PADI Open Water Diver Course in the Riviera Maya
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 47 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is PADI Open Water Diver Course in the Riviera Maya worth booking?
PADI Open Water Diver Course in the Riviera Maya is a 72-hour experience in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, from $602 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 47 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (47)
- Duration
- 72 hours
- From
- $602 per person
This PADI Open Water Diver course (OWD) is the PADI entry-level scuba qualification. Completing this course entitles you to dive independently with your buddy within conditions you have experienced in familiar sites. Dis
What you get
- 5 pool sessions
- Full scuba gear
- Digital manual and certifications fees
- Professional guide
- Use of SCUBA equipment
- 4 open water guided boat dives
About this experience
This PADI Open Water Diver course (OWD) is the PADI entry-level scuba qualification. Completing this course entitles you to dive independently with your buddy within conditions you have experienced in familiar sites. Discover new adventures and see the wonderful world beneath the surface now!
What's included
Included
- 5 pool sessions
- Full scuba gear
- Digital manual and certifications fees
- Professional guide
- Use of SCUBA equipment
- 4 open water guided boat dives
Not included
- Food and drinks
- pick-up locations available from USD 25 per person per day (min 2 pax)
- Marine park fees USD 8/day/person, subject to changes
- Admission fees
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Playa del Carmen
We can meet at these resorts where we have our dive centers: Allegro Playacar resort, Catalonia Playa Maroma, Catalonia Riviera Maya, Catalonia Playa Maroma
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
We can meet at these resorts where we have our dive centers: Allegro Playacar resort, Catalonia Playa Maroma, Catalonia Riviera Maya, Catalonia Playa Maroma
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Pro Dive International
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 10 years
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended. All participants will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to diving. Some pre-existing medical conditions (eg asthma, heart conditions, etc) may prevent you from diving, please consult your doctor
- Check our medical policies: https://prodiveinternational.com/medical-policy/
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 47 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
47 verified traveler reviews for PADI Open Water Diver Course in the Riviera Maya. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Professional staff and boat crew.
We stayed at the Rotal Hideaway Playacar, the PADI dive centre is attached to the hotel. As a part of the entertainment, free scuba tasters are offered by Pro Dive Mexico. Lenny and Santiago were poolside giving me, my daughter and her partner a chance to have a free taster session. The session enticed us all to sign up for a ‘taster’ dive, with a professional. The taster dives were excellent with so much to be seen on the reef so close to shore, only s 10 minute boat ride away. As a result of the first dive, I signed up to complete the PADI ‘Scuba Diver’ course as I didn’t have time to finish the open water course. I completed the on-line learning, including the final PADI exam, before being being told I only needed to complete the first 3 sections!! Hey ho!! I completed two more training dives with Lenny, who led another student and me through the course so patiently and diligently. The whole experience was one of professionalism, including that of Santiago. If I could gripe about anything at all, it would be the endless paperwork, requiring endless signatures required apparently by PADI ! Thanks team, hopefully see you again.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing value
My 11 year old son and I met Alexia and Diana at the Occidental Xcaret. After a trial run with them we wanted to go further and get our certification. What an amazing experience. Karim was very patient with us and helped us learn so much. All the instructors were very friendly and made us feel very welcome. We were lucky enough to see a bull shark on our third dive. My son had a blast and won't stop talking about it. Anytime I'm in playa I will be diving with these folks again. Even if I never dive again, it was worth it. I was scared to even snorkel before this, don't be intimidated, you'll love it. Thanks team.
via Tripadvisor
Open Water certification
I just complete my open water dive course with Esteban here in Cancun and what an experience! A brilliant instructor who showed me some incredible dives in the area whilst training. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get their certification
via Tripadvisor
PADI Open Water Dive course
An absolute amazing time with Esteban, Marlon and the rest of the team. The friendly, calm and reassuring atmosphere was perfect to learn in and gain the skills required for the ocean. They looked after our 12 year old son like he was one of their own. They were kind and patient with him. Diving in the ocean you couldn’t have had a better team to be with. Tommy the photographer is also a massive plus added to the team. Friendly, fun and managed to capture amazing moments for us to take home for us to keep on the start of our diving journey. Can’t recommend this place highly enough!!!
via Tripadvisor
Excellant
Do learn to dive at Padi Pro Dive Mexico at Royal Hideaway Hotel, Playa de Carmen. The staff are very professional namely Sol and others there. This is an extremely professional run dive site and I felt very safe letting my 16 year old son learn to dive here. My son was taught to dive by Boris Brinker and I did my refresher Padi with Boris also. My son Alexander really enjoyed the Padi course with Boris. His brother is jealous so we must come back so he can do the Padi course also at Royal Hideaway. After my son passed the Padi course we went diving together in Cozumel. Fabulous clear diving. Large fish and saw stingrays. We really enjoyed our time together and we will be back.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 72 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 10+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 16
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
PADI Open Water Diver Course in the Riviera Maya: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa del Carmen.
How much does PADI Open Water Diver Course in the Riviera Maya cost?
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Prices start at $602 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Playa del Carmen usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does PADI Open Water Diver Course in the Riviera Maya take?
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Plan for about 72 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Playa del Carmen is not rushed.
Is PADI Open Water Diver Course in the Riviera Maya worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 47 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Playa del Carmen, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule PADI Open Water Diver Course in the Riviera Maya?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is PADI Open Water Diver Course in the Riviera Maya suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 10. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 72-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book PADI Open Water Diver Course in the Riviera Maya?
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Around 16 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Playa del Carmen can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Playa del Carmen and add a light layer if any part of the 72-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does PADI Open Water Diver Course in the Riviera Maya start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Playa del Carmen within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Playa del Carmen?
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On Outty we rank every Playa del Carmen experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour, VIP Tulum Private Tour, Chichen Itza Private Tour VIP. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Playa del Carmen?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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