- 5.0 ★ · 1,639
reviews - PADI & SDI dive center in Playa del Carmen
- Max. 4 guests per guide
- Free transport within Playa del Carmen
- Clear prices, no hidden costs
- 5 Star Instructor Training Facility
Key facts at a glance
- Duration
- At least 4–5 days
- Price
- From 300 € per day
- Requirements
- 18 years, Advanced Open Water, 40 logged dives, Intro to Cave
- Certification
- Highest cave diving level at TDI
- Included
- Cenote entries, gases, theory, exam fees
TDI Full Cave Course
The TDI Full Cave Diver Course is the
highest level of cave diving training at TDI.
In this course, you will learn to safely dive complex cave systems.
What is the TDI Full Cave Course?
The TDI Full Cave Course is the most advanced level within TDI (Technical Diving International) cave diving training.
In this course, you will learn how to safely and efficiently navigate complex cave systems – far beyond the daylight zone and often with multiple passages, restrictions, and potentially difficult visibility conditions.
You will deepen your knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Navigating with double passages
(“Jumps” and “Gaps”) - complex dive planning including
gas management - Team communication and emergency strategies
- Use of additional safety lines
- Diving under simulated stress situations
The course builds upon the Cavern Diver and Intro to Cave Diver and completes the training to become a full cave diver. Upon successful completion, you are qualified to safely conduct challenging cave dives without direct ascent possibilities with an equally trained buddy.
TDI Full Cave Course Outline
Course Outline: TDI Full Cave Diver Course (4–5 Days)
Day 1 – Theory & Line-Handling
- Review of content from the Cavern and Intro-to-Cave courses
- Introduction to advanced navigation techniques
(Jumps, Gaps, Circuits, Traverses) - Dive planning (incl. gas management according to Rule of Thirds / Min Gas)
- Setup and handling of complex line procedures on land
- First dives focusing on navigation and precise line handling
Day 2 – Navigation Exercises & Stress Management
- Dives with simulated Jumps and Gaps
- Loss and recovery of the main line
- Practice of emergency procedures
(Gas sharing, light failure, team separation) - Focus on team communication and positional discipline within the system
Day 3 – Circuit & Traverse Concepts
- Theory: Planning and execution of Circuits and Traverses
- Execution of a simulated Circuit
- Review and reinforcement of navigation skills
- Continuous fine-tuning of buoyancy, trim, and propulsion techniques
Day 4 – Complex Dive Scenarios & Final Exercises
- Full cave dives with complex navigation
- Integration of various emergency scenarios underwater
- Analysis and feedback for each dive phase
- Theoretical exam (if not already completed)
Day 5 (optional / depending on course progress)
- Additional exercises, reviews, or substitute day in case of bad weather
- Final dive with full implementation of all course content
Prerequisites for the TDI Full Cave Course
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- At least 40 logged dives
- Intro to Cave certification, regardless of agency
Standard Equipment for the TDI Full Cave Course
- Double tanks with manifold
or Sidemount Equipment - Two separate regulators, one with a long hose (approx. 2m (7 ft))
- Backup Mask
- Primary Light
- 2 Backup Lights
- 2 Computers or Bottom Timers
- Compass
- Safety Spool, 40 meters (131 ft)
- Primary Reel 60 meters (197 ft)
- Various Jump Spools
- Arrows and Cookies
- Wetnotes or Slate
- Cutting Tool
- 5mm Neoprene
- Standard Dive Equipment
Course Duration
- At least 4-5 days
Included
- All entries to the Cenotes
- Breathing Gases
- Water and light refreshments
- Theory Session
- Exam Fees
Excluded
- Rental Equipment
- Certification Fees
Questions?
Use the Contact Form
Frequently asked questions
What is the TDI Full Cave Diver course?
The highest cave diving level at TDI. Afterwards you may conduct demanding cave dives without direct access to the surface with an equally trained buddy.
How long is the Full Cave course in Mexico and what does it cost?
At least 4–5 days, from 300 € per day. Cenote entries, gases, water and light snacks, theory and exam fees are included; rental equipment and certification are extra.
What are the requirements for TDI Full Cave?
Minimum age 18, Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, at least 40 logged dives and an Intro to Cave certification (any agency).
What do I learn in the Full Cave course?
Navigation with jumps and gaps, circuits and traverses, complex dive planning with gas management, team communication and emergency procedures under simulated stress.
Ready for your dive adventure in Mexico?
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