Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone from 10 years old and upwho has the necessary health to perform physical activity.

You can dive, but you must provide a written medical approval that is signed and sealed by your treating doctor.

You can dive all year round in Bahía Solano! The main attractions simply change with the seasons.

• Cool Water Season (March - April): This is the main cool water season (average 23°C), featuring the massive sardine migration, which attracts many large pelagic animals.
• Guitarfish & Ray Season (December - April): This is the best season to spot guitarfish and rays.
• Whale Shark Season (March - May): This is the peak season for spotting whale sharks.
• Warm Water Season (July - October): This season has warmer water (average 29°C) and is famous for the humpback whale migration. You can hear them singing on almost every dive and see them from the boat, and you may encounter them underwater.

The marine life depends on the season, but you can always expect to see large schools of fish, which are a main attraction of the Pacific. All the fishes that we register in our fish ID are from the region. You can check them out at FIsh ID.

This changes with the seasons. During the Warm Water Season (Jun-Mar), it's around 29°C (84°F) with visibility from 15-25 meters. During the Cool Water Season (Mar-May), it can drop to 23°C (73°F) and visibility might be lower, but this is when the big animals like whale sharks and guitarfish are around!

We provide 3mm and 5mm long wetsuits, which are comfortable for most of the year. If you tend to get cold, you are welcome to bring your own hood or vest, especially during the cool water season.

We recommend bringing a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, drybag, a hat, and any personal items you need at your own resposiblility. We provide snacks and drinks (sandwish, water, coffee, and juice), but you are welcome to bring your own reusable water bottle.

The dive time depends on your air consumption and the no-decompression limits. Dives typically last between 45 minutes and one hour.

Absolutely. All our dive guides are active, certified SSI Professionals, some with thousands logged dives (Divemasters or Instructors) with extensive local knowledge and a strong focus on safety.

Yes, all our diving, freediving, and snorkeling services include local dive insurance for your peace of mind. You can read more about our insurance company here.

We do not charge extra for photos taken during the dives. We only ask that you help us grow by leaving a review of your experience on Google or Tripadvisor.

We do not charge extra for photos taken during the dives. We only ask that you help us grow by leaving a review of your experience on Google or Tripadvisor.

Yes! We offer introductory "Try Freediving" mini-courses for beginners and guided practice sessions for certified freedivers. See our "For Freedivers" section below for more details.

Yes! They can join the boat as a snorkeler. They will be on the same boat and can snorkel at the dive site while we are diving.

Bahía Solano is in a tropical rainforest, so rain is common. Our services are only affected by thunderstorms. The instructor makes the final decision to cancel on the same day based on conditions.

Yes. If the instructor decides the outing is not viable, we will first try to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, we will refund 100% of your advance payment. For more details, see our full Cancellation & Refund Policy.

You must wait 12 hours after a single dive or 18 hours after multiple dives before ascending to high altitudes. A 24-hour wait is recommended. You can check more information at DAN.org.

We offer the Mini Diving Course, also known as Try Scuba or Discover Scuba Diving. It's an introductory experience that lasts one morning and is perfect for beginners. You can find more information on our Try Diving page.

• Reserva tu cupo: elige tu fecha y recibe un eBook gratuito de SSI Try Scuba para revisar antes de tu llegada.

• Encuentro y bienvenida (07:00): firma los formularios, elige tu talla de equipo y disfruta de una charla relajada sobre cómo funciona todo.

• Práctica en piscina: da tus primeras respiraciones bajo el agua, aprende algunas habilidades simples y siéntete cómodo.

• Paseo en bote: un recorrido corto y pintoresco hacia un sitio tranquilo elegido según las condiciones del día.

• Inmersión guiada en el océano (máx. 12 m): tu instructor se encarga de la flotabilidad y la navegación mientras tú disfrutas del paisaje.

• Cierre y snacks: celebra, revisa las fotos y planea los siguientes pasos, con un breve avistamiento de ballenas durante el tiempo en superficie.

Your dive is limited to a maximum depth of 12 meters (40 feet). This is the safe, international limit for this introductory experience. However, the actual depth will depend on the dive site, the day's conditions, and most importantly, your personal comfort level. Your instructor will be with you every moment, managing your depth so you can simply focus on breathing and enjoying the view, and not exceeding 12 meters.

• eBook SSI Try Scuba (antes de tu llegada)

• Inmersión guiada en el océano (máx. 12 m / 40 ft)

• Sesión interactiva en aula (introducción a lo básico)

• Sesiones de práctica en piscina (habilidades y comodidad)

• Paseo en bote y apoyo en superficie (sitio elegido según las condiciones del día)

• Instructor SSI certificado (máx. 1:2; completamente guiado, sin prisas)

• Equipo completo incluido (máscara, snorkel, aletas, traje, BCD, regulador, lastre, tanque)

• Seguro de buceo

• Tasty snacks & refreshing drinks (sandwish, water, coffee, and juice)

• Tarjeta de reconocimiento digital (SSI Try Scuba)

The "single" course includes one dive in the sea. The "double" course includes a second dive at a different dive site after you have your snack on board.

Fun Dive" is the standard term for a guided diving excursion for divers who are already certified. It's not a course; it's all about exploring and enjoying the underwater world. Our standard Fun Dive package includes two dives (a "double dive"). Learn more at our Fun Dives page.

This is a special package for certified divers who want to experience the best of both worlds. It "combos" our standard Fun Dive (2 dives) during the day with our thrilling Night Dive (1 dive), all at a discounted package price. Learn more at our Fun Dives page.

Any diver certified by an international diving agency.

Any certification level is welcome. Bahía Solano offers a wide range of dive sites that adapt to different levels.

We have over 10 beautiful dive sites just 30-60 minutes from our center. The exact sites are chosen by your instructor on the day of the dive based on your certification level, the group's experience, and the day's weather and sea conditions to ensure the best, safest dive.

We believe in personalized service and safety. Our groups are small, and we group divers by certification level and experience whenever possible. You will always be led by an active, certified SSI Professional.

• Junior Open Water: 12 meters (40 ft).

• Open Water Diver: 18 meters (60 ft).
• Advanced Open Water Diver: 30 meters (100 ft). This can be extended to 40 meters (130 ft) only if you have the Deep Diving specialty.

Yes, Bahía Solano has two shipwrecks. To dive them, you must be an Advanced Open Water diver or have the Deep Diving specialty.

• 2 or 3 ocean dives (Exploring stunning dive sites)

• Viaje en lancha y apoyo en superficie

• Expert Dive Guide (To discover hidden gems and marine life)

• Full rental gear (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, weights, tank, bouy SMB) (if needed)

• Seguro de buceo

• Tasty snacks & refreshing drinks (sandwish, water, coffee, and juice)

• Exclusive Ankla Azul dive sticker & log sheet (if needed)

Yes, you must show your certification credential, either the physical card or an online version. If you don't have it, we can usually find you online with your diver number or email.

You must complete a refresher before diving with us. You have 3 options:

1. At Home: Complete a refresher in your city and bring the signed PADI/SSI skills form, or have your instructor email us.

2. With Us (Pool): Do a pool refresher with us. This can be done at 7:00 am on the same day as your dive for an additional cost.

3. With Us (In-Sea - Advanced Only): If you are an Advanced diver, you can choose a skills evaluation in the sea before the first dive. Please be aware: If you do not pass this evaluation, you will not be able to dive, and your money will not be refunded. We strongly recommend the pool option for safety.

No. Our services are designed for you to get the most value, so we do not offer single dives. Our standard service is a double dive (two dives) with a snack included.

Yes. You must have a night diving certification or be an Advanced diver who has completed the night adventure dive. The meeting time is 5:00 pm. You can find more information on our Night Dive in Bahia Solano page.

This is an exclusive adventure for Advanced Open Water Divers to remote sites about 2 hours by boat from Bahía Solano. It includes two exclusive dives, snacks, and a full lunch at Playa Piñá.

A diving certification is like a driver's license for the underwater world. It proves you have learned the necessary knowledge and skills to dive safely. Our certifications are through SSI (Scuba Schools International), are recognized worldwide, and last for life.

Try Scuba is a one-day experience to let you try breathing underwater with an instructor. The Open Water Diver course is a full certification course (typically 4 days) that teaches you all the skills to dive independently (with a buddy) anywhere in the world, usually up to 18 meters (60 feet).

We offer courses through SSI (Scuba Schools International).

This is your first full certification and your "gateway to the ocean". It's your passport to exploring the underwater world. It's typically a 4-day course where you'll build confidence and master essential dive skills under the guidance of our experienced instructors. Bahía Solano is the perfect place to learn with warm tropical waters and vibrant reefs.

• Materiales de Aprendizaje Digital SSI

• Pool Training Sessions

• 4 Ocean Dives

• Expert Instructor Guidance
• Full Rental Gear Provided
• Seguro de buceo
• SSI Open Water Certification (Your lifetime diving passport)
• Pacific Diver T-Shirt & Pacific Diver Cap
• Lunch on board

This course, also known as the Advanced Adventurer, is designed to 'take your underwater adventure to the next level' and enhance your diving skills. It's typically a 2 or 3-day course where you complete 5 "Adventure Dives." You must complete the Deep Exploration y Navegación Subacuática) dives, and then you can choose three more that interest you (like Night Diving, Perfect Buoyancy, or Fish ID). It allows you to explore deeper, build confidence, and experience new types of diving.

• SSI Digital Materials

• 5 Ocean Dives (Deep and Navigation are mandatory)

• Expert Instructor Guidance

• Full Equipment Rental Included

• Diving Insurance

• SSI Advanced Open Water Certification

• Pacific Diver T-Shirt & Pacific Diver Cap

• Lunch on board

his course makes you a safer, more prepared diver who can help others in critical situations. You will learn to anticipate and manage emergencies, prevent accidents, handle stressful situations with confidence, and master techniques to help fellow divers in distress. It’s about boosting your confidence and being ready for any situation underwater.

• Materiales de Aprendizaje Digital SSI

• Open Water and Pool Training (rescue simulations)

• Expert Instructor Guidance

• Full Equipment Rental

• SSI Rescue Diver Certification (recognized worldwide)

• Lunch on board (during training days)

This is your first step into the professional diving world. This course takes you from being a recreational diver to becoming a "professional leader" in the ocean, capable of guiding others and turning your passion into a career.

• SSI Digital Materials

• Open Water and Pool Training

• Mentorship from Expert Instructors

• Full Equipment Rental

• Professional SSI Dive Master Certification

• Lunch on board (during training days)

• At least 15 dives

Your reservation is only confirmed after you do two things:

• Complete the online booking form on our website.

• Transfer a 30% deposit and send us proof of payment.

The 30% deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances.

• Weather Cancellation: If the instructor cancels the dive due to bad weather (thunderstorms), we will first try to reschedule. If that's not possible, you will receive a 100% refund of your deposit.

• For all other situations, please review our complete Cancellation & Refund Policy.

The remaining balance must be paid in full before the diving service begins.