Diving courses in Playa del Carmen
Scuba Diving Courses in Playa del Carmen
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…
Quality over quantity
Diving agencies set maximum student-to-instructor ratios depending on the course level. At Scuba Alux, we focus on quality and personalized teaching: when you train with us, you will have almost one instructor just for you.
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.
First experience and certification courses
At Scuba Alux we offer introductory experiences and recreational certification courses. Discover Scuba Diving is an experience rather than a certification; Open Water and Advanced are certification courses.
Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) — Your first time underwater
No prior experience is 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 a way to discover whether diving is for you before taking a certification course. Available from age 10. You can check the price of a first diving experience before booking.
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.
We answer your questions
Can I do Discover Scuba Diving in Playa del Carmen with no experience?
Yes. Discover Scuba Diving is designed for people who have never tried scuba before. No certification is required and the experience is completed under direct instructor supervision. If you want to continue afterwards, the next step is Open Water.
Can I get certified during a holiday in Playa del Carmen?
Yes. The Open Water course can be completed in 3-4 days combining theory, pool sessions and open water dives. It fits perfectly into a week's holiday.
What is the difference between Open Water and Advanced?
Open Water certifies you to 18 metres. Advanced extends your depth to 30 metres and opens up dives like El Pit and Angelita in the cenotes. If you already have Open Water, Advanced can open up additional suitable routes. We assess each cenote according to your training, experience and the planned profile.
How long does each course take?
Discover Scuba Diving takes half a day. Open Water: 3-4 days. Advanced: an additional 2-3 days. We adapt the schedule to your availability.
Is the certification recognised worldwide?
Yes. All certifications are internationally recognised and never expire. You can dive with them anywhere in the world indefinitely.
Ready for your next dive?
Contact us and we’ll help you plan the perfect diving experience for your level and goals.