Specialty Scuba Courses in Puerto Rico

Master New Skills & Expand Your Diving Abilities

Call Us to Learn More and Schedule
(787) 890-6071

GO BEYOND BASIC CERTIFICATION!

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Take Your Diving to the Next Level with Specialty Certifications

Learn New Skills & Explore Exciting Dive Environments

Looking to sharpen your skills, increase your confidence, and unlock new diving opportunities? Our SSI specialty courses allow you to tailor your diving education to your interests. Whether you want to dive deeper, improve your buoyancy, explore currents, or experience the ocean at night, we have a course for you.

These hands-on, adventure-focused courses expand your knowledge while giving you real-world experience in Puerto Rico’s best dive sites.

Available Specialty Courses

  • Deep Diving – Learn to safely explore depths down to 130 feet (40 meters) while managing air consumption and pressure effects.
  • Night Diving & Limited Visibility – Discover the magic of the ocean after dark and learn to navigate in low-light conditions.
  • Waves, Tides, and Currents – Master diving in strong currents and varying water conditions, essential for drift diving and ocean exploration.
  • Navigation – Develop advanced underwater navigation skills using a compass and natural references to confidently find your way.
  • Perfect Buoyancy – Fine-tune your buoyancy control to improve air consumption, streamline movement, and protect marine life.
  • Diver Stress and Rescue * – Learn essential techniques for preventing and managing dive emergencies, helping both yourself and other divers.
  • Science of Diving * – Gain a comprehensive understanding of diving physics, physiology, and equipment, required for professional-level diving.
  • Nitrox (Enriched Air Diver) – Extend your bottom time and reduce nitrogen absorption by learning to dive with enriched air.
  • Boat Diving – Learn the best practices for diving from boats of all sizes, including entry techniques and safety procedures.
  • Search & Recovery – Develop skills to locate and retrieve lost objects using search patterns and lift bags.
  • DPV/Scooter – Experience the thrill of underwater propulsion with a Diver Propulsion Vehicle for covering large distances effortlessly.
  • Equipment Techniques – Get hands-on knowledge about dive gear maintenance, troubleshooting, and setup to keep your equipment in top shape.

* Diver Stress and Rescue and Science of Diving are not included in the Advanced Open Water Bundle.

Earn Your Advanced Open Water Certification

Completing four specialty courses is the key step to earning your Advanced Open Water Certification. If you’re looking to level up your diving skills, our Advanced Open Water Bundle makes it easy and affordable.

Learn more about the Advanced Open Water Certification →

Why Get Specialty Certified?

  • Dive in new environments & conditions
  • Increase your confidence & safety skills
  • Expand your certification depth limits
  • Prepare for Advanced Open Water & Divemaster training

Our specialty courses are flexible and personalized, allowing you to train at your own pace while having an unforgettable underwater experience.

Ready to Start?

Let us know which specialty interests you, and we’ll customize your training experience! Call Us at (787) 890-6071 to Learn More and Schedule.

Ready to specialize?

Call us:
(787) 890-6071

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Lelah Wright

Owner / Manager / human Resources

Lelah is a seasoned business manager originally from Georgia, with extensive experience in overseeing operations and driving organizational success.

Currently handling all human resources and backend operations, Lelah plays a key role in the smooth functioning of the team.

In addition to her professional expertise, Lelah is a successful entrepreneur, owning a thriving henna business in Rincon and a jewelry business named Spiral Smith.

Outside of business, she is an accomplished drummer and the organizer of a popular monthly drum circle in Aguadilla, which has become a beloved community event.

Lelah’s combination of business acumen, creativity, and leadership makes her a dynamic and integral part of the Aquatica team.

Damian Wright

Owner / Instructor

Damian is originally from Massachusetts. He has worked on tug boats and captained fishing boats for most of his life. He is a dedicated ocean enthusiast and waterman.

With a lifelong connection to the sea, he holds certifications as both a PADI and SSI instructor, sharing his passion for diving with others.

Damian combines his deep knowledge of the ocean with a strong commitment to safety, ensuring memorable and enriching experiences in the water.

John Bradshaw

Divemaster

Originally born in Utah, I moved to Puerto Rico with my family when I was 13 and fell in love with the ocean.

I started scuba diving in 2021, and after earning my Open Water certification, I never looked back.

Now, as a Dive Master at Aquatica since December 2023, I love sharing my experience with others and helping them discover the underwater world.

Josue Varela​

Owner / Instructor

Josue was born and raised in Isabela, Puerto Rico. He is an Army Veteran and an owner of Aquatica Underwater Adventures.

While serving in the Army in Roatan, Honduras, Josue obtained his SSI Open Water Certification which fueled his obsession with the ocean.

After returning to Puerto Rico, Josue continued his dive education becoming a top SSI Open Water and Specialty Instructor.

He is also Aquatica’s resident equipment service technician.

Estefania Otero​

Divemaster in Training

¡Hola! I’m Estefanía — born and raised in Puerto Rico, where my love for the ocean (especially sharks!) started early on. That passion led me into freediving and scuba diving, and I quickly fell in love with exploring the underwater world.

I started sharing my adventures on social media, and now I’m the social media manager at Aquatica Dive Shop. I love capturing the special moments our guests experience on tours and courses, and turning them into lasting memories.

Gina Burns

Instructor

Gina has always had a love and curiosity for all things pertaining to the ocean world.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, her fascination with the water began with many childhood weekends spent at Coney Island and Rockaway Beach. She now resides in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico with her two pugs, Mia and Ava.

Gina has been an SSI Open Water and Specialty Instructor since 2021, teaching Boat Diving, Enriched Air Nitrox, Night & Limited Visibility, Perfect Buoyancy, Science of Diving, Scooter/DPV Diving, Diver Stress & Rescue, Navigation and Marine Ecology.

Roean Wright

Divemaster in Training

Hi, my name is Roean. I also go by RD. My hobbies are cliff jumping,scuba diving, and playing the bass guitar.

I am originally from the Seattle Washington area, and I have lived here since 2018.

PADI vs. SSI: Which Certification is Right for You?

At Aquatica Underwater Adventures, we offer both PADI and SSI Open Water Diver certifications, giving you the flexibility to choose the training agency that best fits your needs. Both certifications are internationally recognized and allow you to dive up to 60 feet (18 meters) worldwide. The main difference comes down to personal preference and training style.

What’s the Difference Between PADI and SSI?

Both programs cover the same essential scuba skills, ensuring you receive high-quality training that prepares you for a lifetime of diving. However, the way the courses are structured differs slightly:

  • PADI follows a more standardized approach with performance-based milestones.
  • SSI offers a more flexible learning experience that allows students to progress at their own pace.
  • Both certifications are equally recognized at dive shops and resorts worldwide.

Choosing the Right Certification for You

Your choice between PADI and SSI may come down to factors like learning style, pricing, and personal preference. No matter which program you choose, you’ll receive expert instruction, small class sizes, and a fun, hands-on learning experience.

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to help you decide which certification best suits your goals. No matter which path you take, our experienced instructors will guide you every step of the way.

Ready to start your underwater journey? Contact us today!