Five specialty scuba sessions in Tenerife, without the chaos. I like how this SSI Advanced Open Water Diver Course is built around real skill work, not just check-the-box tourism. I especially like the scuba equipment provided (so you can travel light) and the presence of a qualified PADI instructor during the water sessions. One possible drawback: it is a busy three-day push, so you’ll want to show up rested and in decent physical shape.

At the meeting point in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the vibe feels calm and organized. The team includes Roberta and Andrea, with Adam supporting, and that patience-focused attitude comes through in the way they teach. With a maximum of 8 people per booking, you’re not lost in a crowd, and you get time to ask questions and fine-tune skills.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Five SSI specialty credits spread over about 3 days, built for skill growth and confidence
• Choice of up to 15 adventure underwater specialties, including night, deep, navigation, and wreck-style options
• Gear + course learning materials included, so you do not need to haul or rent much extra
• Roberta and Andrea, supported by Adam, teach with real patience and enthusiasm (based on past participant feedback)
• Safety stays front and center, with mandatory local insurance rules and a health questionnaire
• Small-group size (max 8) means more attention and less waiting around

SSI Advanced in Tenerife: what this course is really about

This course is designed for people who already have basic open water certification and want to level up. The key idea is not just doing a few fun water moments—it’s working through multiple specialty requirements in a structured way, then earning credits that count toward specialty tracks.

What I like is that you get the freedom to steer the experience. You do not get one rigid menu. Instead, you’ll choose among a set of adventure specialty options—think night practice, navigation skills, deeper profiles, and wreck-related underwater time. That matters because it matches how people actually learn. If you’re nervous about buoyancy in low light, you can lean into the night option. If you want better situational awareness, you can focus on navigation. If you’re curious about how a deeper plan works safely, you can pick the deep-style specialty credit.

And because you’re working on SSI’s Advanced Open Water Diver Course, the goal is confidence you can carry forward—better decision-making, better control, and fewer “what now?” moments the next time you’re in the water.

Price and value: what $616.69 covers (and why it’s not just a number)

At $616.69 per person for roughly three days, the value hinges on what’s included and what you’re spared from arranging.

Here’s the practical side:

• Scuba equipment is provided, so you do not have to rent or pack a bunch of gear.
• Learning materials for the SSI Advanced course are included, which reduces your pre-trip to-dos.
• Five water sessions are included, and each one ties to a specialty credit.
• Snacks are included, which is a small thing until you’re on a schedule that starts early.

The one item to note: souvenir photos are not included. If you know you like to buy a memory shot or two, you can plan for that extra cost. If you don’t, you can ignore it and focus on the skills.

Is it “cheap”? No. But it’s also not priced like you’re paying for a guided tour on top of a course that you still have to assemble yourself. For many people, the savings come from travel light and skipping extra rentals and admin. If your goal is real progression—especially after a gap since your certification—this price starts to look reasonable fast.

Starting at Sand Club at 8:00: how the day flow works in practice

The start time is 8:00 am, with the meeting point at Sand Club, 38639 Oasis del Sur, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The experience ends back at the meeting point.

Even without an ultra-detailed hour-by-hour timetable, you can plan for a familiar teaching rhythm:

1. A briefing and setup time before you go in the water
2. The water session itself, focused on the chosen specialty requirement
3. Short turnaround for review, questions, and the next step

Because there are five specialty credits across about three days, expect repetition in a good way. That’s how skills stick. You’ll likely get time to practice and adjust rather than doing one awkward attempt and moving on.

The location also helps. The meeting point is near public transportation, which makes it easier if you’re not driving. And you’re dealing with a small group size (max 8), so the handoff from instruction to water time tends to feel smoother.

The heart of the course: five specialty underwater sessions and your choices

You’ll complete five water sessions, each tied to a different specialty. Each session counts as a valid credit toward that specialty course. That means your work doesn’t disappear after it’s done—it can support future SSI specialty progress.

The experience includes options such as:

• Night underwater session (helpful if you want calm control in low light)
• Deep-style underwater session (for learning how to plan and manage deeper profiles safely)
• Navigation underwater session (for staying oriented without guessing)
• Wreck underwater session (for learning how to approach structured environments carefully)

You also get freedom to choose from 15 types of adventure underwater sessions. That’s a big deal. Many courses lock you into a single track. Here, you can align the training with what you’re aiming to improve.

How to pick your specialties without second-guessing

If you want a simple strategy:

• Choose at least one option that addresses a skill you know you’re weak on (navigation if you lose track, night if visibility scares you).
• Add one “adventure” option you’re genuinely curious about (wreck-style or deeper profiles).
• Keep one slot for something you can enjoy even if conditions feel different that day.

This setup helps because Tenerife’s sea conditions can shift. Your flexibility means you’re not stuck with only one kind of training day.

Safety in Tenerife: insurance rules, health checks, and instructor-led control

Safety here is not an afterthought. It’s built into the requirements.

Three key rules to understand before you book:

• Diving insurance is mandatory in Tenerife. If your travel insurance does not include it, you can purchase a daily policy for 7 euros or a weekly policy for 15 euros through DiveAssure.
• You’ll be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to your underwater sessions. Certain preexisting conditions—like asthma or heart conditions—may prevent you from diving, and you should consult your doctor.
• Underwater work within 24 hours of flying is not recommended. Plan your travel so you have time for your body to adjust.

You also need a current valid passport on the day of travel.

These rules can feel strict, but they’re practical. You’re not just buying time in the water—you’re entering a course environment where risks are managed through policies, screening, and trained supervision.

And that’s where the teaching team matters. Roberta and Andrea have been praised for patience, expertise, and enthusiasm, and Adam’s support rounds out the feeling of a crew that is paying attention to what you need, not just moving everyone through a checklist.

What’s included (and what to bring) when gear is covered

A big perk is that scuba equipment is provided. That means you can pack lighter, which is especially helpful if you’re hopping islands, adding a beach day, or traveling with limited luggage space.

Included items you can plan around:

• Use of scuba equipment
• Learning materials for the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver Course
• Snacks
• A group experience that runs to an 8:00 am start and returns you to the meeting point

Not included:

• Souvenir photos (purchase optional)

What you should still prepare on your end (based on what’s missing):

• Your required personal documents (a valid passport)
• Any insurance confirmation or policy details if your travel insurance does not cover diving
• Fitness readiness: the tour lists a moderate physical fitness level expectation

If you’ve been away from open water for a while, bring a “slow is fine” mindset. The course is designed to build confidence, but you still have to do your part by showing up rested and ready to follow instructions.

Small group training: why a max of 8 people matters

A maximum of 8 travelers sounds like a small detail, but it changes the experience.

In practical terms, smaller groups tend to mean:

• more time with the instructor during key moments
• fewer long waits while you’re waiting for someone else to finish
• a better chance of keeping track of your own goals across multiple specialty credits

This is also where the Roberta, Andrea, and Adam dynamic probably makes a difference. Past participant feedback highlights patience and expertise. In a small-group format, that kind of teaching style sticks because you can actually ask, adjust, and try again.

Who should book this course—and who should rethink it

This SSI Advanced course in Tenerife is a great fit if:

• you’re Open Water certified and want structured next steps
• you want to choose from multiple specialties rather than getting one fixed track
• you prefer instruction that feels patient and encouraging
• you like having multiple opportunities to practice across several specialty credits

It may not be the best fit if:

• you’re unsure about your medical clearance and conditions are likely to be an issue on the health questionnaire
• you’re rushing through a flight schedule (since underwater work within 24 hours of flying is not recommended)
• you hate fast-paced multi-day programs and need lots of recovery time

After Tenerife: how to make your new skills travel with you

The real payoff of earning specialty credits is that it supports what you do next, whether that’s booking additional SSI specialties or simply feeling more capable on vacation.

This course style helps you:

• practice problem-solving under real conditions (night, navigation, and different underwater environments)
• improve how you plan and execute skills with more confidence
• build a skill base you can reuse when you travel to other coastlines or repeat dive-style activities

And since equipment and materials are handled for you, you can leave Tenerife with less clutter and more confidence.

Should you book this SSI Advanced course in Tenerife?

If you want an Advanced Open Water step that feels structured, safe, and flexible, I’d book it. The big reasons: you get five specialty credits, you can choose from 15 adventure underwater options, and gear + learning materials are included so your trip stays simple. The staff team—Roberta and Andrea with Adam support—has a track record of teaching with patience and enthusiasm, which matters when you’re building confidence back up.

I’d also recommend it if you’re the type who wants to do more than “just see marine life.” This is for learning: night skills, navigation awareness, and the confidence to handle different underwater scenarios.

But if you’re medically uncertain, exhausted from travel, or not ready for a packed three-day schedule, wait until you can show up fresh and cleared. That way the course can do what it’s meant to do: make you better, not just busier.

FAQ

What is the duration of the SSI Advanced course in Tenerife?

It runs for about 3 days.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Sand Club, 38639 Oasis del Sur, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the experience start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How many people are in a booking?

There is a maximum of 8 people per booking.

Are scuba equipment and learning materials included?

Yes. Scuba equipment is provided, and the learning materials for the SSI Advanced course are included.

How many specialty water sessions are included?

You get five water sessions, each from a different specialty, and each one is valid credit for that specialty course.

Can I choose which specialties to do?

Yes. You’ll be able to choose among 15 types of adventure underwater specialties, including options like night, deep, and navigation.

Is diving insurance mandatory in Tenerife?

Yes. Diving insurance is mandatory. If your travel insurance does not include diving, you can purchase a policy through DiveAssure for 7 euros per day or 15 euros per week.

Do I need to fill out a health questionnaire?

Yes. A health questionnaire is required prior to your underwater sessions, and some medical conditions may prevent you from participating.

What is not included in the price?

Souvenir photos are not included (available to purchase). Snacks and scuba equipment are included.

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