
SSI Open Water Diver Course
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 44 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is SSI Open Water Diver Course worth booking?
SSI Open Water Diver Course is a 72-hour experience in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, from $705 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 44 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (44)
- Duration
- 72 hours
- From
- $705 per person
TamaDive is focused on safety and personalized service. Don’t worry about anything; that's our job! In this 3 days course you will learn the basics of diving. During the first day, you will watch some diving videos and practice basic diving skills in the pool with your instructor. On the second day, you will discover the wonderful underwater fauna of Costa Rica in 2 open water dives while applying everything learned in the first day. And, on the last day, you will do the last 2 dives and take the final exam, thus consolidating everything seen before.
What you get
About this experience
TamaDive is focused on safety and personalized service. Don’t worry about anything; that's our job! In this 3 days course you will learn the basics of diving. During the first day, you will watch some diving videos and practice basic diving skills in the pool with your instructor. On the second day, you will discover the wonderful underwater fauna of Costa Rica in 2 open water dives while applying everything learned in the first day. And, on the last day, you will do the last 2 dives and take the final exam, thus consolidating everything seen before.
What's included
Included
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- Use of SCUBA equipment
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Scuba instructor
Not included
- Tips
- Sun protection (hats, sun screen etc.)
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Tamarindo
Meeting time is 6.15am
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Meeting time is 6.15am
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TamaDive Dive Center
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 44 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
44 verified traveler reviews for SSI Open Water Diver Course. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience
Amazing experience. I did the Open Water course. Honestly, I felt really comfortable since the very beginning. Everyone was really friendly, helpful and competent. The experience itself was awesome. Really nice boat trip to the islands. Underwater crazy amount of sea life. Highly recomendable experience. The environment on the boat is really calm and friendly all the instructors are very professional and they are open to answer questions and help. Super happy with the whole adventure.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you felt comfortable right from the start and enjoyed the Open Water course. It’s great to know our team’s friendliness and professionalism made such a positive impact on your experience. The boat trip, the calm atmosphere onboard, and the incredible marine life are exactly what we love to share with our divers — so we’re delighted you appreciated it all. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to the instructors. We’d be happy to welcome you back anytime for more underwater adventures!
via Tripadvisor
So much fun!!
Such a fun experience diving with the folks at TamaDive! The whole team is kind and so much fun! Saw some great ocean critters as well, they know great dive spots. Looking forward to diving with them again 🤙
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a fun time diving with our crew. The team will be delighted to know their kindness and energy made the adventure even better, and it’s great that you got to see some amazing ocean life at their favorite spots. We can’t wait to welcome you back for more underwater discoveries!
via Tripadvisor
Professionalism, attentiveness, and a genuine commitment to safety.
I confidently rate TamaDive 5 out of 5. From the moment I arrived, I was met with professionalism, attentiveness, and a genuine commitment to safety. My friend and I completed the SSI Open Water Diver Course with Gonzalo, and throughout the entire experience, I felt safe, well-guided, and completely at ease under his instruction. We even returned to have one last dive before going home. Truly an unforgettable experience. 5/5.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🌊 We’re thrilled to know that from the moment you arrived you felt the professionalism, attentiveness, and commitment to safety that we strive for every day. It’s fantastic that you and your friend completed the SSI Open Water Diver Course with Gonzalo and felt safe and confident under his guidance. We’re also delighted you chose to return for one last dive before heading home — that truly shows how much you enjoyed the experience. Your words mean a lot to the whole TamaDive team, and we’re honored to have been part of such an unforgettable adventure. We hope to see you again and to keep We hope to see you again very soon to continue exploring the underwater world together!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Open Water Course with Gonzalo
I completed my Open Water certification here and had a great experience. The training was excellent from the very beginning – we were very well looked after and everything was explained clearly. Our instructor Gonzalo was professional, calm, and very attentive. He took great care of us underwater, which made the dives feel safe and relaxed. The overall communication with TamaDive was also very satisfying. They always replied quickly, were well organized, and everyone on site was very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended – I would definitely dive here again!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re delighted to hear that your Open Water certification felt safe, clear, and enjoyable from start to finish. Gonzalo will be thrilled to know his professionalism and care made such a positive impact on your dives. We also appreciate your kind words about our communication and organization—it means a lot to our whole team. We’re honored by your recommendation and can’t wait to welcome you back for more adventures beneath the surface!
via Tripadvisor
Great Exerience
The folks at TamaDive are a wealth of knowledge and fun. Instructor Miguel especially instills the level of confidence and understanding to make the feat of diving much more enjoyable and safe. The staff go above and beyond each day with planning and looking for fun opportunities, going as far as to pick me up from my rental each morning. It was an unforgettable experience
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that you found our team to be both knowledgeable and fun, and that Miguel helped build your confidence and understanding, making your dives enjoyable and safe. We’re glad our team could go the extra mile, from planning exciting opportunities to picking you up each morning. It’s wonderful to know that your experience was unforgettable. We hope to see you again for more adventures!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 72 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by TamaDive Dive Center, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.7.
See everything TamaDive Dive Center runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
SSI Open Water Diver Course: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tamarindo.
How much does SSI Open Water Diver Course cost?
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Prices start at $705 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tamarindo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does SSI Open Water Diver Course take?
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Plan for about 72 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tamarindo is not rushed.
Is SSI Open Water Diver Course worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 44 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tamarindo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule SSI Open Water Diver Course?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is SSI Open Water Diver Course suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 72-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book SSI Open Water Diver Course?
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Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tamarindo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tamarindo and add a light layer if any part of the 72-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does SSI Open Water Diver Course start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tamarindo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Tamarindo?
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On Outty we rank every Tamarindo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Surf Lesson in Tamarindo - Stand Up or Your Money Back!, Sunset Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour in Playa Flamingo, Fundive Catalina Islands (2 dives, only for certified divers). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Tamarindo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Tamarindo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in SSI Open Water Diver Course?
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Included: Carbonated beverages; Bottled water; Use of SCUBA equipment; Snacks; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Tips; and Sun protection (hats, sun screen etc.). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does SSI Open Water Diver Course include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 23 listed pickup locations in and around Tamarindo. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is SSI Open Water Diver Course offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for SSI Open Water Diver Course?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is SSI Open Water Diver Course wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to SSI Open Water Diver Course if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about SSI Open Water Diver Course?
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Across 44 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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