2 Days SSI Advanced Open Water Course in Boracay

Two days, way more confidence in the water. In Boracay, the SSI Advanced Open Water course builds on your SSI Open Water with guided skill practice and new activity options, so you feel steadier and more at ease underwater.

I love the clear teaching I kept seeing in the reviews, including instructors Brian and Max. I also like that SSI Digital Learning sets you up ahead of time, so you arrive knowing the basics and can focus on building real comfort.

One thing to consider: private transportation is not included, so plan how you will get yourself to the DiveGurus Boracay meeting point on time.

Key highlights you should know

• SSI Digital Learning prep: you start with online coursework before your first day in the water
• All equipment and daily meals included: use of scuba equipment plus lunch for 2 days
• Small groups: capped at 10 travelers, which usually means more attention
• Instructor-chosen adventure options: you and your instructor select from SSI’s Adventure activity menu
• Two useful focus chapters available: night sessions and underwater navigation prep are built into the materials
• Clear, safety-first coaching: reviews repeatedly mention straight-to-the-point explanations and feeling well cared for

Boracay’s advantage: a short course with real momentum

Boracay is a great place to take an 2-day upgrade course because it matches how scuba training actually works. You want progression you can feel right away, not a long, stretched-out schedule. This 2-day SSI Advanced Open Water format is designed to boost your confidence and help you get more comfortable with “what if” situations, under the guidance of an SSI instructor.

The course also makes sense for people who already have a basic certification. Your open water course taught you the fundamentals. This one pushes you to use those skills more confidently while adding new adventure-style activities chosen with your instructor.

You will start and end at the same meeting point, which helps a lot. After the last session, you are not stuck coordinating extra transport just to get back to where you began.

The prerequisite and the online start you should not skip

To enroll, you need an SSI Open Water certification (or an equivalent from another training organization). That is the real gate. If you are not certified yet, this course is not the right next step.

Here is the part you should treat seriously: begin the SSI Open Water course online as part of SSI Digital Learning. The training materials cover foundational knowledge for seven popular Adventure activity options. Even though your instructor can still choose different activities, the idea is consistent: do the prep so you spend more time practicing and less time figuring out concepts on the spot.

Think of the online portion as a confidence builder. It gives you mental hooks for what you will see and do during your underwater sessions. And if you already know what you want to work on, the digital chapters can point you in that direction.

Day 1 at DiveGurus Boracay: getting set up and building comfort

Your course starts at DiveGurus Boracay on Sitio Ambulong Rd, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines. The activity hours listed run Monday through Saturday, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, so you can expect a schedule that fits morning departures and daytime training blocks.

The center provides the scuba equipment, which matters more than you might think. A good equipment setup is half the battle in feeling comfortable and stable underwater. Having it included also means you do not have to spend time shopping, packing, or worrying whether rental gear will fit the way your instructor prefers.

With a maximum of 10 travelers, you should also expect more direct attention during briefings and time in the water. Smaller groups help because instructors can watch your body position, breathing rhythm, and decision-making closely, then adjust instruction without rushing.

What does Day 1 usually feel like? Plan on:

• gear checks and fitting
• instructor-led briefings tied to your chosen adventure options
• guided underwater practice aimed at confidence and skill improvement

The course description emphasizes boosting comfort in the water, not just completing tasks. So the “win” for Day 1 is usually you feeling more settled, more relaxed with your buoyancy and control, and clearer on what to focus on next.

Lunch is included for the full 2 days, so you can keep your energy up without hunting for food between sessions.

Day 2: more chances to apply the skills you learned

Day 2 continues the same theme: more guided practice, more confidence, and more opportunities to try different adventure-style training activities. Since the instructor and you select activities from SSI’s Adventure option menu, the exact mix can vary based on your level, comfort, and what the day conditions allow.

Even with variation, the structure stays valuable:

• you keep building on the fundamentals you already have
• you keep learning new ways to enjoy scuba, not just repeating the same exercise
• you get feedback while you still remember what you felt in the moment

The best part of a short course like this is momentum. If Day 1 shows you the path, Day 2 is where you start trusting yourself more. You are not starting over from scratch. You are practicing with enough repetition to feel the change.

You finish back at the meeting point. That makes the whole two days feel contained, which is a plus in Boracay, where traffic and timing can eat into your plan.

Night sessions and navigation: the two chapters worth planning for

The SSI Digital Learning materials include specific chapters that are easy to target based on your goals. Two of the most practical ones mentioned here are:

Night-session training options

If you are interested in night sessions, you can use the night diving chapter in your online coursework as prep. Night training is not only about seeing differently. It also encourages calm pacing, controlled breathing, and tighter awareness of your surroundings. Even if you have never done night underwater work before, prep helps you understand what to expect before you are in the dark.

Underwater navigation focus

If you feel unsure about finding your way underwater, the underwater navigation section is there for a reason. Then you can choose the navigation Adventure activity with your SSI instructor. Navigation practice turns into a confidence skill you can use for future trips, because it helps you manage stress and plan your movements instead of guessing.

If your goal is confidence, both of these topics can deliver. They push mental control as much as physical control, which is exactly what an advanced course should do.

Instructors at DiveGurus Boracay: clear explanations and real care

This is where the reviews really earn their shine. Across the feedback, the most repeated theme is teaching that stays clear, direct, and supportive.

Brian is specifically praised for explanations that are super clear and straight to the point. That style matters. In scuba training, long lectures can feel like extra pressure when you should be focused on the next briefing. Clear steps help you commit to the right technique quickly.

Max is mentioned as taking really good care of a student who does not dive often. That detail is important for you if you are returning to the water after time away. The whole point of this course is comfort. If your instructor helps you feel safe and watches your control closely, you are more likely to enjoy the process instead of just enduring it.

There is also a broader picture in the reviews: the team is experienced, supportive, and takes time to help people grow. One review mentions training toward Divemaster at the same center, which signals they are not just doing one-off certifications. They have a longer training pathway, which usually means more consistent coaching culture.

Price and value: $490, and what you actually get for it

The price is $490.00 per person for the 2-day course.

Here is how I look at value in training costs:

• You get equipment use included, so there is no surprise rental fee.
• All fees and taxes are included, which helps prevent the “nice price” that turns into a bigger price at checkout.
• Lunch is included for 2 days, which reduces day-of hassle and keeps you fueled between sessions.

The one cost item clearly not included is private transportation. That is normal for courses like this, but it matters for your total budget. If you are staying close and using public transportation, you may barely notice it. If you need a dedicated transfer, your true all-in cost goes up.

For most certified divers, the included items make the price feel straightforward. You are paying mainly for instruction, structure, and equipment support. The time is short, so you get results fast.

Getting there and group logistics that keep your day smooth

Your meeting point is fixed: DiveGurus Boracay on Sitio Ambulong Rd. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you do not have to scramble after the final session.

Two logistics points matter:

1. You are near public transportation, which can make early pickup easier.
2. The course has a maximum of 10 travelers. That small cap can make coordination more reasonable, especially if your schedule is tight while you are island-hopping or bouncing between beaches.

My practical advice is simple: show up early enough to handle any last-minute gear prep and paperwork without rushing. Even if the training runs well, you will feel calmer if you start calmer.

Who should book this course (and who should reconsider)

Book this course if:

• you already have SSI Open Water (or equivalent) and want more experience fast
• you want instructor support while you practice advanced skills
• you are returning after a break and want structured coaching to rebuild confidence
• you want to choose between specific focus areas like navigation or night-session training

You might reconsider if:

• you are not yet certified at the open water level
• you cannot make the two-day schedule work
• you do not have a plan for getting to the meeting point, since private transportation is not included

This course also makes sense for people who want a longer training track. The center seems to support divers going toward Divemaster-level growth, based on the coaching culture in the reviews.

FAQ

FAQ

What certification do I need to take the SSI Advanced Open Water course?

You should have an SSI Open Water certification, or an equivalent qualification from another training organization.

Do I need to do any online training before the course starts?

Yes. The info says you should begin the SSI Open Water Certification course online as part of SSI Digital Learning so you have the foundational knowledge for the adventure options.

What does the 2-day course include?

It includes use of scuba equipment, all fees and taxes, and lunch for 2 days.

Is lunch provided during both days?

Yes, lunch is included for both days.

Is private transportation included?

No, private transportation is not included.

Where does the course start and end?

It starts at DiveGurus Boracay on Sitio Ambulong Rd, Boracay Island, Malay, 5608 Aklan, Philippines. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

What hours is the activity available?

The listed hours are Monday to Saturday, 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Changes within 24 hours are not accepted.

Should you book this 2-day SSI Advanced Open Water course in Boracay?

If you already hold open water certification and want a fast, structured confidence boost, I think this is a solid booking. The value is strong because equipment, fees, and lunch are included, and the small group size should keep instruction personal. The reviews also point to a coaching style that is clear and caring, with instructors like Brian and Max getting specific praise.

Just be honest about logistics. Arrange your transport to the meeting point, and come with your SSI Digital Learning prep started. If you do that, you will get the main benefit this course is aiming for: feeling more at ease in the water while adding new skills you can use on future trips.