Reviewed · SCUBA DIVING IN SAN ANDRÉS
4 Hour Private Activity, Two Tank Diving in San Andres
A private two-tank scuba outing in San Andrés is a fun way to pack real underwater time into a half-day schedule. You get depth choices tied to your certification, plus a plan that can shift with the day’s conditions.
I especially like that your first and second underwater sessions are matched to what your certification level allows. I also like the flexibility, because the team chooses different underwater spots depending on the weather.
One possible drawback is that the experience can hinge on instructor style. In one case shared with me, the participant struggled with breathing rhythm and felt instructor patience was lacking, specifically with instructor Boris, so communication matters.
Key things to know before you book

- Two underwater sessions in about 4 hours, with your certification setting the depth limit
- Weather-driven site selection, so you are not stuck with one plan no matter what
- Private transportation plus scuba gear and a wetsuit, which keeps the morning simple
- Underwater computer included, helpful for staying organized and monitoring your profile
- Strong satisfaction signals: 4.9 average rating, 95% would recommend
- Photo and video are not included, but a photo purchase option may come up after the outing
A four-hour private two-tank scuba plan in San Andrés
If you want more than a quick snorkel and you do not have a full day to spare, this is built for you. The format is straightforward: two separate underwater sessions, run over roughly four hours, with the depth set by your certification. That matters in the real world, because it keeps the outing aligned with your training level instead of turning it into a one-size-fits-all experience.
This program is also private in the sense that it is meant for your group. In practice, one person described starting with an instructor one-on-one and then continuing with additional divers later, so you should treat private as your main base, not a promise that you will be totally solo the entire time. Still, the early support can be a big deal if you want calm check-ins before you go underwater.
The provider is Escuela de Buceo Sea Pride. It is the kind of operation that expects serious participants, not first-time curiosity seekers, and that tone comes through in the safety and eligibility notes.
More Scuba Diving in San Andrés
- San Andres: Scuba Diving Experience with Hotel Pickup
★ 4.8 · 192 reviews - Private Diving Experience for Beginners in San Andres Islands
★ 5.0 · 176 reviews - Discovering Diving / Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)
★ 5.0 · 138 reviews
8:30 AM setup, transport, and what the morning feels like

The start time is 8:30 am, and the outing runs about four hours. What you get for that block of time is a tightly scheduled morning: you will likely be picked up or meet in a spot that is easy to reach by public transportation, then head out with private transportation to the launch area.
Once there, the equipment side is handled for you. Included gear plus a neoprene suit means you are not spending your morning figuring out sizes and wrestling parts you barely recognize. You also get an underwater computer, which is one of those “small” inclusions that actually changes how relaxed you feel. When someone is guiding you and your profile info is displayed and tracked, you are less likely to lose track of time or depth details while you focus on breathing and buoyancy.
You should plan for a morning rhythm, not a long sightseeing hangout. Between the first and second underwater sessions, you will have time for gear adjustments and breaks, plus snacks. That snack piece matters more than it sounds, especially because you are going to be focused and breathing steadily, and then you will want a bit of fuel before the second session.
Picking the right underwater spots: wildlife, caves, and the names that hint at the style

Here’s the smart part: you are not locked into one location. The plan allows for different underwater spot options based on meteorological conditions. That is a practical approach in San Andrés, where wind, swell, and visibility can change the experience more than many people expect.
You may visit spots such as:
- Wildlife
- Be Pride
- Nirvana
- Villa Erika
- West View
- Massaly Caves
- Blue Diamond
You should treat these names as clues, not guarantees. For example, Massaly Caves likely signals a more structured underwater environment, where you may spend more time around formations rather than just open water. “Wildlife” suggests a biological angle, but marine life levels can still vary a lot by day and site. “West View” sounds like it could emphasize viewing angles and underwater perspective.
Because the depth is tied to certification, the team will adjust what you can do physically and how far down you go. That means your best experience is not just about picking the “prettiest” name, it is about choosing a spot that matches your comfort level and the day’s conditions.
Depth limits and certification based planning

This outing is specifically designed for certified participants, or people who have already had some scuba experience. The key promise is that you can dive to the depth your certification level allows.
For you, that translates to less uncertainty. Instead of guessing how aggressive the route is or whether the instructor will ask you to do something beyond your training, the plan is structured around your certification. If you are between levels, that matters because the safest “middle ground” is usually communication about what you are comfortable doing before you get in the water.
If you want to get the most out of it, come prepared with a clear idea of your certification and comfort boundaries. When you tell the instructor what you practiced most recently, you help them set expectations for breathing rhythm, buoyancy control, and how quickly you should be able to settle once you are underwater.
More diving near San Andrés:
- Aquanautas Helmet Diving in San Andres
★ 4.5 · 120 reviews - Under a sea of adventures, unforgettable diving.
★ 5.0 · 62 reviews - 4 Hour Scuba Diving Course in Tayrona Park
★ 5.0 · 30 reviews - One-Day Diving Mini Course – Discover Scuba Diving
★ 5.0 · 25 reviews
Equipment, wetsuit, snacks, transport, and the value math
At $80.27 per person, the value depends on what you would otherwise have to pay for on your own. Here, you are not just buying access, you are buying a package that covers key friction points.
Included items:
- Scuba equipment
- Neoprene suit
- Snacks
- Private transportation
- Health insurance
- Underwater computer
Not included:
- Photo and video service
The most practical value additions are the gear and neoprene suit. If you have ever tried to rent a wetsuit in a hurry, you know how quickly that can drain a vacation morning. Here, the team handles it so you can focus on being comfortable and ready.
Next, the underwater computer helps you and your instructor run a profile safely and calmly. Even if you are confident in your skills, having that tool in the loop reduces guesswork. And health insurance included is another quiet win, because you are spending your money on experience instead of adding extra admin tasks.
The one item you should plan for: if you want photos, budget extra. This is not included, though there may be an option to purchase photos after the sessions. If capturing the moment matters to you, ask about photo availability at the end of the outing.
Instructors and communication: what to watch for (including one Boris caution)
This is where the human factor really shows. One account I took seriously described strong communication and skilled guidance, with the instructor style feeling clear and supportive. That is the difference between “cool experience” and “I felt safe and in control.”
But another account had the opposite vibe at first. The participant, on their second time with scuba, worked one-on-one with instructor Boris and felt the instructor lacked patience when they struggled to find a breathing rhythm. Later, the group joined two other divers. The participant also reported a weight belt issue while removing equipment, which landed on the foot and caused swelling, though the team provided ice to help.
So here is your practical takeaway:
- If breathing rhythm is still new for you, say so early.
- Ask for a slower setup and a clear explanation of equipment handling.
- Pay attention during weight belt placement and removal, and speak up immediately if anything feels off.
A good operator does not just hand you gear. They coach you through the little moments that can make you tense. Clear communication plus patience helps you relax, and relaxation helps everything underwater work better.
Marine life expectations: plan for variety, not perfection
Marine life is never guaranteed, even when the conditions look great. In one shared experience, the participant felt the marine life was underwhelming because there were not many fish. That does not mean the sites are empty. It means you should manage expectations like a local: some days deliver more visible wildlife than others.
I like how this outing is designed around different possible underwater spots. If one location does not deliver the wildlife you hope for, another might, depending on conditions. Still, you should not book this thinking it is a guaranteed fish parade.
If you want the best shot at meaningful sightings, focus on being steady in the water. When you stay calm and buoyant, you spend more time looking and less time fighting position. Also, ask your instructor what you should watch for at your specific spot that day, because their local read can guide your attention better than guessing from names.
Practical safety notes you should read before your slot
Before you go, take the safety and eligibility list seriously. This is not the kind of activity to wing.
Important notes included with the experience:
- You should have moderate physical fitness.
- Do not travel in the next 18 hours after finishing your underwater session.
- Do not go underwater if you consume medication with more than 150 mg.
- It is not recommended for people with recent operations or surgeries of 3 to 6 months.
- It is not suitable for people with epilepsy.
- Service animals are allowed.
I think the biggest “don’t mess around” item is the 18-hour travel restriction. If your schedule has you catching a flight or taking long rides immediately afterward, it can derail the purpose of the trip. Build in recovery time.
Also, if you are taking any medication, double-check the 150 mg rule before you commit. This is exactly the kind of instruction that sounds overly specific until you realize it is about risk control and safe limits.
Weather matters, and flexibility protects your day
This program requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. In other words, the operator is not trying to force it no matter what.
For you, this is a good sign. When a scuba operation is honest about weather, your safety and comfort improve. It also means you should keep your San Andrés schedule flexible if possible. If your trip is rigid, you might want to book this early, so you have time to reschedule if conditions do not cooperate.
Price, scheduling, and how far ahead you should plan
This outing is booked on average about 12 days in advance. That tells me two things: it is popular, and it likely has limited spots that align with the group and weather planning.
At $80.27 per person for a private, two-tank, gear included, four-hour experience, the price feels reasonable because many common extras are already covered. The main “extra” you might add is photo and video, since those are not included.
If you are the type who hates last-minute logistics, booking ahead is smart. If you are traveling with friends and want everyone to have the same instructor flow, you also want to align schedules early.
Should you book this two-tank scuba outing in San Andrés?
Book it if you fit the target group: you are certified or you have some scuba experience, and you want a half-day plan that gives you two separate underwater sessions without turning the day into a complicated logistics puzzle. I also think it is a solid value if you care about having gear, neoprene suit, snacks, private transportation, and an underwater computer handled for you.
Think twice or ask extra questions before you go if you are still working on breathing rhythm and get anxious easily. One experience tied to instructor Boris included communication and patience concerns, so it is worth being direct about what helps you feel comfortable. Also, if you are hoping for major marine life every time, set expectations for variability since sightings can differ by site and day.
If you book, go in prepared with your certification details, be clear about your comfort level, and pay attention during equipment checks. With the right instructor fit, this is the kind of morning that can turn into a real highlight of your San Andrés trip.
FAQ
How long is the private two-tank scuba activity in San Andrés?
It is about 4 hours.
What time does it start?
The start time is 8:30 am.
What is the price per person?
It costs $80.27 per person.
Is this for certified scuba participants?
Yes. It is special for certified divers, or people who have had some experience or other.
What is included in the price?
Included items are scuba equipment, snacks, a neoprene suit, private transportation, health insurance, and a dive computer.
What is not included?
Photo and video service is not included.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It is described as a private tour/activity, with only your group participating.
What happens if weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
Recently reviewed around San Andrés
- San Andres Underwater Tour with Glass Bottom★ 2.5 · 15 reviews
- Bahia Tour, visit to the aquarium, bathing stops in San Andres.★ 4.5 · 15 reviews
- Sunrise Tour at San Andres Natural Aquarium★ 5.0 · 18 reviews
- Tour in Pontoon to the Aquarium Bahia Palito, Mangroves, Rocky Cay★ 3.0 · 21 reviews
- Private Pontoon Tour in San Andrés★ 5.0 · 34 reviews
- Private Pontoon Day by the Aquarium and San Andres Bay★ 5.0 · 39 reviews
- Parasailing in San Andres Island★ 4.5 · 43 reviews
- Rent a Scooter and tour the island of San Andrés★ 4.5 · 48 reviews
Scuba Diving in San Andrés, compared.

Private Diving Experience for Beginners in San Andres Islands
Read our review →
Discovering Diving / Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in


