PADI courses
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course
The Advanced is not a theory course: it is five dives where you learn by diving. When you finish you can go to thirty …
US$559US$515per personMX$8,700 · charged in Mexican pesos
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PADI courses
Cancun · Puerto Morelos · Playa del Carmen
PADI Open Water Diver course in Cancun
5.0★ · 242 Google reviewsThe Open Water Diver is the most recognised diving certification in the world and the one that genuinely makes you a diver: you can dive with a buddy to eighteen metres anywhere on the planet, without an instructor. It takes two to three days, and the Mexican Caribbean is arguably the best place in the world to do it.
What makes this dive different
- PADI certification valid for life, worldwide
- 2 to 3 days, in Cancun, Puerto Morelos or Playa del Carmen
- PADI digital learning materials included — study at your own pace
- Pool sessions plus 4 open water dives
- Small groups: you actually learn, not queue behind twelve people
How the day works, step by step
- Before you arrive. You receive access to the PADI digital materials so you can work through the theory from home. Arriving with theory done frees up holiday days.
- Day 1 · Theory and pool. Review of the five modules, assessments and a confined water session: gear assembly, buoyancy, mask and regulator clearing.
- Day 2 · Dives 1 and 2. First two open water dives, with skill exercises and time to enjoy the reef.
- Day 3 · Dives 3 and 4. Final two dives, compass navigation and controlled ascent. By the end, you are a certified diver.
- Certification. We process your PADI certification; the digital card arrives within days.
What you will see
- Mesoamerican Barrier Reef sites
- Green turtles during the open water dives
- Rays, snapper and tropical fish
- Hard corals and sea fans
- Possible MUSA visit depending on the location
What's included
- Certified PADI instructor
- PADI digital learning materials
- Pool training
- 4 open water dives
- PADI Open Water Diver certification
- Full dive equipment
What's not included
- Transport between sites and your hotel (quote available)
- Course photos and video (service available)
- Gratuities
- Meals
Requirements
No prior experience. Minimum age and health conditions per PADI standards. A medical questionnaire is completed; certain answers require a physician's approval.
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel
- Official ID
- Medical certificate if you answer 'yes' on the questionnaire
- Motivation — this is a course, not just an excursion
Gallery
Verified reviews
What our divers say
Real reviews published on our Google Business Profile.
★★★★★
“Excellent experience! Rene is a brilliant guide — you can tell he loves what he does and passes on his passion for the sea and marine life at every moment. His instructions and dive plan before every dive make you feel safe and let you enjoy the flora and fauna even more. Highly recommended, I already want to plan new dive trips!”
Judith Schramm FloresLocal Guide · 19 reviews
★★★★★
“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
How long does the Open Water course take?
2 to 3 days depending on pace and whether you complete the digital theory beforehand. Arriving with the modules done, it comfortably fits into two days.
Does the certification expire?
No. It is valid for life and worldwide. After a long break from diving a refresher is recommended, but the certification itself never lapses.
Can I do Open Water and Advanced back to back?
Yes, and it is the most efficient option if you have the days. Many students chain both courses and leave the trip Advanced certified.
Where do the dives take place?
In Cancun, Puerto Morelos or Playa del Carmen depending on dates and sea conditions. We agree the location with you at booking.
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Worth reading before you book
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US$589US$529per personMX$9,000 · charged in Mexican pesos