Open Water Certified – Now What?

You’ve earned your Open Water card—congrats! Now the real fun begins. Many new divers ask the same question: what’s the next step? That’s where two popular options come in: SDI Advanced Adventure and SDI Advanced. While the names sound alike, each course gives you a very different path forward.

SDI Advanced Adventure

Think of Advanced Adventure as a “sample platter” of diving. It gives you a taste of new dive skills while keeping things light and fun. The course includes two required dives—Deep and Navigation—and three elective dives chosen from what’s best in the water at the time. Electives may cover areas like underwater photo, drift, search and recovery, or wreck diving.

One of the main perks is that this course often clears you to dive up to 100 feet. It’s a great way to expand your range and explore new dive settings. While not a full specialty cert, it’s the easiest way to try out different diving paths before you commit to more in-depth training.

SDI Advanced Diver

The Advanced Diver certification is where you truly step into the role of an advanced diver. To earn this card, you need 25 logged dives and four full SDI Specialty courses. This means you’re not just trying out new skills—you’re mastering them.

The Advanced Diver path helps you hone in on your skills, gain real confidence, and build a strong base in safe dive planning. It’s also the ideal stepping stone if you see yourself moving on to pro-level training, such as Divemaster or Instructor.

Which is Right for You?

• Advanced Adventure: Best if you want a quick way to explore new dive disciplines and gain depth clearance.
• Advanced Diver: Best if you want to refine your skills, log more dives, and earn a full advanced rating.

Ready to take the next step?
Visit us online at divearizona.com or give us a call at (480) 881‑4013. We’ll help you pick the course that matches your dive goals!