Open Water course in Playa del Carmen
The PADI Open Water course in Playa del Carmen takes three days, or two to three if you do the theory online before you arrive. It includes theory, pool training and four ocean dives on the reefs of Playa del Carmen, down to 60 ft (18 m). You can start at age 10 and, once certified, you can dive without a guide anywhere in the world.
Here's what each day looks like, what PADI requires and what's included when you take the course with us at our scuba diving center in Playa del Carmen.
How long does it take to get Open Water certified?
Three days in a row. If you complete the theory online before coming to Mexico, the course can take two to three days, since you arrive with the reading done and go straight to the water.
The three days of the course
Day one, theory and pool
We go over your answers to the PADI Open Water Diver manual with you, then head to the pool. There you practice the basic skills until you feel comfortable with the gear. We're never in a hurry, so you repeat each skill as many times as you need.
Day two, your first two dives
We finish the theory, answer your questions and you take a short official quiz. Around midday we head out by boat for your first two dives on two Playa del Carmen reefs. Underwater, we review what you learned in the pool and then it's time to enjoy it.
Day three, final exam and two more dives
In the morning you take the final exam, then we go back out for the last two dives of the course.
When you finish, you get your PADI Open Water Diver certification, recognized worldwide.
Maximum depth for Open Water divers
With Open Water certification you can dive to 60 ft (18 m). That's the safety limit for the certification, and we stick to it during the course too.
There are two exceptions. Kids aged 10 and 11 with Junior Open Water certification stay above 40 ft (12 m) and always dive with a professional or a certified parent. And if you dive with a buddy who holds a different certification, you follow the shallower limit.
Requirements for the Open Water course
Be at least 10 years old. From 10 to 14 you get the Junior Open Water certification, which becomes Open Water at 15.
Be fit to dive. Before the course you fill out the PADI medical questionnaire.
Be able to swim and to float or tread water without aids for 10 minutes.
You don't need any experience. If you've never breathed underwater, we start from scratch.
What's included with Feel The Diving
Theory class, quiz and final exam.
Pool training.
At least four dives in the Caribbean, down to 60 ft (18 m).
An instructor just for your group.
Full gear, tanks, weights and water.
Photos and videos of your course.
PADI certification.
PADI study materials are paid separately. We teach the course in English, Spanish or French.
Want to know which dates are open? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll let you know.
Not ready for the full certification?
There are two shorter options. The PADI Scuba Diver course takes two days and lets you dive to 40 ft (12 m), always with a guide. You can upgrade it to Open Water later.
If you just want to try, our Discover Scuba Diving takes one day and doesn't include a certification. It has a class, pool practice and two dives to 40 ft (12 m).
After Open Water
With Open Water you can dive the shallow reefs of Playa del Carmen and join guided cavern dives in the cenotes. To dive the deep reefs, the Mama Viña wreck or the bull sharks, the next step is the PADI Advanced Open Water course.
For ideas on your next dives, see our guides to Playa del Carmen dive sites and the best cenotes to dive.
Frequently asked questions
Is Open Water certification valid worldwide?
Yes. PADI Open Water Diver certification is recognized all over the world and lets you dive without a guide down to 60 ft (18 m).
Can kids take the course?
Yes, from age 10, with the Junior Open Water certification.
Can I do the theory before my trip?
Yes. You can complete the theory online with PADI before you arrive and spend your time in Playa del Carmen in the pool and the ocean.
