PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course
Take your diving to the next level and explore deeper waters in the magnificent Maldives
Expand Your Diving Horizons
The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is designed to improve your confidence and build on the skills you developed during your Open Water certification. This adventure-based program introduces you to deeper diving, underwater navigation, and a variety of diving specialties while exploring the spectacular reefs and marine life of the Maldives. Upon completion, you'll be certified to dive to depths of 30 meters, opening up a whole new world of diving possibilities.
Advance Your Diving in Paradise
The Maldives offers the perfect environment to advance your diving skills with its diverse underwater topography, from shallow coral gardens to thrilling drift dives, deep walls, and underwater pinnacles. Our PADI Advanced Open Water course takes full advantage of these varied conditions to enhance your diving abilities.
Unlike the Open Water course, the Advanced course is less about classroom time and more about diving experience. You'll complete five adventure dives, each focusing on a different specialty, with minimal theory sessions. This hands-on approach makes the course both educational and incredibly enjoyable.
Our experienced PADI instructors will guide you through each adventure dive, helping you master new skills while ensuring your safety and comfort. The course is flexible, allowing you to choose specialties that interest you most, making your certification experience personalized and exciting.
Course Highlights
- Certification: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
- Age Requirement: 12 years minimum
- Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent
- Course Duration: 2-3 days
- Required Dives: Deep dive & Underwater Navigation
- Elective Dives: Choose 3 from multiple specialties
- Maximum Depth: 30 meters after certification
- Theory: Minimal classroom time, mostly in-water training
Course Structure & Timeline
Our PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is typically completed over 2-3 days, with five adventure dives and brief knowledge reviews before each specialty dive.
Orientation & First Dives
Course Introduction & Adventure Dives
Begin with a course orientation and knowledge reviews for your first two adventure dives. Complete two specialty dives, typically starting with Peak Performance Buoyancy and Underwater Naturalist.
- Course materials review
- Equipment setup and checks
- Peak Performance Buoyancy dive
- Underwater Naturalist dive
- Logbook completion
Deep & Navigation Dives
Required Adventure Dives
Complete the two required adventure dives: Deep Diving and Underwater Navigation. These essential skills form the foundation of advanced diving.
- Deep diving knowledge review
- Deep dive (up to 30m)
- Navigation knowledge review
- Underwater Navigation dive
- Skill practice and assessment
Final Adventure Dive
Specialty Completion & Certification
Complete your final adventure dive from your chosen specialty. Review your course performance and receive your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
- Final specialty knowledge review
- Fifth adventure dive
- Course debrief and evaluation
- Certification processing
- Advanced diving opportunities discussion
Prerequisites & Requirements
The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course builds on your existing diving skills and knowledge, with straightforward prerequisites.
Age Requirements
Minimum age 12 years for PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
- 12-14 years: Junior Advanced Open Water Diver (with depth restrictions)
- 15+ years: Full Advanced Open Water Diver privileges
- Parental consent required for divers under 18
Certification
Must be a certified PADI Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification from another training organization).
- PADI Open Water Diver
- PADI Junior Open Water Diver
- Equivalent entry-level certification from another agency
- Proof of certification required
Medical Clearance
Complete a medical questionnaire and obtain physician approval if any medical conditions are indicated.
- PADI Medical Statement completion
- Physician approval if required
- Disclosure of any changes since Open Water certification
Learning Materials
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver materials provide brief knowledge development for each adventure dive.
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Manual
- Adventure dive knowledge reviews
- RDP (Recreational Dive Planner)
- Logbook
Choose Your Adventure Dives
The PADI Advanced Open Water course includes five adventure dives. Two are required (Deep and Navigation), and you can choose three more from the specialties below. Each dive gives you a taste of a different diving specialty.
Deep Diving
Experience diving between 18-30 meters and learn how to manage the additional challenges of deeper diving, including nitrogen narcosis, air consumption, and no-decompression limits.
Underwater Navigation
Master compass navigation and natural navigation techniques to improve your underwater orientation skills and dive planning abilities.
Fish Identification
Learn to identify the incredible variety of fish species in the Maldives, enhancing your appreciation of marine life and underwater ecosystems.
Underwater Photography
Capture the beauty of the Maldives' underwater world with basic underwater photography techniques and composition skills.
Drift Diving
Experience the thrill of drift diving in the Maldives' channels, learning how to safely use currents to your advantage while exploring vibrant reefs.
Wreck Diving
Explore the fascinating underwater world of shipwrecks, learning proper techniques for safe wreck diving and appreciation of these artificial reefs.
Night Diving
Discover the magical underwater world after dark, when different marine creatures emerge and familiar sites transform into new landscapes.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Fine-tune your buoyancy control for better air consumption, less environmental impact, and more comfortable diving experiences.
Underwater Naturalist
Gain a deeper understanding of underwater ecosystems, marine life behavior, and environmental interactions in the Maldives' rich coral reefs.
What's Included in Your Course
Our comprehensive PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course includes everything you need for a successful certification experience in the Maldives.
Professional Instruction
Experienced PADI instructors provide expert guidance throughout your five adventure dives and knowledge development sessions.
Complete Equipment
All diving equipment provided including mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, and tank for all training dives.
Learning Materials
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver manual, adventure dive knowledge reviews, and specialty materials for your chosen dives.
Certification Card
Official PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification card recognized worldwide, issued digitally and physically.
Boat Transfers
Transportation to all dive sites via traditional dhoni or modern dive boat, including all marine park fees.
Underwater Photos
Complimentary underwater photos of your adventure dives to commemorate your achievement and share with friends.
Course Pricing & Packages
Choose from our flexible pricing options designed to accommodate different budgets and preferences for your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
Standard Package
Complete PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course with all essentials included for your certification.
- 5 adventure dives
- All equipment rental
- PADI course materials
- Certification processing
- Boat transfers
- Professional instruction
Premium Package
Enhanced experience with additional dives and premium services for the ultimate certification experience.
- 5 adventure dives + 2 fun dives
- Premium equipment
- Underwater photography
- Marine life guide book
- Certification celebration
- Specialty course discount
Combo Package
Complete both Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses together for maximum value.
- Open Water certification
- Advanced Open Water certification
- All required dives
- Complete equipment
- All course materials
- 10% discount on next specialty
Your PADI Advanced Certification
Upon successful completion of the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, you'll receive internationally recognized certification that significantly expands your diving opportunities worldwide.
Worldwide Recognition
PADI certifications are recognized and accepted at dive centers and resorts in over 180 countries around the world.
Digital Certification
Receive your digital certification card immediately upon completion, with physical card mailed to your address.
Diving Privileges
Certified to dive with a buddy to maximum depth of 30 meters, accessing deeper sites and more diverse marine environments.
Continuing Education
Eligible for PADI Rescue Diver course and specialty courses to further develop your diving skills and knowledge.
Specialty Credits
Your adventure dives count toward the first dive of the corresponding PADI Specialty courses if you decide to pursue full specialty certification.
Logbook Experience
Five more logged dives toward your diving experience, helping you qualify for more advanced courses and diving opportunities.
Safety & Standards
Safety remains our top priority for the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, especially as you explore deeper waters and new diving environments.
Emergency Procedures
Comprehensive emergency action plans, first aid equipment, and emergency oxygen available on all training dives.
Qualified Instructors
All instructors are PADI certified professionals with extensive experience in the Maldives' diverse diving conditions.
Equipment Standards
All diving equipment is professionally maintained, regularly serviced, and meets international safety standards.
Communication
Boats equipped with VHF radio, GPS, and emergency communication devices for immediate assistance if needed.
Book Your PADI Advanced Open Water Course
Ready to take your diving to the next level? Complete the form below to reserve your spot in our next PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course.
Frequently Asked Questions
The course typically takes 2-3 days to complete, depending on your schedule and the dive sites we visit. It includes five adventure dives with minimal classroom time. The course can be completed over consecutive days or spread out during your vacation.
You can enroll in the Advanced Open Water Diver course immediately after completing your Open Water certification. There's no minimum number of dives required between courses. In fact, taking the Advanced course soon after Open Water is beneficial as it builds on your skills while your initial training is still fresh.
No, the Advanced Open Water course has minimal classroom time compared to the Open Water course. Each adventure dive has a brief knowledge review that you complete before the dive, but the majority of learning happens underwater during the actual dives. This makes the course very practical and enjoyable.
The Deep Dive (18-30m) is one of two required dives for the Advanced Open Water certification. However, our instructors are experienced in helping divers overcome depth anxiety. We'll work with you progressively and ensure you're comfortable before increasing depth. If you're very concerned, we recommend discussing this with your instructor before the course.
Yes! While Deep Diving and Underwater Navigation are required, you can choose the other three adventure dives from the available options. We'll discuss your interests and the current conditions to help you select the most suitable and enjoyable specialties for your course.
An adventure dive is a single dive that introduces you to a specialty area of diving. A full specialty course typically involves 2-4 dives focused entirely on that specialty, with more comprehensive training. Your Advanced Open Water adventure dives can count as the first dive of the corresponding specialty course if you decide to pursue full certification later.
Continue Your Diving Journey
Further Education Options
- Specialty Courses: Deepen your skills in areas that interest you most
- Rescue Diver: Learn to prevent and manage diving emergencies
- Enriched Air (Nitrox): Extend your bottom time and reduce nitrogen loading
- Master Scuba Diver: The highest non-professional rating in recreational diving
- Divemaster: Begin your professional diving career
Recommended Next Course:
The PADI Rescue Diver course is an excellent next step, developing your emergency prevention and management skills while making you a more confident, capable diver.
Advanced Diving in the Maldives
- Access deeper sites with spectacular marine life
- Explore thrilling drift dives through channels
- Dive with whale sharks, manta rays, and sharks
- Experience liveaboard expeditions to remote atolls
- Participate in advanced diving opportunities
- Join underwater conservation projects
Best Advanced Diving Sites:
With your Advanced certification, you can now explore legendary Maldives dive sites like Victory Wreck, HP Reef, and Fushi Kandu.
Elevate Your Diving Experience
Join thousands of divers who have enhanced their skills with the PADI Advanced Open Water course in the Maldives. Discover deeper sites and new diving adventures!
Book Your Course Now