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.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
6:30 AM
Next available
Tue, Nov 3
Adult (ages 10–80)
$705
In demand: 27 of the next 30 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
SSI Open Water Diver Course
Pickup included
What's included
Included
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
Use of SCUBA equipment
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Scuba instructor
Not included
Tips
Sun protection (hats, sun screen etc.)
Pickup Locations & Times
We can pick you up at your place for free as long as it is in Tamarindo or Langosta. We will always contact you the day before the activity about pick up.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
44 reviews
5
44
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Tamarindo
Rated higher than 75% of 159 reviewed tours in Tamarindo
Excurgo comparison of 507 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
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
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does SSI Open Water Diver Course take?
SSI Open Water Diver Course lasts about 3 days.
How much does SSI Open Water Diver Course cost?
Prices start at $705 per person for this Tamarindo experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does SSI Open Water Diver Course run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 6:30 AM.
Does SSI Open Water Diver Course sell out?
It can: 27 of the next 30 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel SSI Open Water Diver Course for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We can pick you up at your place for free as long as it is in Tamarindo or Langosta. We will always contact you the day before the activity about pick up. Pickup points include Costa Rica Surf Club.
What languages is SSI Open Water Diver Course offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 4 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Is SSI Open Water Diver Course worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 44 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by TamaDive Dive Center.
Reviews(44)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
J
Juan B
May 14, 2026 · via 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.
Operator response
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!
M
Martijn E
May 1, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
With family open water dive certificate passed.
Clear explanation nice atmosphere at dive center good material and on your first dive
Seeing puffer fish, whitetip sharks and even a giant manta is unforgettable. Good explanation of gusto had fine instructor patient and calm.
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It’s fantastic to hear you enjoyed the clear explanations, the welcoming atmosphere at the dive center, and the quality of the equipment. Spotting puffers, white‑tip sharks, and even a giant manta on your very first dive during the course is truly unforgettable! We’re glad Gonzalo made the experience even better with his patient and calm instruction. We’d love to have you back for more amazing underwater adventures!
S
samwA3696ZT
April 23, 2026 · 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 🤙
Operator response
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!
M
mairiist
April 9, 2026 · 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.
Operator response
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!
S
svenwF8202UM
January 30, 2026 · 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!
Operator response
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!
7
732aymerica
January 22, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Magic extraordinary fantastic
A top team, a professional and very friendly attendant in an extraordinary place. From sharks a Ramaa of fish by thousands of starfish a truly fairy tale. Many thanks to the whole team for its professionalism and warm welcome. I recommend with enthusiasm.
Operator response
Merci infiniment pour ce superbe retour! Nous sommes ravis que votre expérience ait été si magique et que notre équipe ait su rendre cette sortie féerique. 🐠✨ Votre satisfaction est notre plus belle récompense, et votre enthousiasme nous touche beaucoup. Au plaisir de vous accueillir à nouveau pour de nouvelles aventures extraordinaires ! 😊🌊
O
O2767KSlaurak
December 20, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Unique
Great souvenir and amazing experience, the team is really top and welcoming! I highly recommend the Tamadive experience!
Operator response
Merci beaucoup pour votre superbe avis ! Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez vécu une expérience incroyable avec nous et que notre équipe ait su rendre votre moment agréable et accueillant. Votre recommandation nous touche beaucoup. Au plaisir de vous revoir pour une nouvelle aventure avec TamaDive ! 🌊🤿✨
L
lukecG5629QH
August 21, 2024 · 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
Operator response
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!
L
louisat444
June 29, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Could not recommend it more!!!
Oh my gosh one of the best experiences of my life! My friend and I did the three day open water scuba diving course. We were initially apprehensive about it being a SSI and not PADI qualification but we soon realised it doesn’t matter as you can still dive anywhere in the world with a SSI qualification the same as the PADI. We had the amazing Miguel as our instructor and he was truly the best teacher. He was so informative and patient, a real pro. We did a total of two pool sessions and four ocean dives. We were so lucky to get to see a manta ray up close on our first dive and then even more amazing a whale shark on our second dive. Our last two dives consisted of seeing lots of reef shark, turtles, ocutpus and so much more. Could not recommend Tamadive more, truly the best experience.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your incredible experience! We're delighted to hear that your three-day open water scuba diving course with us was one of the best experiences of your life. It's wonderful that you felt confident with the SSI qualification and realized its global recognition. We're thrilled that you enjoyed the instruction and guidance during your pool sessions and ocean dives. Seeing a manta ray and a whale shark on your first dives sounds absolutely magical, and we're glad you had such diverse and exciting marine life encounters throughout your course. Your high recommendation means the world to us. We hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable dives.
K
kinvaral2024
June 25, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Loved it !!
Cannot recommend TamaDive enough !! My friend and I chose it do get open water certified and loved it. At first we were unsure about SSI over PADI but it really doesn’t seem to matter as you can still use it anywhere in the world for diving. We had Miguel as our guide for the theory and the 4 dives. He was great - a complete pro and very reassuring. We also got super super lucky as on our first dive we got up close with a giant manta ray, closely followed by our second where we saw an amazing whale shark !! The other dives were great too as we saw lots of beautiful fish, octopus, turtles etc. big thank you to the whole team for a wonderful experience 🫶
Operator response
Thank you so much for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you and your friend had such a fantastic experience getting your open water certification with us. It's great to know that you found the certification process smooth and enjoyable, regardless of the agency. We're especially happy to hear about your incredible encounters with a giant manta ray and a whale shark on your dives – what an amazing start to your diving journey! We're glad you enjoyed the rest of your dives and the diverse marine life you encountered. A big thank you from the entire team for choosing us and for your kind words. We look forward to seeing you again for more underwater adventures!
