- 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
- Level
- Second stage of cave training after Cavern
- Duration
- 2–3 days
- Price
- Min. 300 € per day
- Prerequisites
- 18+, AOWD, min. 40 logged dives, Cavern certification
- Included
- Cenote entry, gases, refreshments, theory, exam fees
TDI Intro to Cave
The TDI Intro to Cave Course is your entry into the world of technical cave diving. You will learn to safely penetrate the initial part of a cave – always with direct line of sight and within clearly defined limits.
What is the TDI Intro to Cave?
The TDI Intro to Cave Course is the second stage in cave diving training and builds directly upon the Cavern Diver Course. In this course, you will learn to penetrate a cave beyond the daylight zone – but still within clearly defined safety limits.
You will practice handling guidelines, navigation strategies, emergency procedures, and perfect your buoyancy, finning techniques, and communication with your dive buddy. The course remains deliberately conservative: diving is only done along the main line, no side passages, no complex penetrations.
The focus is on safety awareness, teamwork, and precise control – and on laying a solid foundation for advanced cave training such as the Full Cave Diver.
TDI Intro to Cave Course Outline
Course Outline – (2–3 Days)
Day 1 – Theory & Open Water Skill Training
- Review of Cavern Knowledge & Introduction to New Cave Protocols
- Gas Management (e.g., Rule of Thirds), Navigation, Communication
- Setup and Handling of Main Line and Spools
- Open Water Dive to Refine Buoyancy, Trim, Fin Kicks, and Team Communication
Day 2 – Cave Dives & Line Work
- First Penetration Dives Beyond the Daylight Zone
- Setting and Following the Main Line
- Exercises on Vision Loss, Gas-Sharing, Turnaround Points, and Emergency Procedures
- Focus on Teamwork and Safe Navigation
- Lost Diver Procedure
Day 3 – Further Cave Dives
- Additional Cave Dives for Reinforcement
- Scenario Training with Simulated Problems
e.g., Line Loss & Light Failure
Prerequisites for the TDI Intro to Cave Course
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- Minimum 40 Logged Dives
- Cavern Certification, regardless of agency
Standard Equipment for the TDI Intro to Cave
- Double Tank 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
- Primary Reel 60m (197 ft)
- Arrows and Cookies
- Wetnotes or Slate
- Cutting Tool
- Wetsuit 5mm
- Standard Dive Equipment
TDI Intro to Cave Course
Course Duration
- Minimum 2-3 Days
Included
- All cenote entrance fees
- 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 Intro to Cave course?
It is the second stage of cave diver training after Cavern Diver. You safely enter the first part of a cave – always with direct sight of the line and within clearly defined limits.
How long is Intro to Cave in Playa del Carmen?
2–3 days: theory and open water training, then first penetration dives beyond the daylight zone and scenario training such as lost line and light failure.
How much does TDI Intro to Cave cost in Mexico?
At least 300 € per day. Cenote entry and gases are included; rental equipment and certification costs are not.
What are the prerequisites for Intro to Cave?
You need AOWD, at least 40 logged dives and a Cavern certification from any agency. Minimum age 18.
What equipment do I need for Intro to Cave?
Doubles or sidemount, two separate regulators, backup mask, one primary plus two backup lights, computer/timer, compass, spools, cutting tool and a 5 mm wetsuit.
Ready for your dive adventure in Mexico?
Tell us what you have in mind – you will receive a personal quote within 24 hours, usually much faster.
★★★★★ 5.0 out of 5 · 1,639 Google reviews
★★★★★ 5.0 out of 5 · 362 Tripadvisor reviews
☎ +49 15678 310825 · Daily 8:00 am–5:00 pm