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- La Escuela Del Sol rated "excellent" by travelers
Apply 3 months in advance and save $50
on 3 week and $100 on 4 week programs!!
Use promo code: EarlyApp12 to receive this discount.
*Discount will not apply retroactively if code
is not used on application.*
We'll give you a HIGH 5 if you give us a:
There are only 8 spaces available in each session. Please book early to guarantee enrollment.
**Scuba certification programs require a minimum of 2 weeks at LEDS.**
The Central Pacific Ocean is home to many different reefs, the majority of these are made of volcanic and coral formation with depths ranging between 8 and 35 meters (25 - 115 feet). The temperature of the water varies between 26 and 29 degrees Celsius (78 - 84 F) with a visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters (30 - 100 feet) depending on the season.
There are numerous dive sites all along the coast, including in and around Tortuga Island, famous for its excellent visibility and large variety of coral and tropical fish. Each day, we make a careful selection of our dive sites based on changes in currents and visibility among other factors. Our 32 foot boat is fully equipped with dive and safety equipment, indoor cabin, bathroom, kitchen and sundeck.
"The instructors were the greatest strengths. The dive locations were amazing, but if I hadn't been made so comfortable in the water those wouldn't have mattered."
TEach day is a different experience and the fish you see will vary. That said, we commonly see several of the following: Spotted Eagle and Manta Ray, Zebra, Jewel and Fine-spotted Moray Eels, Blue-spotted and Golden Jacks, Trumpet Fish, Rainbow Runner, Blue-and-Gold Snapper, Spotted and Rainbow Scorpionfish, Bloody Frogfish, Mexican Goatfish and Mexican Hogfish (not making this up!), Bicolor Parrotfish, Angelfish, Pacific Boxfish, Spotted Sharpnose and Spotted Green Puffer, Freckled and Spotted Porcupinefish, as well as White Tip Sharks (non-aggressive), Dolphin, Starfish and many more surprises around every corner!
Aquarius – This site gets its name from the huge quantity and variety of tropical fish which surround divers during their immersion (I think they meant to name it "Aquarium"). The area is comprised of canyons and large elephant ear corals. The depth varies between 3 and 30 meters which makes this site an excellent spot for divers of all levels of experience.
Bye Bye Reef – This exciting dive follows a current between large volcanic rock walls on the eastern tip of Tortuga Island. Here you will come across many Spotted Jacks, Manta Rays and Eagle Rays.
Cocalito –In front of the famous "El Chorro" waterfall, this area offers three different sites with between 8 and 16 meters depth. Here you will swim through clouds of tropical fish and White Tip Reef Sharks (non-aggressive).
Cañones – This site was appropriately named for the numerous canyons that cover the ocean floor. In the caves you will find many lobsters, various types of Moray and Parrotfish. The depth ranges from 5 to 30 meters and has excellent visibility. It is also common to see Giant Turtles and Southern Stingrays.
La Chancha – Located at the mouth of Bahia Ballena (Whale Bay), this site is famous for its incredible Gorgonias, Scorpion Fish and Eagle Rays found at depths of 8-24 meters.
Franklin Chang – This recent ship wreck lies at a depth of 23 meters, with its top reaching up to 17 meters below the surface. It is quickly attracting more and more marine life including hundreds of different Snappers and Jacks.
We offer the CMAS 1 Star Diving Certification, recognized as the equivalent of PADI's Open Water Diving Certification
CMAS began as the world's first international diver training organization, under the guidance of the late, great, Jacques Cousteau. While its popularity has been surpassed in recent times by PADI Dive Centers, CMAS has managed impressively to grow to a membership of over one hundred countries. Additionally, it is important to note that CMAS and PADI are not mutually exclusive companies, as each association recognizes the other and offers dives and courses to certificate holders of both companies.
CMAS takes diver training seriously and places the utmost emphasis on three key areas: safety, diver competence and marine conservation. To insure quality instruction, CMAS programs provide comprehensive training at both the diver and instructor levels. According to the official website: "CMAS programs are based on a system of teaching and mentoring that when combined produce divers who are superior in knowledge, skills and abilities. As a result of this comprehensive training, CMAS divers are not only safe and competent in the water, but are also more appreciative of the marine environment."
Once certification is obtained, you will be able to enjoy fun dives at CMAS and PADI dive centers throughout the world!
Week 1
Monday - 2.5 hours of classroom instruction
Tuesday - 2.5 hours of classroom instruction
Wednesday - 3 hours in training pool
Thursday - 3 hours in training pool
Friday - 2 hours in training pool - Review and Skills Assessment Test
Saturday - 2 open water dives
Sunday - 2 open water dives
Week 2
Monday - Day off from Scuba/Alternate dive day
Tuesday - Last open water dive for certification (early morning or late afternoon)
Wednesday - Fun Dive (2 tanks; early morning or late afternoon)
Thursday - Fun Dive (2 tanks; early morning or late afternoon)
Friday - Day off from Scuba/Alternate dive day
Please note that due to weather, logistical and sometimes unforeseen constraints, we may alter the above schedule to complete the course in the most efficient and safest manner possible.
The content of your classroom study will include, but not be limited to, the following:
Course aims and administration
Introduction to diving equipment
Elementary signals
Pressure/volume relationship
Principles and use of Scuba
Basic physiology
Buoyancy devices
Diving suits and ancillary equipment
Equipment Care
Self rescue and buddy rescue
Safe diving practices
Site selection and conservation
The content of your practical lessons will include, but will not be limited to:
Intro to equipment
Scuba and snorkeling skills
Rescue skills
Scuba skills review
Scuba skills assessment
Please see our Rates and Dates page for program fees and schedules.
Guided waterfall hike
13 nights accommodation at La Escuela Del Sol
Theoretical and Practical Scuba Training
Copy of Scuba course on CD-ROM
Basic CPR training
6 Scuba dives
Snacks and drinks on boat
Official certification card in hand before you leave
Fire show (most weeks)
Optional zip line canopy tour or guided horseback riding to private waterfalls
2 hours of Spanish classroom instruction, M-F
2 hours of applied learning (in class or outside), M-F
Spanish books and instructional materials
Theoretical and Practical Scuba Training
Copy of Scuba course on CD-ROM
Basic CPR training
6 Scuba dives
Snacks and drinks on boat
Official certification card in hand before you leave
Guided waterfall hike
13 nights accommodation at La Escuela Del Sol
Snacks and drinks on boat
Fire show (most weeks)
Optional zip line canopy tour or guided horseback riding to private waterfalls
Includes all features of 2 Week Program plus:
1 more week's accommodation (20 nights total)
1 more week of Spanish classes
Optional fun dives (1 tank $60; 2 tanks $90)
Includes all features of 3 Week Program plus:
1 more week's accommodation (27 nights total)
Another week of Spanish classes
Bonfire party
90 minutes of Hatha Vinyasa-style Yoga daily (M-F)
Guided waterfall hike
Theoretical and Practical Scuba Training
Copy of Scuba course on CD-ROM
Basic CPR training
6 Scuba dives
Snacks and drinks on boat
Official certification card in hand before you leave
13 nights accommodation at La Escuela Del Sol
Fire show (most weeks)
Optional zip line canopy tour or guided horseback riding to private waterfalls
Includes all features of 2 Week Program plus:
Includes all features of 2 Week Program plus:
1 more week's accommodation (20 nights total)
1 more week of Yoga classes (M-F)
Optional fun dives (1 tank $60; 2 tanks $90)
Includes all features of 3 Week Program plus:
1 more week's accommodation (27 nights total)
1 more week of Yoga classes
More optional fun dives
90 minutes of Hatha Vinyasa-style Yoga daily (M-F)
Surfboard rental
Introduction to surfing on beach for beginners
2 hours of surfing instruction on Playa Grande, M-F
Theoretical and Practical Scuba Training
Basic CPR training
6 Scuba dives
Snacks and drinks on boat
Official certification card in hand before you leave
13 nights accommodation at La Escuela Del Sol
Fire show (most weeks)
Optional zip line canopy tour or guided horseback riding to private waterfalls
Includes all features of 2 Week Program plus:
7 more nights of accommodation (20 nights total)
1 more week of surfing
Optional fun dives in 3rd week (1 tank $60; 2 tanks $90)
Optional class on third Friday to allow for extended travel
Includes all features of 3 Week Program plus:
7 more nights of accommodation (27 nights total)
1 more week of surfing
Optional fun dives in 4th week (1 tank $60; 2 tanks $90)
Bonfire party
4th week graduation bonfire
90 minutes of poi instruction, on beach, in park or covered veranda, M-F
Free set of practice sock poi
2 fire shows by Eli (2 chances to light up if ready)
Introduction to fire safety if lighting up
Guided waterfall hike
Week 1: Daily Scuba instruction in classroom, pool, beach or boat
Weekend Scuba diving from boat
Week 2: Finish last dive for certification plus 2 fun dives during week
7 total Scuba dives
Basic CPR training
Snacks and drinks on boat
Official certification card in hand before you leave
13 nights accommodation at La Escuela Del Sol
Optional zip line canopy tour or guided horseback riding to private waterfalls
Includes all features of 2 Week Program plus:
more nights of accommodation (20 nights total)
1 more week of Poi classes (M-F)
3rd fire show by Eli (chance to light up if ready)
Optional fun dives (1 tank $60; 2 tanks $100)
Includes all features of 3 Week Program plus:
1 more week of Poi classes
More optional fun dives
Bonfire party - chance to light up if ready
The following articles were written by friends but are of little importance for the prospective participant. Read at your own risk!:
Fun Vacations - Surfing and Scuba Diving
