card payments.
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