The advanced open water dive certification in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, offers a unique opportunity for certified divers to expand their skills and explore the region’s vibrant marine life. Over three days, you will venture to the stunning Catalina Islands, seeing a range of dives from night explorations to fish identification. With professional guidance, convenient transportation, and delectable meals, this comprehensive program ensures a personalized and enriching underwater adventure. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your diving expertise or simply experience the beauty of Tamarindo’s aquatic wonders, this certification course promises an unforgettable journey.
About Your Stay
- The PADI Advanced Open Water certification course in Tamarindo, Costa Rica spans 3 days and includes diving at the Catalina Islands.
- The course caters to Open Water-certified divers seeking to enhance their diving skills, with options for night, fish identification, and research dives.
- The package includes daily hotel pickup, water, snacks, lunch, and a professional guide, providing a convenient and inclusive diving experience.
- Participants must provide evidence of Open Water certification and complete a health questionnaire, as the course is not suitable for certain medical conditions.
- The course is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, offering a personalized and intimate diving experience.
Overview of the Course
The PADI Advanced Open Water certification course spans three days and takes place in the picturesque coastal town of Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Participants will dive off the Catalina Islands, with options to include night dives, fish identification dives, and research dives. The course is open to all Open Water-certified divers, providing an opportunity to expand their diving skills and knowledge.
The program includes daily hotel pickup and drop-off, water, snacks, lunch, and a professional guide. All necessary equipment is provided, and gratuities are included.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, the course offers a personalized and immersive diving experience in the stunning Costa Rican waters.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tamarindo.
Diving Locations and Options
Participants in the Advanced Open Water certification course dive off the picturesque Catalina Islands, where they can choose from a variety of options to suit their interests.
Night dives provide a unique perspective, allowing divers to explore the underwater world after dark.
Fish identification dives cater to those interested in marine life, with the chance to spot and learn about the diverse species that inhabit the region.
Research dives offer the opportunity to contribute to ongoing scientific studies, giving divers a chance to play an active role in conservation efforts.
With these diverse choices, the Advanced Open Water course in Tamarindo caters to a range of diving preferences.
Included in the Package
Convenience and seamless logistics define the package, as daily hotel pickup and drop-off in Tamarindo ensure a stress-free commute.
Participants will enjoy complimentary water, snacks, and lunch, fueling their underwater adventures. A professional guide accompanies the group, providing expertise and insight.
All necessary equipment is included, from tanks to wetsuits, allowing divers to focus on their experience. The package covers gratuities, removing any additional financial considerations.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, the advanced open water dive certification course offers an intimate and personalized experience in the pristine waters off the Catalina Islands.
Meeting and Pickup Details
Divers meet at the Tamarindo Diving Center Davide Gabbi, located on the main street across from the Best Western in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Pickup service is available upon request for hotels in Tamarindo and the Langosta area.
The tour begins at 7:00 am and ends back at the meeting point. The maximum group size is 10 travelers, and infants must sit on laps.
Participants must provide confirmation of their Open Water dive certification and complete a health questionnaire prior to the experience.
Participation Requirements
Upon booking, travelers will receive confirmation of their reservation. To participate, divers must provide evidence of their Open Water certification. Plus, a health questionnaire is mandatory. This course is not recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions, such as back problems, heart problems, or those who are pregnant. Infants must sit on laps, and the group size is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers.
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Certification | Open Water dive certification required |
Health Questionnaire | Mandatory |
Medical Restrictions | Not recommended for travelers with back problems, heart problems, or pregnant women |
Group Size | Maximum 10 travelers |
Infant Policy | Infants must sit on laps |
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Important Considerations
Though divers must wait at least 18 hours after their last dive before flying, the experience conveniently provides free cancellation up to a day before the start.
It’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with heart conditions or other serious medical issues. Infants can attend but must sit on laps.
The group size is capped at 10 participants. The 3.5-star rating from 3 reviews, with no 5-star, 4-star, or 1-star ratings, suggests a solid yet not exceptional experience.
Divers should carefully consider these factors to determine if this advanced certification course in Tamarindo is the right fit.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
With only 3 reviews available, the overall 3.5-star rating suggests a somewhat mixed response from customers.
While there are no 5-star or 1-star ratings, the lack of 4-star reviews indicates room for improvement.
Customers seem to appreciate the convenience of daily hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the inclusion of water, snacks, lunch, and professional guides.
However, some may have concerns about the lack of wheelchair accessibility and suitability for certain medical conditions.
Questions About Your Stay
Can I Upgrade My Certification During the Course?
Yes, participants can upgrade their certification during the course. The program offers options for night dives, fish identification dives, and research dives beyond the basic Advanced Open Water certification requirements.
Is There a Maximum Depth for the Dives?
The maximum depth for the dives in this Advanced Open Water PADI certification course is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, the course is designed for Open Water-certified divers, suggesting the dives will likely be within the typical limits for that certification level.
What Are the Qualifications of the Professional Guide?
The professional guide leading the dives has extensive experience and is certified by PADI, the leading dive instruction organization. They’ll use their expertise to ensure participants’ safety and enjoyment throughout the advanced open water certification course.
Can I Rent Additional Equipment Not Included in the Package?
Travelers can rent additional equipment not included in the package, such as cameras or specialty dive gear, from the Tamarindo Diving Center. Pricing and availability of rental items may vary, so customers should inquire directly with the center.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?
The tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to run. It can accommodate up to 10 travelers but doesn’t have a lower limit. Guests should confirm booking details and provide evidence of open water certification prior to the start.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The Advanced Open Water Dive Certification in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, offers a comprehensive three-day diving experience for certified divers. Participants explore the Catalina Islands, engaging in night dives and fish identification under professional guidance. The package includes hotel pickup, meals, and a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized underwater adventure in a vibrant marine environment with a focus on safety and conservation.
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