Advanced Open Water Certification (2 Days - 5 Dives)

The PADI Advanced Open Water certification includes 5 adventure dives across a 2-day course. Required dives include deep diving (to 100ft/30m) and underwater navigation. Three additional elective specialty dives are selected based on your interests — options at Catalina include night diving, peak performance buoyancy, fish identification, and more.

Yes. Advanced Open Water Diver builds directly on your Open Water certification, so you'll need to bring proof of that certification to get started.

Open Water certification is the only prerequisite. The Advanced course is designed as the natural next step after Open Water and is achievable by any certified diver who is comfortable in the water.

You'll complete five Adventure Dives that introduce you to different diving specialties, helping you build confidence, try new skills, and log more dives with a PADI instructor by your side.

Yes, a solo/private class option is available at a different rate if you'd prefer one-on-one instruction.

dvanced Open Water training typically introduces divers to deeper diving as one of the Adventure Dive specialties, building toward the standard PADI Advanced-level depth rating. Please confirm specific depth limits with your instructor.

Flying too soon after scuba diving can be dangerous and may lead to decompression sickness. Divers Alert Network (DAN) guidelines recommend waiting at least 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive before flying or driving above 1,000 ft (305 m) elevation, and longer if you complete multiple dives. Please check with your instructor before making travel plans.

You can dive with facial hair, but it may prevent a tight seal between your mask and face, which can let water leak in. Shaving your mustache beforehand is often recommended, or you can apply petroleum jelly or chapstick along the mustache line to help create a seal.

You can't wear glasses under a dive mask, but contacts work well and are often the best option for clear vision underwater. Prescription masks are welcome if you have your own, since rental shops typically don't carry them.

Many common sunscreens contain chemicals that damage coral reefs and marine life. Please use a reef-safe, non-nano mineral sunscreen, and avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, or parabens. Sun-protective clothing like a rash guard is a great alternative.

All dives are led by PADI-certified instructors who guide you through both the topside briefing and your time in the water.

The kelp forest at Casino Point is home to garibaldi, kelp bass, sheepshead, moray eels, octopus, and even giant sea bass. Visibility here regularly exceeds 50 feet, making it one of the best shore diving spots for spotting marine life in Southern California.