Advanced Open Water Diver
The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is designed to enhance your diving abilities and can be started right after you’ve obtained your PADI Open Water Diver certification, regardless of your current skill level.
Ready to go deeper and see more?
At The Dive Tribe, we believe the best way to gain confidence is to keep diving. The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course isn’t about being "advanced"—it’s about advancing your skills. You can start this journey immediately after completing your Open Water certification!
This course is designed to refine your buoyancy, sharpen your navigation, and introduce you to new underwater activities under the guidance of our expert instructors.
What’s Involved?
To earn this certification, you’ll complete the Adventures in Diving digital theory and five specialized Adventure Dives. There are no long classroom sessions here—it’s all about getting in the water!
The “Big Two” (Required):
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Deep Diving: Learn how to plan and manage the physiological effects of deeper exploration (up to 30m/100ft).
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Underwater Navigation: Master the art of the compass and natural navigation so you always know where the boat is.
Choose Your Own Adventure (Pick Three):
Customize your learning by choosing three additional dives that interest you:
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Peak Performance Buoyancy (Highly Recommended!)
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Wreck Diver
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Night Diver
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Drift Diver
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Digital Underwater Photography
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Search & Recovery
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Enriched Air (Nitrox)
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AWARE Fish Identification
Course Fast Facts
Feature Details
Duration 2 Days (5 Open Water Dives)
Prerequisites PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
Minimum Age15 (12+ for Junior Advanced Open Water)
Equipment All necessary gear is included in your course fee
Learning Materials PADI Digital Manual & Videos provided
Why Take This Course with The Dive Tribe?
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More Freedom: Qualify to dive to depths of 30 meters (100 feet).
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Better Control: Spend less time fighting your buoyancy and more time enjoying the marine life.
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New Worlds: Gain the skills needed for night dives, wrecks, and currents.
Your Next Step
Once you’ve mastered these skills, you’ll be ready to take the PADI Rescue Diver course—the ultimate challenge in diver safety—or start checking off PADI Specialty certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an "expert" to take the Advanced course?
Not at all! The name can be a bit misleading—it’s actually designed to help you become more advanced. You can jump straight into this course immediately after your Open Water certification. It’s the perfect way to build confidence under the supervision of an instructor.
How deep can I dive after this course?
While the Open Water certification limits you to 18 meters (60 feet), the PADI Advanced Open Water certification qualifies you to dive to a maximum depth of 30 meters (100 feet). This opens up a whole new world of deeper wrecks and reefs.
What is the "Advanced" theory like?
The "theory" is much more streamlined than the initial Open Water course. There is no final exam! You’ll simply complete the eLearning sections for the five specific Adventure Dives you’ve chosen and review the knowledge reviews with your instructor.
Can I do this course on my vacation?
Yes! Because the theory is done online via PADI eLearning before you arrive, the in-water portion only takes two days. This makes it a popular choice for divers looking to upgrade their skills during a weekend trip or holiday.
What if I haven't dived in a long time?
If it’s been a while since your last splash (usually 6 months or more), we recommend a quick Reactivate (Scuba Refresher) session before starting your Advanced dives. This ensures your basic skills are sharp so you can focus entirely on the new "Adventures."
Does this certification expire?
No. Like your Open Water certification, your PADI Advanced Open Water card is good for life. However, we always recommend staying active and taking a refresher if you take an extended break from the water.