Become a Certified Diver

Get your passport to the underwater world with the globally recognized SSI Open Water certification.

Learn in the Wild Pacific

Trade the classroom for the ocean. Train on vibrant reefs surrounded by nature in Bahía Solano.

Safety & Confidence

Small groups (max 4 students) and patient SSI Instructors ensure you learn at your own pace.

A License for Life

Earn a certification valid worldwide, forever. Your adventure starts here.

The Complete Experience

We handle the details—premium gear, lunch onboard, and your Ankla Azul welcome pack are included.

SSI Open Water Diver Course in Bahía Solano — Get Certified

This is where your underwater life begins. The SSI Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular entry-level scuba certification. Over 3 to 4 days in Bahía Solano, you will transform from a land-dweller into a confident, certified diver capable of exploring the ocean down to 18 meters (60 feet) anywhere in the world.

Start Your Course

Where Adventure Runs on Fins

Take your first breath underwater and explore the wild Pacific.

What Is The Open Water Course?

It is a comprehensive training program that combines modern digital learning with real-world skills. Unlike a “Try Dive,” this course earns you a permanent license. You will learn the science of diving, how to assemble and use your gear, how to solve problems underwater, and how to dive safely with a buddy. Upon completion, you will receive a digital SSI certification card recognized globally (ISO certified).

What you’ll do (step‑by‑step)

Step 1: Secure Your Spot & Start Learning: Book your course with a 30% deposit, and we will immediately unlock your SSI Digital Learning materials. You can start reading and completing the quizzes at home before you even pack your bags!
Step 2: Confined Water Training (Pool/Shallow): We start in calm water to practice essential skills—clearing your mask, buoyancy control, and safety drills—until you feel completely comfortable.
Step 3: Open Water Dives 1 & 2: The real adventure begins! We head out on the boat to a local reef to apply what you learned in the ocean.
Step 4: Open Water Dives 3 & 4: You’ll refine your skills, practice hovering, and enjoy the marine life. This is where you truly become a diver.
Step 5: Final Exam & Certification: A quick review of your knowledge, and then… Congratulations! You are now an SSI Open Water Diver.

Book Your Course

Who it’s for (requirements)

Age: Minimum 10 years old (Junior Open Water) or 15+ (Adult Open Water).
Swimming Skills: You must be able to swim 200 meters (any style, no time limit) and float/tread water for 10 minutes.
Health: You must complete a standard Medical Questionnaire. (If you answer “Yes” to any condition, a doctor’s clearance is required).
Commitment: Willingness to read the materials and have fun learning!

New to the Pacific? We’ve got your back. We handle the navigation and currents so you can relax, drift at your own pace, and focus entirely on the magic around you.

Next level:

Advanced Adventurer

Don’t stop now! The SSI Advanced Adventurer is the perfect follow-up. It gives you a taste of 5 different specialty areas (like Deep Diving, Navigation, or Night Diving) and certifies you to go down to 30 meters.

Get Advanced Certified

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take?

Usually 3 to 4 days. If you complete the eLearning before you arrive in Bahía Solano, we can focus purely on the water sessions!

Is SSI different from PADI?

They are both members of the WRSTC and ISO certified. Your SSI certification is recognized by every PADI dive shop in the world (and vice-versa). The quality depends on the instructor—and ours are the best.

Do I need to buy gear?

No. We provide high-quality rental gear for the course. However, we highly recommend buying your own mask and snorkel for the best fit and hygiene.

What if I can’t swim well?

You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete, but for your safety, basic swimming ability is required (200m swim + 10 min float).

Can I fly after the course?

You must wait 18–24 hours after your last dive before flying. Please plan your return flight accordingly!

More FAQ

Need Help Starting Your Journey?

It’s normal to have questions before your trip. Here’s what we can help with:

- - Medical Form: Unsure if a past injury affects your eligibility?
  - Schedule: Have a tight travel itinerary and need to check dates?
  - Referral: Did you do your pool work at home and want to finish the ocean dives here? (Ask for a “Referral Course”).
  Don’t guess—just ask. Send us a message, and our instructors will put your mind at ease.

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What Divers Say

300+Reviews

Nicole Reynolds

“I spent three days with the Ankla Azul team for scuba diving and it was an incredible experience… Ja, the main dive master and instructor, takes pride in his diving excursions and it’s clear he has a huge love for Bahia Solano and the wildlife here.”

Magda K

“The dive center impressed us a lot – the equipment was top quality, making every dive comfortable and safe… Besides scuba diving, we had the chance to try freediving, which at the waterfall was an absolutely unique experience.”

Vinha Damanta

“I did 3 dives with the guys from Ankla Azul and all three were great… The diveshop gives much attention to safety and following the right procedures which gives you a very safe feeling. They have excellent gear almost new do they kit you out like a pro.”

Gloria Guillin Cuello

“This time, I did my first dive with Ankla Azul and three other friends. The experience was spectacular, from the beginning of the training to the practice session. Our instructor demonstrated kindness and knowledge, providing us with a safe guide.”

Adèle B

Absolutely amazing experience! The dive was unforgettable, we could hear the whales singing underwater the entire time… The team at Ankla Azul is super professional, the equipment is top quality, and everything felt very safe and well-organized.”