2 Days SSI Advanced Open Water Course in Boracay

Build confidence beneath the surface. This two-day SSI Advanced Open Water course in Boracay gives you guided practice after your first certification, with equipment, lunch, and instruction included. I like the course’s small maximum of 10 people, which should give you more room to ask questions and work at a comfortable pace. I also like the clear, skill-based format: you review core lessons, then choose new underwater activities with your instructor.

The main consideration is that the exact activity mix is not fixed in advance. You and the instructor select the Adventure Dives, so you should ask what options are available during your visit. At $490 per person, the price is not a casual add-on, but it covers two days, scuba equipment, lunch on both days, taxes, and certification training.

Key points to know before you book

• Two days of guided SSI training: The course is designed for people who already hold SSI Open Water Certification or an equivalent qualification.

• You choose the Adventure Dives: The learning program covers seven popular options, but you and your instructor can select from the wider SSI Adventure Dive range.

• Lunch and scuba equipment are included: You do not need to arrange a separate equipment package or lunch for either training day.

• Brian and Max receive special praise: Brian is noted for clear, direct explanations, while Max helped one less-frequent diver feel safe and well cared for.

• A small group limit helps: The course accepts a maximum of 10 people, an important detail when you are learning new underwater skills.

• Transport to the center is your responsibility: The meeting point is DiveGurus Boracay at Sitio Ambulong Road, and private transportation is not included.

What this course is really for

The SSI Advanced Open Water course is not simply a longer version of your first certification. It is a chance to practice new skills under supervision and become more comfortable making decisions underwater.

That difference matters. An entry-level course teaches you the basic skills needed to participate safely. An advanced course gives you a setting to apply those skills in new situations, with an instructor nearby to explain, correct, and encourage you.

I see this course as a good bridge between I passed my first certification and I feel ready for more varied scuba experiences. You do not need to be an expert. You do need an SSI Open Water certificate, or an equivalent qualification from another training organization.

The course is also designed for people at different experience levels. If you have only recently completed your first certification, the guided structure can help you build confidence. If you already have some underwater experience, the Adventure Dive format gives you a way to sharpen skills and try a new specialty.

One useful feature is that you can prepare before arriving. SSI’s digital learning materials explain the foundation for seven popular Adventure Dives. You can read the navigation section before taking a Navigation Adventure Dive, or review the night training chapter if that is an option you and your instructor choose.

That preparation is more than homework. It means you can spend your face-to-face time asking practical questions and working on skills rather than trying to absorb every concept for the first time at the center.

Starting at DiveGurus Boracay on Ambulong Road

Your start and finish point is DiveGurus Boracay, located on Sitio Ambulong Road in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. The activity returns to the same meeting point, which keeps the day simple and avoids arranging a separate pickup after training.

Private transportation is not included. The center is near public transportation, so you can plan your own way there, but the supplied details do not specify a pickup service, hotel transfer, or exact travel time. I would allow extra time to find the center on your first morning, especially since the course can begin early.

The listed operating hours are Monday through Saturday, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. That wide window suggests the center can handle different schedules, but it does not guarantee that your personal course runs across all those hours. Confirm your exact start time when booking.

A mobile ticket is available, which is handy if you prefer to keep your booking on your phone. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, so you should have the essential details before heading to the center.

Day one: learning, preparation, and your first new skills

The first day should be approached as a training day, not as a rushed sightseeing outing. You will meet your SSI instructor, review the course plan, and decide which Adventure Dives fit your goals and experience.

The course materials provide a foundation for seven popular Adventure Dives, but you are not limited to those chapters. You and your instructor can select any of the SSI Adventure Dives available for your course.

That choice is one of the best parts of the program. If you want to improve underwater direction finding, Navigation is a natural pick. If you are curious about low-light conditions, you can review the Night Diving material and ask whether that option fits the schedule and conditions.

The supplied information does not name the exact underwater sites, depth profiles, or activity order. That is worth understanding before you arrive. Your instructor will determine the practical plan, and the available options may depend on conditions, timing, and your previous experience.

Expect the first day to include a mix of explanation, preparation, and underwater practice. The value is in the feedback. You can ask why a particular technique matters, then try it with an instructor watching your position, control, and response.

Brian, one of the instructors connected with the center, is especially praised for explanations that are clear and direct. That style suits a skill course well. You do not need a long lecture when you are trying to remember a procedure. You need a simple explanation, a chance to practice, and a correction you can use right away.

Lunch is included on the first day. That saves you from arranging a midday meal during a schedule that may be shaped by training and water conditions. It also makes the $490 price easier to assess, since you are paying for more than classroom access.

Day two: building comfort through repetition

The second day gives you time to continue the selected Adventure Dives and reinforce the skills introduced earlier. Repetition is important here. A new technique often feels awkward the first time, then becomes much easier after a second attempt and a short instructor review.

This is where the course can help less-frequent scuba participants. One account describes Max taking special care with a diver who rarely goes underwater. That detail is useful because it points to the kind of support you should expect to value most: calm explanations, attention to comfort, and a pace that does not make you feel rushed.

You should still arrive ready to participate. An instructor can guide you, but you remain responsible for listening, asking questions, and telling the instructor when something is unclear. Advanced certification is not about pretending to be fearless. It is about learning how to stay calm and use your training when something feels unfamiliar.

The second day also gives you a better sense of your own interests. You may discover that navigation appeals to you more than another specialty, or that you want more practice before moving on to additional certifications.

Lunch is included again, along with the scuba equipment and course fees. The activity ends back at the DiveGurus meeting point, so you can plan the rest of your day from there.

Choosing the right Adventure Dives

The course materials refer to seven popular Adventure Dives, including Night Diving and Underwater Navigation. They are examples, not a fixed promise of the exact course schedule.

That flexibility can work in your favor. You can talk with your instructor about the skills you want to develop instead of accepting a one-size-fits-all program. Someone who feels uncertain about direction finding may gain more from Navigation than from a specialty chosen only because it sounds exciting.

If you are interested in night training, review the relevant SSI chapter before asking about it. The same approach works for any activity: read the digital material, identify what interests you, and discuss the practical plan with your instructor.

Do not assume that every option will be available at every start time. The supplied details do not list specific sites or guarantee particular underwater activities. Ask the center which Adventure Dives are running during your two days and what preparation each requires.

This is also a good moment to ask about Nitrox. One customer completed Advanced Open Water and Nitrox certification during a two-day visit, but the listed package is for the SSI Advanced Open Water course. Nitrox should not be assumed to be included in your $490 booking. If you want both qualifications, confirm the price, schedule, and requirements directly with DiveGurus.

What the $490 price includes

At $490 per person, this is a substantial purchase, especially if you are still deciding how often you will use your scuba certification. The price makes more sense if you value a structured course, professional instruction, equipment use, and meals arranged in advance.

Included are scuba equipment, all fees and taxes, and lunch for both days. Those inclusions remove several common extra costs. You do not need to rent a separate equipment set for the course, and you do not need to budget for lunch on either training day.

The price does not include private transportation. You will need to make your own way to Sitio Ambulong Road and return from the center after the course. Since the start and finish point are the same, the transport planning is manageable, but it remains your responsibility.

The group cap of 10 also adds value. Ten is not a private lesson, and the actual number in your group is not specified. Still, a firm maximum is better than an open-ended class when you are learning practical skills and need time with an instructor.

The strongest value comes if you are already committed to becoming a more capable scuba participant. If you only want a single casual underwater outing, a certification course may be more training than you need.

Instructor support is the heart of the experience

Equipment and lunch are useful, but instructor quality is what determines how much you take home. The strongest praise connected with this course centers on clear explanations, patient care, and a friendly training atmosphere.

Brian is singled out for being clear and direct. That matters when you are learning procedures that must be remembered underwater. Max is praised for helping a less-frequent diver feel safe and supported, which is an important sign for anyone who is still building confidence.

The center also has experience with continuing students. One person is training toward Divemaster with DiveGurus and returns because the team is supportive and takes time to help with growth. You do not need to be working toward professional training to benefit from that approach.

At the same time, instructor fit is personal. Some people want lots of technical explanation, while others prefer a short briefing and hands-on practice. When you arrive, tell your instructor how recently you completed Open Water Certification, how often you have been scuba training, and which skills make you uncertain.

That conversation can help shape the two days. It also gives your instructor a fair picture of what kind of support you need.

Who should book this course

I would recommend this course to you if you already hold an SSI Open Water certificate and want structured practice rather than simply collecting another card.

It is especially suitable if:

• You recently completed Open Water Certification and want to keep your skills fresh.
• You want to try specialties such as Navigation or Night Diving.
• You prefer learning with an instructor instead of practicing alone.
• You appreciate equipment and lunch included in one price.
• You want a two-day format that gives you time to repeat skills.
• You are comfortable arranging your own transport to Ambulong Road.

It may not suit you if you do not yet have an entry-level qualification. It may also disappoint you if you expect a fixed list of named underwater sites or a guaranteed specialty schedule, because the exact Adventure Dives are selected with the instructor.

If you have not been underwater for a long time, do not treat the word Advanced as a test of toughness. Tell the instructor about your experience. Max’s support of a less-frequent diver suggests that the center can work well for people who need reassurance, but the course still requires active participation.

Booking, timing, and cancellation advice

The center is open Monday through Saturday, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, during the stated operating period of November 2, 2023 through December 6, 2026. Your course itself lasts approximately two days, and the exact daily schedule should be confirmed before arrival.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied activity information, and the maximum group size is 10. No detailed accessibility information is provided, so contact the provider if you have mobility, medical, or other participation concerns.

Cancellation is flexible if you act early. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

I would also confirm three details before paying: your accepted certification, the Adventure Dives available on your dates, and whether any extra qualification such as Nitrox can be added. Those questions will prevent confusion about what the $490 package covers.

Should you book the Boracay SSI Advanced Open Water course?

Book it if you want two focused days of skill practice, value patient instruction, and like the freedom to choose your Adventure Dives. The included equipment, lunches, taxes, and small group limit make the price easier to justify for a serious scuba student.

I would be more cautious if you are looking for a simple recreational outing, fixed site descriptions, or private transport. The exact activity plan is not published, and you must arrange your own way to the meeting point.

For the right participant, this is a practical next step after Open Water Certification. Go in with realistic expectations, prepare with the digital materials, ask for the skills you most want to improve, and confirm the schedule before you arrive.

FAQ

Where does the SSI Advanced Open Water course begin?

It begins at DiveGurus Boracay, located at Sitio Ambulong Road, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines.

Where does the activity end?

The course ends back at the DiveGurus Boracay meeting point.

How long does the course last?

The course lasts approximately two days.

What certification do I need?

You need an SSI Open Water Certification or an equivalent qualification from another training organization.

Is scuba equipment included?

Yes. Use of scuba equipment is included in the course price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included for both days.

Are fees and taxes included?

Yes. All fees and taxes are included.

Is private transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included. The center is near public transportation.

How many people can join?

The activity has a maximum of 10 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.