Open Water PADI in Playa del Carmen
BeginnerScuba divingPlaya del CarmenCourses
Welcome to DUNE Mexico - Mexico
Open Water Diver Course
The PADI Open Water Diver course is a complete, carefully structured entry-level scuba diving course designed to take you from a non-diver with little or no prior experience to a certified diver. The certification is recognized worldwide and is valid for life, to a maximum depth of 18 meters / 60 feet.
The Fun Part …
The fun part about this course is . . . well, just about all of it because learning to dive is incredible. During the course, you’ll make at least two pool session dives and four dives in the reef of Playa Del Carmen under the supervision of your PADI Instructor.
Playa Del Carmen is a perfect place to complete your training, with its clear waters, multitude of fish, and weak currents. Train in one of the most beautiful dive spots in the world… the Caribbean Sea.
Prerequisites :
- Be at least 10 years old for Junior Open Water Diver course and at least 15 years old for Open Water Diver course.
- Show that you can tread water for ten minutes and swim 200 m in our pool.
- Fill out our PADI Medical Questionnaire. This form is to find out if you should be examined by your doctor before participating in recreational diver training. If any of the items in the Medical Questionnaire apply to you, you must consult a physician prior to participating in scuba diving.
What you will learn :
The PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three distinct sections:
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Theory: The theory portion includes e-learning, videos, study questions, and quizzes. The 5 dive theory modules cover a range of topics such as pressure-depth relationships, the underwater environment, dive planning, and equipment. We will send you your online learning materials (E-learning) as soon as your booking is confirmed.
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Pool Work: During pool (or “confined water”) classes, students practice basic diving skills. Divers practice all the skills they will use on open water dives like ear equalization and mask removal and replacement in this controlled environment before entering open water.
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Open Water Dives : During 4 dives, under the watchful eye of an instructor, you will apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the theoretical and pool sessions to real dives in a natural environment. This is where the magic happens! You will explore the incredible underwater world, discovering a vibrant and rich marine ecosystem. You will be amazed by the variety of colorful fish, majestic coral reefs, and the surrounding marine life. Rays, turtles, lobsters, and a multitude of marine creatures will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Diving becomes an adventure that is both educational and fun, with every moment filled with fascinating discoveries.
Program and Schedule :
You can do the PADI Open Water Diver Course in 2 or 3 days:
In 2 days :
You will do 2 pool sessions and 4 dives in the sea over the 2 days of training.
Day 1 - During the morning, practice water skills in confined water (swimming pool) and during the afternoon, 2 dive in open water at Playa del Carmen reef.
Day 2 - During the morning, practice water skills in confined water (swimming pool) and during the afternoon 2 dives in open water at Playa del Carmen reef.
In 3 days :
Day 1 - After meeting at the dive center in the morning, you will head to the pool to practice ALL water skills learned from your theory course.
Day 2 - During the afternoon, you will do 2 dives in open water at Playa del Carmen reefs
Day 3 - During the afternoon, you will do 2 dives in open water at Playa del Carmen reefs
Dive sites
Our staff members
Betty
Sanitation and Well-Being Supervisor
Bersabeth Pérez Vázquez, from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, has been living in Playa del Carmen for two years. A nature and animal lover, she is passionate about protecting their rights and enjoys traveling and walking along the beach. She dreams of becoming a nurse to help others. Her positive energy and love for the ocean make her a wonderful presence.
Nataly
Base Leader, Instructor & Cenote Guide
French-Colombian and originally from Paris, Nataly is our Base Leader, instructor and cenote guide. A passionate cave diver, she guides you with professionalism and safety.
Mégane
Instructor
Mégane discovered diving in Mexico before heading to Bali, where she became an instructor after completing her Divemaster and IDC there. Now based in Playa del Carmen, she splits her time between the ocean and managing the dive center as Base Leader alongside Célia. Passionate, patient, and always smiling, she especially loves being underwater, where she can share her passion with divers of all levels.
What is included?
What is included?
Instruction by a professional, multilingual PADI certified scuba diving instructor
The PADI Open Water Diver manual or access to online e-learning
Confined water skills practice
Open water practice with 4 dives at 4 different sites in Playa Del Carmen
Diving equipment
PADI Open Water certification fees
What is not included?
What is not included?
Photos and Video
Transfer from your hotel
Lunch
On-site exploration
Box Fish
The boxfish is a uniquely shaped fish with a boxy, armored body covered in hexagonal plates. Often found near coral reefs, they are slow swimmers but fascinating to watch as they hover and forage for food. With their vibrant colors and gentle nature, boxfish are a captivating addition to any underwater encounter.
Nurse Shark
The nurse shark is a gentle, bottom-dwelling shark commonly found in warm, shallow waters. Known for their calm nature, nurse sharks pose no threat to humans and are often seen resting on the ocean floor during the day. Their docile behavior and distinctive appearance make them a favorite sight for divers and snorkelers.
Turtle
In the Caribbean, three main types of sea turtles—green, hawksbill, and loggerhead—grace the reefs with their beauty. These gentle creatures are often seen grazing on seagrass or gliding through the vibrant coral, making them a favorite sight for divers.
Q&A
Need help ?
Contact an advisor by phone
Monday Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Price of a local call. Please prepare as much information as possible.
Or request a free quote!
For any specific request, you can also send them to us by filling out the quote request form.