A buddy of mine once said that Playa del Carmen has nine months of summer and three months of scorching heat, and honestly, that’s pretty spot on. But you know what? The best way to soak up that summer vibe is definitely underwater!
The coastlines of Mexico and Belize are home to a vibrant reef teeming with life, stunning colors, and breathtaking views just a short swim from the shore. You don’t have to be a pro or an Olympic swimmer to enjoy it. If you’ve got even just one day, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on this incredible experience.
Discover the Hidden Treasures Beneath Mexican Waves
Scuba instructor guiding beginner during first dive experience underwater
Your first dive: Try scuba diving (DSD)
The Discovery scuba diving (DSD) experience is open to everyone and serves as the first day of the three-day course needed to get certified in the Open Water course.
Your day will unfold like this: you’ll meet up with your instructor to check out some super stylish outfits that’ll have you looking like a pro. They’ll make sure you’re comfy in your wetsuit, that your mask fits perfectly, and they’ll hook you up with fins and a regulator too. All of this is included in the price for your discovery scuba diving experience.
Once you’ve picked out the right gear, you’ll start practicing some skills in a controlled setting, like a swimming pool. Once you feel totally at ease, you’ll be all set to dive into the ocean.
The captain will gather everyone on the boat and head to the dive site, where you’ll hop into the ocean alongside your instructor. They’ll walk you through the techniques to ensure you have a smooth and safe dive experience.
You’ll only be diving about eight meters down this time, and that’s totally fine! Seriously, just eight meters is perfect for exploring one of the most stunning wonders on Earth. You’ll get to glide through the water with some playful fish and have an amazing time. While you can technically dive up to twelve meters, there are plenty of shallower spots around Cozumel, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen that are just as awesome.
After you wrap up your tour at the dive site, the instructor will help you ascend gradually, making sure to take a 3-minute break known as a safety stop right before you complete your adventure.
Continue learning: Open water Course
If you think this is something you’d want to do again in a different spot, getting certified is a must. It’ll open up opportunities for you to dive all over the globe and keep improving your skills. The only catch? You just need to dive for two more days—sounds tough, huh? Plus, there’s a little assessment at the end of your course before you kick off the celebrations.
Here is in detail all the specifications of our Open water course:
Course Overview
- Age: The minimum age for PADI Open Water certification is 10 years. Those aged 10-14 will receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification, which has depth limitations.
- Swimming Skills: Basic swimming ability is required. You need to demonstrate the ability to swim 200 meters (or 300 meters with mask, fins, and snorkel) and float or tread water for 10 minutes.
- Medical Fitness: A medical questionnaire will need to be filled out, and some health conditions may require a doctor’s approval.
- Course Structure The course consists of three main phases:
- Knowledge Development (eLearning, Classroom, or Self-Study):
- Covers diving principles, safety procedures, and equipment use.
- Topics include pressure and buoyancy, underwater communication, dive planning, and emergency procedures.
- PADI offers an eLearning option that allows you to complete this section online at your own pace.
- Confined Water Dives (Pool Sessions):
- These practice sessions are conducted in a pool or a confined water environment.
- You’ll learn and practice essential scuba skills, such as mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures.
- Open Water Dives:
- You must complete at least four open water dives (in a lake, ocean, or other open water environments).
- During these dives, you’ll demonstrate the skills learned in the confined water sessions under the guidance of a certified PADI instructor.
- Depth during the training dives is limited, usually no deeper than 18 meters (60 feet) for adults.
- Knowledge Development (eLearning, Classroom, or Self-Study):
- Duration
- The PADI Open Water course typically takes 3 to 4 days, but this can vary depending on the student’s pace and the dive center’s schedule.
- Cost
- Prices vary by location but generally range from $350 to $500, including study materials, pool sessions, equipment rental, and open water dives.
- Additional fees may apply for eLearning materials or equipment purchases.
Post-Certification
- Diving Limits: Once certified, you can dive up to 18 meters (60 feet) with a buddy of the same certification level or higher. For junior divers (ages 10-11), the depth limit is 12 meters (40 feet).
- Validity: The certification is valid for life, but if you haven’t dived for an extended period, it’s recommended to take a refresher course.
- Advancement: After gaining experience, you can pursue advanced certifications (e.g., PADI Advanced Open Water) to dive deeper and learn new skills like night diving, wreck diving, or underwater photography.
