2 Days SSI Advanced Open Water Course in Boracay

Two days can change how you scuba. This Boracay course combines guided underwater training, new SSI Adventure Dives, and lunch for $490 per person. I like the small maximum group of 10 and the use of full scuba equipment, since you can focus on skills instead of arranging gear. I also like the clear, supportive teaching associated with instructors Brian and Max.

The main point to consider is that this is a certification course, not simply a string of sightseeing outings. You need an SSI Open Water certificate or an equivalent qualification, and the two-day schedule may feel full if you want a slow holiday pace.

Key points to know before booking

• Two days of SSI training: You build on an existing Open Water qualification through selected Adventure Dives and guided practice.
• Up to 10 participants: The group limit is modest, though the actual number on your date is not stated.
• Clear, supportive instruction: Brian is praised for direct explanations, while Max is noted for careful attention to comfort and safety.
• Equipment and lunch included: Scuba equipment, taxes, and lunch for both days are covered in the $490 price.
• Central meeting point: You start and finish at DiveGurus Boracay on Sitio Ambulong Road.
• Flexible learning choices: SSI materials cover subjects such as night activity and underwater navigation, while you and your instructor choose the Adventure Dives.

What this SSI course is really for

The SSI Advanced Open Water course is designed for people who already have basic certification but want more time and structure underwater. It does not replace the Open Water course. Instead, it gives you a chance to reinforce what you already learned while trying different forms of scuba activity.

That distinction matters. If you are hoping for a relaxed morning at sea with little classroom work, this may feel more serious than expected. If you want greater comfort, better control, and experience under an instructor’s supervision, the course makes good sense.

SSI lets you study through Digital Learning. The online material provides the groundwork for seven popular Adventure Dives, although your instructor can help select from the wider range of available options. You can review the chapter on night activity if that interests you, or study underwater navigation before choosing a Navigation Adventure Dive.

This gives the course some welcome flexibility. You are not simply handed a fixed set of tasks without context. You can use the learning material to identify the skills you want to strengthen, then discuss them with your instructor.

Meeting at DiveGurus Boracay

The course begins at DiveGurus Boracay, located on Sitio Ambulong Road on Boracay Island, within Malay municipality in Aklan, Panay Island. The activity ends at the same meeting point, which keeps the arrangement simple.

Private transportation is not included. The meeting point is near public transportation, so you need to plan your own way there. That is a small but important cost consideration, especially if you are staying at the other end of the island or carrying personal equipment.

The stated operating hours are Monday through Saturday, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, for dates running through December 6, 2026. The wide daily window suggests room for scheduling, but you should still confirm your exact start time when booking. A scuba course depends on instructor availability and daily conditions, so do not assume you can arrive at any hour and begin immediately.

Your mobile ticket and booking confirmation should make check-in straightforward. Bring your existing SSI Open Water certification or equivalent proof, since that is the key entry requirement.

Day one: turning basic certification into useful skills

The first day should be viewed as a bridge between basic certification and more independent underwater work. You already need an Open Water qualification, so the focus is not on learning the entire sport from the beginning. Instead, you work with an SSI instructor on selected Adventure Dives and related skills.

The exact activities are chosen with your instructor, so the schedule can differ from one booking to another. The supplied course material specifically identifies subjects such as night activity and underwater navigation. That means your first day may involve preparation and practice in areas that match your interests or current weaknesses.

I like this approach because it gives the training a purpose. If you tend to lose direction underwater, navigation study has a clear benefit. If the idea of a later night session appeals to you, the relevant SSI chapter can help you understand the demands before you commit to that activity.

Expect instruction to matter as much as time in the water. The strongest praise connected with this course concerns teaching quality. Brian is described as clear and direct, which is exactly what you want when you are trying to remember several steps at once. Max is noted for taking careful care of a less frequent diver, with explanations that helped that person feel safe.

Those details are useful if you have not been in the water recently. Advanced does not mean you must arrive feeling like an expert. It does mean you should be ready to listen, practice, and accept corrections.

Lunch is included on day one. That saves you from arranging a midday meal during a packed training day, though the information does not specify the menu or dining location. You should not treat the included lunch as a reason to leave dietary needs unmentioned. Ask the operator directly if you have allergies or particular food requirements.

Day two: building comfort through repetition

The second day gives you more time to apply the course material. Repetition is valuable here. A skill can seem easy while you read about it online, then become less automatic once you are managing equipment, position, breathing, and direction at the same time.

Working with an instructor over two days also gives you more than a one-off introduction. You can receive feedback, try again, and ask questions after the first session. That is one reason the course may suit someone who rarely scuba dives but wants to feel more secure before taking on further underwater trips.

The group limit is 10 participants. That is not a private lesson, but it is still a manageable ceiling for a certification course. The exact instructor-to-participant ratio is not given, so you should not assume a one-to-one arrangement. If personal attention is your top priority, ask how many people are booked for your dates.

The second lunch is included as well. All taxes and scuba equipment are included in the listed price, so your main extra expenses are transportation to the meeting point and any personal purchases.

Again, the precise Adventure Dives are not fixed in the information provided. You and your instructor choose them from the SSI options. That flexibility can be a strength, but it also means you should discuss your goals early. Tell the instructor if you want navigation practice, more confidence, or a particular new activity.

The instructors are a major part of the value

A certification course is only as good as the instruction around it. The strongest feedback connected with DiveGurus points to a team that combines technical teaching with a friendly manner.

Brian is specifically praised for explanations that are clear and straight to the point. That style suits scuba training well. Underwater skills are easier to remember when instructions are short, ordered, and free of unnecessary jargon.

Max is associated with careful supervision and helping a less frequent diver feel safe. That is important for anyone who has completed Open Water training but does not scuba regularly. You should be able to say when you are uncertain, and you should expect the instructor to take that concern seriously.

The center also has a reputation for supporting longer-term development. One person returned regularly while training toward Divemaster, describing the team as experienced, encouraging, and willing to spend time helping students improve. That suggests the operation may suit you if this course is one step in a larger plan.

Still, no instructor can remove every challenge. You need to arrive prepared to study, follow directions, and manage your own comfort. A two-day certification is guided training, not a promise that every skill will feel easy at once.

What the $490 price includes

At $490 per person, the course is not a low-cost activity. It is also more than a simple pair of recreational outings. You are paying for two days of instruction, scuba equipment, taxes, and lunch on both days.

That package can represent fair value if you need rental equipment and want formal SSI certification. Buying separate meals and arranging gear on your own would add cost and effort, while a casual boat excursion would not provide the same structured learning.

The value is less clear if you already own equipment, need only a few enjoyable underwater sessions, or are not interested in certification. In that case, you may prefer a recreational outing rather than a course with study and skill requirements.

The operator does not list private transportation as part of the price. Add your own transfer costs, and allow time to reach Sitio Ambulong Road. The meeting and ending point are the same, which helps avoid arranging a separate return transfer.

The group ceiling of 10 also matters when considering value. You are not booking a guaranteed private instructor, but the maximum is limited enough to keep the setting from becoming a very large class.

Who should book this course

I would consider this a good fit for several types of scuba students:

• You recently completed SSI Open Water and want your next qualification.
• You hold an equivalent certificate from another training organization.
• You scuba only occasionally and want more guided practice.
• You are interested in subjects such as navigation or night activity.
• You may continue toward further SSI training, including a longer-term professional goal.

It is less suitable if you have no basic certification. It is also not the right choice if you want an entirely unstructured holiday activity with no online preparation or formal instruction.

Because the course is only two days, it may work well in a short Boracay stay. Still, I would avoid placing it immediately before an important flight or tightly timed onward journey. The supplied information does not provide a detailed daily timetable, so leave some breathing room around the course rather than building your entire trip around exact finish times.

Practical booking advice for Boracay

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the activity accepts a mobile ticket. Keep your certification details accessible on your phone, but a saved offline copy is sensible if your connection is unreliable.

The course runs Monday through Saturday. No Sunday operation is listed, so check your dates carefully before paying. The booking window extends through December 6, 2026.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted and are not refunded. This is a reasonable policy, but it makes date planning important if your Boracay schedule is uncertain.

Most people can participate, and the stated maximum is 10 participants. The information does not give detailed accessibility guidance, medical requirements, age rules, or a list of personal items to bring. Ask DiveGurus directly about any health, mobility, dietary, or equipment concerns before booking.

Is the SSI Advanced Open Water course worth it?

I would book this course if you already hold Open Water certification and want structured improvement rather than two casual underwater outings. The combination of instructor support, equipment, taxes, and two included lunches makes the $490 price easier to justify, particularly if you need rental gear.

I would be especially interested if Brian or Max were assigned to the course, since their teaching styles are described in unusually practical terms: clear explanations, careful attention, and a strong focus on safety. The modest group limit is another plus.

I would pause if your holiday plans are very tight, if you do not want online study, or if you are looking only for sightseeing. For the right student, though, these two days offer a useful next step after Open Water and a sensible way to gain confidence around Boracay.

FAQ

Where does the SSI Advanced Open Water course start?

It starts at DiveGurus Boracay on Sitio Ambulong Road, Boracay Island, Malay, 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?

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

Is online learning part of the preparation?

SSI Digital Learning provides foundational material for seven popular Adventure Dives. You and your instructor can still choose from the available Adventure Dives.

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, although the meeting point is near public transportation.

How many people can join the course?

The activity has a maximum of 10 participants.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. 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 time are not refunded or accepted.