PLAYA BLANCA WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Compass, Currents, Confidence — Curso Orientación in Playa Blanca
A focused 9-hour navigation workshop that combines digital theory, a classroom session and two open-water dives to teach compass and natural navigation and award the SSI Orientation Specialty.
Compass, Currents, Confidence — Curso Orientación in Playa Blanca.
Set against the volcanic shores of Playa Blanca, this concentrated navigation workshop teaches divers to use a compass, read natural cues and estimate distances under water. Across digital learning, a classroom theory session and two open‑water dives you practice basic navigation patterns and learn how to exit and return to a designated point, finishing with the SSI Orientation Specialty certification.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Compass work and natural orientation
The course focuses on practical navigation skills: how to use a compass underwater, apply natural orientation techniques and estimate distances — core tools for more confident, autonomous dives.
Two supervised open‑water dives
Theory is immediately put into practice in two open‑water dives, where you rehearse patterns of navigation and the procedures to leave and return to a designated point.
SSI Orientation Specialty on completion
Complete the program and receive the SSI Orientation Specialty certification — a credential that documents your navigation training and builds confidence for future dives.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a disciplined, skills‑driven day: a digital learning component plus a classroom theory session followed by two open‑water dives where practice consolidates the techniques. The program’s pace is designed to move quickly from concept to confined practice to open‑water application.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring your Open Water certification and the required medical certificate to present to the operator.
A medical certificate is mandatory, and you must wait at least 24 hours after your final dive before flying.
The program is delivered across roughly a full day — listed duration is 9 hours with recommended training time of 6–10 hours.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Curso Orientación take?
The program is a 9‑hour course; recommended training time is generally 6–10 hours.
What certification do I need to enroll?
You must hold an Open Water diving certification to participate.
Is there a minimum age or dive experience required?
Minimum age is 10 years; there is no minimum number of prior dives required beyond holding an Open Water certification.
How many dives are included?
The course includes two open‑water dives as the practical component.
Will I receive a certification at the end?
Yes — after completing the program you receive the SSI Orientation Specialty certification.
Do I need any medical paperwork?
Yes — you must present a medical certificate to participate, and remember to allow at least 24 hours after diving before flying.