2 Days SSI Advanced Open Water Course in Boracay

Boracay’s SSI Advanced Open Water course gives you two focused days to move beyond the basics, with an instructor guiding you through new underwater activities rather than simply repeating the same lesson. Brian and Max are named instructors at DiveGurus, and the center keeps groups to a maximum of 10 people.

I like that the $490 price includes equipment, taxes, fees, and lunch for both days. I also like the flexible choice of adventure activities, including night work and underwater navigation. The main drawback is that private transportation is not included, and the course requires an existing SSI Open Water certificate or an equivalent qualification.

Key points to know before booking

• Two days of SSI training: A compact way to build skill and confidence after your first certification.
• Choose new adventure activities: Your instructor can help select from options such as night work and underwater navigation.
• Equipment is included: You do not need to arrange separate scuba equipment for the course.
• Lunch is covered for both days: This removes one small but useful expense from a full training schedule.
• Small group limit: No more than 10 people can join the activity.
• Flexible cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

What the SSI Advanced Open Water course is really for

The SSI Advanced Open Water course is best understood as a confidence-building course, not a race to collect another certificate. You already need an SSI Open Water qualification, or an equivalent certificate from another training organization. From there, the course gives you guided practice with new types of scuba activity.

That matters because many newly certified divers know the basic procedures but have not yet had much variety in the water. A two-day course gives you time to work under supervision, ask questions, and get used to skills that may feel unfamiliar at first.

The course is also more flexible than a fixed sightseeing trip. You and your instructor can choose which Adventure Dives to complete. The available learning material covers seven of the most popular adventure options, but you are not limited to those seven. Your instructor can help you select activities that match your interests and current ability.

You might choose night diving if you want to learn how the underwater setting changes after dark. You might focus on underwater navigation if you want to improve your ability to keep direction and understand where you are. The important point is that the course introduces new ways to use your scuba skills, rather than treating certification as the end of your training.

Two days at DiveGurus Boracay

The course begins and ends at DiveGurus Boracay Dive Center on Sitio Ambulong Road, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. The listed operating hours are Monday through Saturday, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., during the stated operating period.

The schedule is listed as approximately two days, so you should allow room in your Boracay plans for a full training commitment across both days. This is not a quick one-hour activity that fits neatly between beach time and dinner. You will want to keep your schedule open and confirm the start time when booking.

The information provided does not list exact underwater locations, the number of sessions each day, or the specific order of the Adventure Dives. That is not necessarily a problem. The flexible format allows the instructor to match the course plan to your chosen activities and the conditions on the day.

I would ask the center about the exact daily timetable before arrival. That simple question can help you plan meals, other island activities, and any onward travel without guessing.

Choosing your Adventure Dives

The strongest part of this course is the choice of activities. SSI provides study material for seven popular Adventure Dives, while still allowing you and your instructor to choose other options from the SSI program.

The online material is arranged so you can prepare for a particular skill before meeting your instructor. If night work interests you, you can read the night diving section. If navigation is the weak point in your current training, you can review the underwater navigation material before selecting that Adventure Dive.

This approach is useful because you can arrive with a clearer idea of what you want to improve. You do not have to decide blindly at the training center. At the same time, your instructor remains part of the decision, which is important for keeping the activities suitable for your existing certification and comfort level.

The course description does not promise a particular reef, wreck, marine animal, or underwater site. Do not book it expecting a specific sightseeing route. Book it for the instruction and the chance to add different skills to your scuba experience.

That distinction helps set the right expectation. If your main goal is to see one famous site, a sightseeing trip may suit you better. If your goal is to become more capable and comfortable underwater, the course has a clearer purpose.

Learning with Brian, Max, and the DiveGurus team

The named instructors connected with this activity include Brian and Max. Brian is described as clear and direct when explaining skills, which is exactly what you want during a practical course. Long, confusing explanations are little help when you are trying to remember a procedure underwater.

Max is described as taking careful, reassuring care of a student who only scuba dives occasionally. That point is useful if you are not a regular diver. You do not need to pretend that every skill feels natural. A good instructor should help you understand the task, keep calm, and ask questions before moving on.

The wider DiveGurus team is also described as experienced, supportive, and willing to spend time helping students develop. That suggests the center is suitable not only for first-time visitors but also for people returning to training after a break.

Still, instructor quality is only one part of the experience. You should tell the center your certification level, recent underwater experience, and preferred activities before the course begins. That gives the instructor useful context and helps make the two days more productive.

What the online study adds

SSI Digital Learning supplies the foundation for the course. You can use the material as a guide before your practical sessions and return to sections that need a second look.

This is one of the better features for independent learners. You can study the relevant section at your own pace rather than trying to absorb every detail in a short briefing at the center. The navigation section, for example, can help you arrive with a basic grasp of the topic before practicing it with your instructor.

The online material does not replace the practical course. Reading about a skill is not the same as performing it underwater, and the course is designed to bring both parts together. Use the material to prepare, then use your time with the instructor to clarify doubts and build confidence.

The course can be taken immediately after your SSI Open Water certification. If your existing qualification comes from another training organization, an equivalent certificate is accepted. You should have that certification ready when you enroll.

What is included in the $490 price

The price is $490 per person. That is not a small add-on to a Boracay holiday, but the package includes several costs that can quickly add up elsewhere:

• Scuba equipment
• All fees and taxes
• Lunch for both days

Including equipment is important for visitors who do not want to travel with their own gear or arrange a separate rental package. It also makes the course simpler to book because the main training equipment is handled by the center.

Lunch for both days is a practical touch. Training days can be tiring, and having lunch included means you do not need to leave the schedule to search for food. It does not turn the course into a budget activity, but it improves the value of the package.

Private transportation is not included. The meeting point is DiveGurus Boracay Dive Center, and the activity returns there at the end. The center is listed as being near public transportation, so you will need to arrange your own way to the start point.

When comparing prices, make sure you compare like with like. A cheaper course that excludes equipment, meals, taxes, or training fees may not remain cheaper after you add those costs. At $490, this course makes the most sense for someone who values a bundled, instructor-led program over a basic equipment rental and informal session.

Group size and the feel of the training

The maximum group size is 10 people. That is small enough to keep the course more personal than a large boat-based outing, though the actual feel will depend on how many people book your dates and how the instructor organizes the sessions.

A smaller group matters most during explanations and skills practice. You have a better chance of hearing instructions clearly and asking for clarification. It also gives the instructor a better opportunity to notice where you need more time.

Ten people is not the same as a private class. If you want one-to-one attention throughout both days, ask the center about private instruction before booking. The available information confirms the group limit, but it does not promise a private format.

This course should suit people who want structure without a giant class. It is also a sensible choice for occasional divers who want a patient instructor and a clear path into more advanced activities.

The practical side of arriving in Boracay

The meeting point is DiveGurus Boracay at Sitio Ambulong Road, Boracay Island, Malay, 5608 Aklan, Philippines. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

The listing places the activity on Panay Island and gives Boracay as the operating location. For your own planning, use the full DiveGurus address when arranging transport or asking your accommodation for directions.

The center is near public transportation, but private transportation is not part of the price. Plan your route in advance, especially if your accommodation is on another part of the island or if your start time is early.

The center’s stated hours are Monday through Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The course itself lasts approximately two days, but those opening hours do not tell you the exact start and finish time for your booking. Confirm those details directly so you can avoid a rushed arrival.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Keep that confirmation handy, along with your existing Open Water certification details.

Who should book this course

I would recommend this course to you if you have recently completed Open Water training and want guided practice before trying more complex activities on your own. It also suits occasional scuba participants who want an instructor to explain each step clearly and provide steady support.

The course is a good match if you want to choose an area of interest. Night diving and underwater navigation are specifically highlighted, and the instructor can help you select from a wider set of Adventure Dives.

It may not suit you if you are looking for a casual half-day outing, a specific famous underwater site, or private transport from your accommodation. It is also not suitable for someone without an existing Open Water or equivalent qualification.

The two-day format asks for time and attention. You should be ready to study online, attend the sessions, and work through new skills at a measured pace. That is a fair trade for a course designed to improve comfort and ability rather than simply provide a quick activity.

Cancellation and booking details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the experience begin without a refund, and changes made within that same period are not accepted.

The cut-off follows local time. Because the course runs over two days and requires instructor planning, check your dates carefully before the 24-hour window closes.

Most people can participate, according to the available booking information. The course is near public transportation and has a maximum of 10 participants. No further accessibility details are provided, so contact DiveGurus directly if you have a specific mobility or health concern.

Should you book the SSI Advanced Open Water course?

Book it if you want a structured next step after Open Water certification and value clear instruction, included equipment, and a flexible choice of Adventure Dives. The combination of two days, lunch, equipment, and all taxes gives the $490 price a reasonable foundation, especially if you would otherwise need to rent gear and arrange meals separately.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to an occasional scuba participant who wants calm explanations. Brian’s direct teaching style and Max’s attentive approach are useful signs for students who need reassurance while building new skills.

Skip it if you want only sightseeing, a short introduction, or door-to-door transport. This is a real training course, and its value comes from the time spent learning and practicing. Arrive with your Open Water certification, complete the online preparation, confirm the schedule, and choose your Adventure Dives with the instructor. That is the best way to make the two days count.

FAQ

Where does the SSI Advanced Open Water course meet?

The meeting point is DiveGurus Boracay Dive Center at 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.

How much does the course cost?

The price is $490 per person.

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 center is listed as being near public transportation.

What certification do I need?

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

Can I choose which Adventure Dives to complete?

Yes. You and your instructor can select the Adventure Dives. The online material covers seven popular options, but you can still choose other Adventure Dives with your instructor.

How many people can join the course?

The activity has a maximum of 10 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.