SSI OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
Get your SSI Open Water Diver certification!

The SSI Open Water Diver course is perfect for beginners who want to get certified and explore the excitement of scuba diving.
- 3-part course: Knowledge development, confined water dives, and open water dives at Catalina Islands.
- 4 open water dives at Catalina Islands, where you’ll practice and gain confidence in real conditions.
- Course duration: Typically 3 days, with expert bilingual instructors
- Certification recognized worldwide upon successful completion
SPECIAL OFFERS
with your Open Water Diver course
Perfect buoyancy specialty:
Add it to your Open Water Diver course for only $90!
Open Water Diver + Advancer Diver combo
Get both courses for $980!
Everything you need to know about the SSI Open Water Diver course
Ready to get certified with SSI Open Water Diver in Tamarindo? Our course includes everything you need: eLearning, top-quality gear, bilingual instructors, transportation, and snacks. Let’s dive in and start your adventure today!
The SSI Open Water Diver course is designed to take you step-by-step through the learning process, with each day building on your skills and knowledge.
Day 1- Knowledge development & confined water dive:
On the first day, you’ll start with knowledge development, where you’ll learn the basic principles, safety procedures, and terminology essential for diving. Then, you’ll move into the confined water dives, where you’ll practice your skills in a controlled environment, like a pool or calm water.
Day 2 – Two open water dives:
On day 2, you’ll take your skills to the open water. You’ll dive in real-world conditions at Catalina Islands, practicing everything you’ve learned so far. This will help you gain more confidence and experience in open water.
Day 3 – Two open water dives & certification:
Your final day will include another set of open water dives. You’ll continue to refine your skills and get more comfortable in the underwater world. After completing the dives and demonstrating your proficiency, you’ll receive your SSI Open Water Diver certification!
To enroll in the SSI Open Water Diver course in Tamarindo, you just need to be at least 10 years old, and no previous diving experience is required! Before starting the course, you’ll fill out a medical questionnaire to ensure you’re fit to dive.
The medical questionnaire helps us identify any conditions that might affect your ability to dive safely. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions, you’ll need to get a signed medical clearance from a doctor before starting your training.
PRICE: $530.00 USD
(All taxes included, for credit card payments 3% fee applies)
All included! SSI eLearning to start the theory at home, gear rental, bilingual SSI instructor, transportation from Tamarindo to Flamingo Beach, drinks, snacks, and a multimedia package to remember your first dives with us! (Restrictions may apply depending on visibility and diving conditions)
No fly for 24h after diving is mandatory
FAQ - SSI Open Water Diver course
No, previous diving experience is not required to join the SSI Open Water Diver course. The course is designed for beginners and will take you through every necessary step, from learning the basics to performing actual dives. Our experienced instructors will ensure you’re guided through each part of the process, making it easy and enjoyable.
Your open water dives will take place at the stunning Catalina Islands, located off the coast of Tamarindo. These islands are known for their rich marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays, providing a fantastic environment for practicing your diving skills while enjoying the beauty of the underwater world.
Yes, before beginning your training, you’ll need to complete a medical questionnaire to ensure that you’re in good health and fit to dive. If you answer “yes” to any of the health-related questions, you’ll need to obtain written approval from a physician before starting the course. This ensures your safety and helps us tailor your diving experience.
Our bilingual SSI-certified instructors are there to support you every step of the way. They will guide you during the theory portion, demonstrate diving skills in confined water, and accompany you on your open water dives. They will make sure you’re comfortable with every skill and answer any questions you have, ensuring you feel confident and prepared at all times.
We keep our groups small, with a maximum of 3 students per instructor. This ensures that you get plenty of attention and guidance from your instructor, which is important for your learning and safety. Smaller groups also make the experience more enjoyable and relaxed.
Absolutely! After completing the SSI Open Water Diver course, you can move on to more advanced diving certifications, such as the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver course or the SSI Specialty courses. These will allow you to explore different types of diving and expand your skills even further. The SSI system offers a wide range of certifications to help you continue your diving adventure!