- 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
- 3 days
- Price
- 400 € incl. equipment, pool, 4 open water dives and certification
- Max. depth afterwards
- 18 meters (59 ft)
- Agency
- PADI or SDI – recognized worldwide, valid for life
- Minimum age
- 10 years (Junior Open Water Diver 10–14)
Open Water Diver Course
The Open Water course in Playa del Carmen is the entry-level course for any diving association and can be completed within 3 days.
Upon completion of the course, you will receive an internationally recognized certification that remains valid for life.
The maximum diving depth after completing the course is 18 m (59 ft).
PADI or SDI Open Water Course
There is practically no difference between the SDI and the PADI Scuba Diver Course.
Both certifications are internationally recognized, convey the same basic knowledge, and qualify you to dive worldwide to a maximum depth of 18 meters (59 ft).
Before the OWD Course
It’s only important that you have fully completed the entire theory before the course begins. It’s best to start from home so we can guarantee a smooth and delay-free start to your course.
Day 1 of your Dive Course
Your first day of your Open Water Diver Course starts at 8:00 AM. After we’ve discussed the entire course schedule together, we’ll review your E-Learning and some additional theory. Don’t worry, there won’t be any exams or anything else here. The goal is to ensure everything is clear for you and that you feel ready for the water.
Afterward, we’ll head to our on-site pool, where you’ll learn all 24 diving skills step by step in a relaxed atmosphere.
Each exercise will be discussed beforehand and then demonstrated by your dive instructor.
Without stress and at your own pace. We’ll practice with you until you feel ready for the ocean dives.
Day 2 and Day 3
On Day 2 and Day 3 of your Open Water Diver Course, you’ll go on two ocean dives off Playa del Carmen. There, you’ll apply what you learned in the pool and theory under real conditions – with colorful reefs, fish, and optimal conditions for beginners.
After a total of four open water dives, you will have met all course requirements. The course is then complete, and you can now call yourself a certified Open Water Diver! More on cost, schedule and preparation in our full certification guide.
Open Water Course Price: 400 € – What’s Included
Our PADI or SDI Open Water Diver course costs 400 € – the same price for both agencies, with no hidden costs.
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Full equipment, pool entry, theory sessions | Meals |
| 4 open water dives in Playa del Carmen | E-learning: SDI 100 € or PADI 228 € |
| Certification fees, water and fruit |
Your total including e-learning: 500 € with SDI or 628 € with PADI. A deposit of 50 € confirms your course; the balance is paid at the end of your stay.
Your 3 days at a glance
| When | What you do |
|---|---|
| Before you arrive | PADI or SDI e-learning at home, at your own pace |
| Day 1, 8:00 AM | Theory review, then all 24 skills in our pool |
| Day 2 | 2 open water dives on the reefs of Playa del Carmen |
| Day 3 | 2 more open water dives – you are a certified Open Water Diver |
Open Water + Advanced in One Trip
Many of our students continue right away: Open Water and Advanced Open Water together take 6 days. With Advanced you can dive to 30 m (98 ft) and join our bull shark dive from mid-November to February.
What you can dive after your course
- Reefs of Playa del Carmen – 2 dives 95 €
- Cozumel by speedboat – 2 dives 170 €
- Cenotes – 2 dives from 140 €, after previous ocean dives
Why learn to dive with DeepDiveMexico
- 5 Star Instructor Training Facility, led by Marcel Taubert, SDI Course Director and Instructor Trainer
- Our own pool on site – no extra transfers on day 1
- PADI or SDI at the same price – both recognized worldwide, valid for life
- Small groups and no stress: we practice every skill until you feel ready
- 5.0 ★ from more than 1,600 Google reviews. Read the reviews on Google
Want all the details on cost and preparation? Read our scuba certification guide or discover everything our dive center in Playa del Carmen offers.
Referrals from other Diveshops to us :
Did you start your Open Water Course at another dive school
and want to continue with us?
No problem!
Please contact us for pricing.
Course Duration
- 3 Days
Included
- Equipment
- Pool Entry
- Water and Fruits
- Theory Lessons
- 4 Open Water Dives
in Playa del Carmen - Certification Fees
Excluded
- Meals
- Course Materials
(PADI E-Learning 228 Euros)
(SDI E-Learning 100 Euros)
Questions?
Use the Contact Form.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Open Water Diver course in Playa del Carmen take?
3 days. Day 1: review of your e-learning and pool training of all 24 skills; days 2 and 3: two open water dives each off Playa del Carmen. You complete the theory beforehand via e-learning at home.
How much does the Open Water Diver course cost?
400 € including equipment, pool entry, water and fruit, theory sessions, 4 open water dives and certification fees. Not included: meals and learning material (PADI e-learning 228 €, SDI e-learning 100 €).
PADI or SDI – which is better?
There is practically no difference: both certifications are recognized worldwide, teach the same content and allow dives to 18 meters (59 ft). SDI e-learning (100 €) is cheaper than PADI e-learning (228 €).
What is the minimum age?
Children aged 10 to 14 can earn the Junior Open Water Diver; from age 15 the regular Open Water Diver applies.
Can I finish a course I started elsewhere?
Yes, a referral is possible. Contact us for the matching price.
Can I do Open Water and Advanced Open Water in one trip?
Yes. Many students do both courses together – Open Water and Advanced Open Water take 6 days in total.
Is my certification valid in the USA?
Yes. PADI and SDI certifications are recognized worldwide and valid for life – including in the USA.
What is included in the 400 €?
Equipment, pool entry, theory sessions, 4 open water dives in Playa del Carmen, certification fees, water and fruit. Not included: meals and the e-learning (SDI 100 €, PADI 228 €).
Do I have to do the theory before I arrive?
Yes. Complete the PADI or SDI e-learning at home before day 1 so your course starts without delays.
Where do the open water dives take place?
On the reefs off Playa del Carmen, with good conditions for beginners.
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.
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