First dive in Playa del Carmen, no certification needed
Beginner diving Playa del Carmen

First dive in Playa del Carmen, no certification needed

5.0★ · 242 Google reviews

Playa del Carmen is the perfect base if you are staying on the Riviera Maya and want to try diving without travelling. Its reefs have relief, big sponges and marine life that is very accessible at shallow depth. You start with a session in shallow water and finish with two real guided dives.

  • 5.0★242 Google reviews
  • +8,000Divers guided
  • Since 2020Operating in Cancun
  • 12+ yearsOf instructor experience

What makes this dive different

  • No certification or prior experience needed
  • Maximum 4 beginners per instructor: personal attention
  • Two dives on reefs with relief and giant sponges
  • Frequent turtle and ray encounters
  • Departure from central Playa del Carmen

How the day works, step by step

  1. Meeting point. Kimbe Hotel Boutique, Playa del Carmen.
  2. Theory session. Equipment, breathing, equalisation and signals.
  3. Training. Shallow-water practice to get comfortable with the gear, in small groups: each instructor accompanies a maximum of 4 beginner participants.
  4. Dive 1. First reef dive, always with a guide beside you.
  5. Dive 2. Second, more relaxed dive to enjoy the marine life.
  6. Return. Back to the meeting point. Total duration around 6 hours.

What you will see

  • Green turtles
  • Southern stingrays and eagle rays
  • Moray eels
  • Schools of tropical fish
  • Barrel sponges and sea fans

What's included

  • Full dive equipment
  • Certified guide
  • Shallow-water training
  • 2 dives
  • Marina and conservation fees

What's not included

  • Hotel transfer (quote available)
  • Photos and video (service available)
  • Gratuities
  • Meals

Requirements

Minimum age 10. No certification or experience required. Medical questionnaire beforehand.

This trip needs a minimum of 2 divers. If you are travelling alone you can still book by adding US$71 (MX$1,200), and you dive with a private guide dedicated to you.

What to bring

  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • ID
  • Change of clothes

Gallery

Verified reviews

What our divers say

Real reviews published on our Google Business Profile.

5.0
★★★★★
5.0 out of 5 · 242 Google reviews
Read all 242 Google reviews
“I had an excellent experience with Scuba & Adventours Mexico starting my PADI Open Water Diver certification. Everything was explained very clearly and all my questions were answered along the way. Instructor René has a real talent for explaining things simply and clearly.”
Alejandro CorresPADI Open Water course
“Excellent instructor. My Open Water course was a great experience with René. Very professional — he gives you a lot of confidence during the dives and made sure all of us were properly prepared. Highly recommended for certification or for recreational diving.”
Brenda Aguirre MartinezPADI Open Water course
“I did the Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses and it was an excellent decision. The service was great, my guide Rene was incredible — always attentive and giving me techniques to build confidence underwater. The most exciting part was diving with bull sharks and dolphins!”
Delfina FernándezOpen Water + Advanced
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Playa del Carmen or Cancun for a first dive?
It depends where you are staying. On the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen saves you the transfer. If you are in Cancun and MUSA appeals, choose Cancun.
How many people per instructor?
We work with small groups to give a safer, more comfortable and more personal experience. Each instructor accompanies a maximum of 4 beginner participants. It works just as well for a first dive as it does for a group of friends.
Can I dive with ear problems?
It depends. Ear equalisation is part of diving; if you have a history of issues, check with your doctor before booking and let us know.

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