Advanced Open Water

The SSI Advanced Open Water Diver course offered by Buceo España in La Herradura (Granada) is designed to elevate your diving capabilities beyond the foundational Open Water certification. This program focuses on practical skills and real-world diving scenarios, aiming to increase your confidence and competence in various underwater environments. You will undertake five specialized dives, including deep dives and underwater navigation, pushing your depth limit to 30 meters (approximately 98 feet) as per SSI standards for this level. The course emphasizes improving buoyancy control, dive planning, and gas management, preparing you for more challenging dives. All necessary diving equipment is provided, ensuring you have the right gear for exploring the rich waters of the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park.

La Herradura, situated within the protected Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park (ZEC), offers an exceptional diving environment. The waters here benefit from the confluence of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, fostering a diverse ecosystem. While specific visibility figures are not provided, the protected status of the park generally ensures good underwater conditions. The sea temperature in La Herradura varies throughout the year, ranging from approximately 14.4°C (58°F) in January to a pleasant 28.8°C (84°F) in August, with an annual average sea temperature of 18.6°C (65.5°F). This range allows for comfortable diving experiences during different seasons, though warmer months are generally preferred for extended bottom times.

Buceo España provides training in multiple languages, including German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, and Russian, catering to a diverse international clientele. While specific instructor-to-student ratios are not detailed, the emphasis on personalized feedback suggests small group settings. The center's commitment to high-quality training is evident in its SSI certification. The location within a ZEC not only provides excellent diving but also instills an appreciation for marine conservation efforts among participants. This course is a vital step for divers looking to expand their horizons and unlock new underwater adventures.

To enroll in the Advanced Open Water Diver course, you must hold a certification equivalent to SSI Open Water Diver or a recognized agency's entry-level certification. A recent medical statement confirming fitness for diving is also required. The course includes all required dive gear, but students are encouraged to bring their own mask, snorkel, and fins if they prefer. The curriculum is structured to build upon your existing skills, introducing you to new techniques and dive planning strategies that will be invaluable for future dives. This training is a prerequisite for many further specialty courses and advanced dive trips.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be certified by SSI as an Advanced Open Water Diver, enabling you to participate in dives to greater depths and in a wider variety of conditions. This certification is a significant milestone, opening doors to specialties such as wreck diving, night diving, or even technical diving pathways. It signifies a progression in your diving education, equipping you with the knowledge and practical experience to explore more of the underwater world with increased autonomy and safety. The skills learned in La Herradura will serve as a solid foundation for a lifetime of diving exploration.