PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course
Ready to take your diving to the next level? This course introduces you to new activities and environments through 5 adventure dives, expanding your depth to 30 meters.
Intermediate 2–3 days $300–$500 30m / 100ft PADI
What You'll Achieve
- • Dive to 30 meters (100 feet) — deeper wrecks, walls, and reefs
- • Navigate underwater with confidence
- • Experience 5 different types of adventure diving
- • Build confidence for more challenging conditions
- • Qualify for Rescue Diver and more specialties
Course Structure — 5 Adventure Dives
Required: Deep Dive
Explore depths beyond 18m. Learn about pressure effects, gas management, and deep dive planning.
Required: Navigation
Master compass navigation and natural navigation techniques for confident underwater exploration.
Choose 3 Elective Dives:
Night Diving — Explore after dark with dive lights
Wreck Diving — Explore sunken ships safely
Peak Performance Buoyancy — Master control
Underwater Photography — Capture memories
Fish Identification — Know what you see
Drift Diving — Go with the current
Requirements
- • Prerequisite: Open Water Diver certification (PADI, SSI, or equivalent)
- • Minimum age: 12 (Junior), 15+ for full certification
- • Recommended: 10–20+ logged dives for confidence (not required)
- • No exam: Knowledge reviews for each dive, but no final exam
Why Take Advanced Open Water?
- Access deeper sites: Many of the world's best wrecks and walls are between 18–30m
- More variety: Night dives, drift dives, wreck penetration open up
- Greater confidence: Practice in controlled conditions builds real skill
- Better dive buddy: More skills = more fun for everyone
- Career path: Required for Rescue Diver and professional certifications
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dives do I need before taking this course?
Technically, you can start right after Open Water certification. However, most instructors recommend 10–20 dives to build basic comfort first.
Is there an exam?
No final exam! You complete knowledge reviews for each adventure dive, but the focus is on practical experience rather than test-taking.
Can I choose which elective dives to do?
Yes, you choose 3 electives from the available options at your dive center. Deep and Navigation are required.
Do I need Advanced Open Water before specialty courses?
Not always — many specialties only require Open Water. But Advanced is recommended as it gives you a taste of different diving types.
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