2 Days SSI Advanced Open Water Course in Boracay

Boracay’s SSI Advanced Open Water course turns a basic certificate into more useful underwater ability. Over two days, you work with an SSI instructor on selected Adventure Dives, using online study and practical sessions to build comfort, control, navigation, and confidence.

I like the small maximum group of 10, which gives the instructor room to offer help without making the course feel like a private lesson. I also like that lunch, scuba equipment, taxes, and course fees are included. The main drawback is that private transportation is not provided, so you must arrange your own way to the DiveGurus meeting point.

Key points to know before booking

• Two days of structured training: The course combines online preparation with instructor-led practical work.
• Choose from several Adventure Dives: Topics include night training and underwater navigation, with seven popular options covered in the digital learning material.
• Experienced named instructors: Brian and Max are specifically associated with clear explanations, patient support, and careful supervision.
• Useful inclusions: Scuba equipment, lunch for both days, taxes, and course fees are included in the $490 price.
• Convenient Boracay base: Meet at DiveGurus Boracay on Sitio Ambulong Road, with the activity ending back there.
• Flexible booking terms: Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.

What this SSI course really adds after Open Water

An Open Water certificate lets you begin independent recreational scuba activities within your training limits. The Advanced Open Water course is the next practical step when you want more experience, more control, and a wider range of underwater activities.

The purpose is not simply to collect another certificate. You use the course to become calmer and more capable in the water. That can mean reviewing basic skills, improving underwater navigation, or trying a new type of session with an instructor close by.

SSI lets you begin the academic work through Digital Learning. This matters because you can study the basic material before arriving in Boracay instead of spending the entire first morning in a classroom. The online program covers foundational material for seven popular Adventure Dives, though the final choices are made with your instructor.

You are not locked into only those seven topics. The course information says you and your instructor can select any of the Adventure Dives. That gives the program some welcome flexibility, though your exact schedule depends on the options chosen and the instructor’s plan.

You need an SSI Open Water certification or an equivalent qualification from another training organization. This is not a beginner course, so you should arrive with your initial certification already complete.

Starting at DiveGurus Boracay

The meeting point is DiveGurus Boracay, at Sitio Ambulong Road on Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. The activity begins and ends at this location, which keeps the two-day schedule straightforward.

Private transport is not included. The center is near public transportation, so you can arrange your own route, but leave enough time to arrive ready for the day. The published opening hours are Monday through Saturday, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, for the stated operating period.

The mobile ticket is useful for keeping your booking details on your phone. Confirmation is sent at the time of booking, so you should have the details available when you arrive.

The maximum group size is 10. That is small enough to feel manageable, especially for a skills-based course, but it does not guarantee a one-to-one session. If personal attention is important to you, ask the center how many people are scheduled for your dates.

Day one: study, planning, and new underwater skills

Your first day begins with the foundation for the selected Adventure Dives. You may study the relevant material online before arrival, then use time with the instructor to clarify the practical points and prepare for the underwater work.

The digital material includes sections on subjects such as night scuba activities and underwater navigation. Those sections are useful even if you do not choose them, since they help you understand the range of skills available at this level.

Navigation is a particularly practical choice. Losing direction underwater can make a simple session feel stressful, so learning how to orient yourself gives you a skill you can use long after the course ends. Night training offers a different kind of challenge, but the information provided does not promise that either subject will be part of your personal schedule.

Your instructor helps select the Adventure Dives. This is one of the better parts of the course design. You can focus on a subject that interests you, or choose an area where you feel less confident. The course is not presented as a fixed sightseeing trip with a set list of stops. It is training, and the value comes from matching the exercises to your goals.

The supplied course details do not specify exact sites, departure times, water conditions, or the number of sessions on each day. Keep that in mind when planning other Boracay activities. A two-day certification course needs room for instruction and practical training, and the final timing may be set by the center.

Lunch is included on the first day. That is a modest but useful benefit, since you do not need to leave the center to find a midday meal. Equipment is also included, so you do not have to bring a complete personal scuba kit.

Day two: practice, correction, and confidence

The second day continues the instructor-led work and gives you more time to apply what you studied. You can expect the emphasis to remain on skill development rather than a sightseeing route, since the course is built around SSI Adventure Dive training.

This is where direct feedback matters. An instructor can point out a small problem in your technique, help you correct it, and let you try again. That process is more useful than simply reading about a skill online.

Brian is one instructor connected with the center. His approach is described as clear and direct, which is valuable when you are learning a new underwater task and do not want a long explanation that leaves you unsure what to do.

Max is another instructor associated with the course. The information about his sessions emphasizes careful support and explanations that help a less frequent scuba participant feel safe. If you do not scuba often, that kind of calm guidance can make a real difference.

The course also works for people who want more than a first certificate. One customer connected with DiveGurus is training toward Divemaster level and returns to the center for continued instruction. That does not mean this two-day course is aimed only at future professionals. It does suggest the center handles both casual learners and people pursuing a longer training path.

Lunch is included again on day two. At the end of the activity, you return to the meeting point rather than being dropped at a separate location.

Choosing your Adventure Dives

The course’s flexible subject choice is a real advantage, but it also means you should think about your priorities before you arrive. The available material specifically points to night scuba and underwater navigation as examples.

If you are uneasy about finding your way underwater, navigation is a sensible choice. It turns general confidence into a practical skill. If you want a new atmosphere and a different way to use your senses, night training may appeal to you, provided it is available and suitable for the schedule.

The course material also refers to seven popular Adventure Dives, but it does not list all seven in the supplied information. Do not assume every option will be offered on every date. Ask the instructor which subjects can be completed during your two days.

You can also use the online sections as preparation even when you choose another subject. A quick review before arrival helps you make better use of time with the instructor. It also gives you a chance to identify questions before you are in the water.

Why the $490 price may be fair

The cost is $490 per person. That is a serious outlay, so compare what is included rather than looking only at the headline price.

The fee covers scuba equipment, all fees and taxes, and lunch for both days. Those inclusions reduce the small add-on costs that can make a course more expensive than expected. You still need to pay for or arrange private transportation, since that is not included.

The course also combines learning material with two days of instructor guidance. If you already own equipment and only want a short recreational session, the price may not suit your plans. If you want a recognized SSI progression with equipment and meals handled, the package is easier to justify.

The value depends heavily on how much attention you receive. A group of up to 10 is reasonable, but the actual group size matters. Before paying, ask how many participants are booked and which instructor is assigned.

The course may also appeal to people considering Nitrox training. One two-day booking at the center included both Advanced Open Water and Nitrox certifications, but the supplied details do not say that Nitrox is included in this $490 course. Treat it as a separate possibility and confirm the price and schedule directly.

The instructors are an important part of the choice

The strongest reason to consider DiveGurus is the reported quality of the instruction. Brian is described as giving explanations that are clear and straight to the point. That style works well when you need to understand a skill quickly and then use it in the water.

Max is associated with patient support for someone who rarely scuba dives. That is worth noting if you feel rusty after your Open Water course. You want an instructor who takes safety seriously without making every task feel intimidating.

The center also has an ongoing training side, including Divemaster preparation. That points to a setting where continued development is taken seriously. Still, you should judge the fit by asking about your preferred subjects, group size, and instructor availability rather than assuming the same person will teach every session.

Who will get the most from these two days

This course suits you best if you recently completed SSI Open Water and want guided practice before arranging more independent scuba activities. It also works for certified people who feel out of practice and want an instructor nearby while trying new skills.

It is a good match for someone who wants structured learning rather than a simple sightseeing outing. You will spend time studying, practicing, and receiving corrections. That may feel less relaxed than a casual recreational session, but it gives you more lasting value.

The course may not suit you if you have no Open Water certification. It is also less suitable if you need private transport included, require a fully private instructor, or want a fixed list of named underwater sites.

Most participants can take part, according to the supplied information. Since no detailed accessibility information is provided, contact the center directly if you have mobility, medical, or equipment concerns.

Booking details that matter

You receive confirmation at the time of booking. The activity operates Monday through Saturday during the stated period, with published hours from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Within 24 hours, you do not receive a refund, and changes made in that period are not accepted. The cut-off uses local time, so check the clock in Boracay rather than relying on your home time zone.

Because the course lasts about two days, avoid placing important same-day travel plans beside it. The exact training timetable is not provided, and the course may require your full attention during the scheduled hours.

Should you book the Boracay Advanced Open Water course?

Book it if you already hold an SSI Open Water or equivalent certificate and want more confidence, practical instruction, and a recognized next step. The $490 price is easier to defend because it includes equipment, lunch for both days, taxes, and course fees.

I would be especially interested if I wanted to work on navigation, try night scuba, or get back into the water after a long break. Brian’s clear teaching style and Max’s careful support are useful details to consider when asking about instructor availability.

Think twice if you want a low-cost recreational outing, private transportation, or a guaranteed private lesson. For a focused two-day skills course in Boracay, though, this is a sensible choice, provided the available Adventure Dives and group size match your plans.

FAQ

Where does the SSI Advanced Open Water course begin?

It begins at DiveGurus Boracay, Sitio Ambulong Road, Boracay Island, Malay, 5608 Aklan, Philippines.

Where does the activity end?

The activity 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 to join?

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

Can I study before arriving?

Yes. SSI provides Digital Learning material that gives you foundational information for seven popular Adventure Dives.

Can I choose the Adventure Dive subjects?

You and your SSI instructor can select Adventure Dives. The course information gives night scuba and underwater navigation as examples.

Is scuba equipment included?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included for both days.

Is private transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included. The meeting point is near public transportation.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted.