Recreational Diving Courses

If you have decided to discover diving for the first time or want to keep learning and training, you are in the right place.

Your progression as a recreational diver

As you grow as a recreational diver, you can train with us in the following programs:

• First Diving Experience (DSD) — a first introduction. It is not a certification, but it is the perfect way to try diving under direct supervision.
• Open Water Diver — the first international certification level. It allows you to dive to 18 meters with another certified diver.
• Advanced Diver — extend your limits to 30 meters and discover new specialties.
• Sidemount Open Water Diver — configuration with side-mounted tanks, very comfortable for cenotes and caves.
• Rescue Diver — training focused on prevention, control and emergency management.
• EFR First Aid — basic first aid and CPR training, required for Rescue Diver.
• Divemaster — the first professional-level course.
• Specialty courses — deep diving, Nitrox, wrecks, cavern diving…

Why learn in Playa del Carmen?

The Caribbean conditions — warm water, good visibility and comfortable training areas — make learning more enjoyable, especially for those taking their first diving course. Once certified, the cenotes and Cozumel are just a short distance away.

Why get certified in Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen offers exceptional conditions for learning to dive: water between 26°C and 30°C year-round, excellent visibility, minimal current and immediate access to three different ecosystems — Caribbean reef, cenotes and open water. Learning here means your first real dive is already in one of the world's best destinations.

At Scuba Alux we work with small groups so every student gets individual attention. Mimi, our lead instructor, adapts the pace of learning to each person — not to a generic group.

Available certification levels

At Scuba Alux we offer three levels of recreational certification, each tailored to where you are in your diving journey.

Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) — Your first time underwater

No prior experience required. The DSD is a guided half-day experience that lets you dive in the sea for the first time, accompanied by an instructor at all times. It is the safest and most exciting way to discover whether diving is for you. Available from age 10.

Open Water Diver — Your first certification

The entry-level certification recognised worldwide. It allows you to dive independently to 18 metres with another certified diver. The course takes 3-4 days combining theory, pool sessions and open water dives. Once certified, you can dive anywhere in the world indefinitely.

Advanced Open Water — The next level

Extends your maximum depth to 30 metres and opens up more demanding dives — including El Pit and Angelita in the cenotes, and more advanced profiles in Cozumel. The course takes an additional 2-3 days and includes five adventure dives covering navigation, deep diving and buoyancy.

Why get certified in Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen offers exceptional conditions for learning: water between 26°C and 30°C year-round, excellent visibility, minimal current and immediate access to three different ecosystems — Caribbean reef, cenotes and open water. Learning here means your first dive is already in one of the world's best destinations. At Scuba Alux groups are always small so every student gets individual attention.