Playa del Carmen: PADI Advance Open Water in Riviera Maya

Taking your scuba diving to the next level becomes accessible and personalized with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course in Playa del Carmen. Priced at $559 per person, this 2-day experience is designed for certified divers aged 15 and older who want to expand their underwater skills in the stunning waters of the Riviera Maya. With a 5-star provider, My Private Dive, you’ll find a tailored approach that emphasizes safety, confidence, and adventure.

This course offers five dives, including mandatory dives like Deep Dive and Underwater Navigation, along with elective dives such as Wreck Penetration and Diving in currents. Each session is led by a private instructor, ensuring personalized attention and instruction suited to your pace. The experience includes full gear and marine park fees, making it a seamless upgrade to your scuba journey—ideal for those seeking to explore deeper waters and more challenging environments.

Key Points

• Price of $559 per person covers 2 days of training and five dives
• Includes private instructor, full gear, and marine park fees
• Dives include deep dives to 30 meters, wreck penetration, and currents
• Course duration is typically two days, with 4-5 hours in water each day
• Prerequisites: Certified as a PADI Open Water Diver and at least 15 years old
• Available in English and Spanish, with flexible booking options

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exact Location and Starting Point in Playa del Carmen

The tour begins at My Private Dive’s downtown beach location in Playa del Carmen. From this central point, the team arranges transportation typically by boat or to cenotes, depending on the day’s planned dives. The meeting point is convenient and ready for your gear loading, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure. This setup makes it easy to focus on the exciting dives ahead without logistical worries.

What Makes the PADI Advanced Course in Riviera Maya Unique

This personalized course is tailored to challenge each diver at their own level, fostering confidence and advanced skills through five dives in diverse underwater environments. The inclusion of wreck penetration offers a rare opportunity to explore sunken ships, adding an element of adventure that many other courses do not include.

Most dives take place in marine protected areas, with marine park fees included, allowing you to enjoy vibrant coral gardens and exotic fish species without extra costs. The currents and tidal zones provide a real-world experience that prepares you for more demanding conditions.

The Dives: What You Will Experience

The Deep Dive to 30 meters is the course’s signature, pushing your limits safely under supervision. You’ll learn effective navigation skills during the Underwater Navigation Dive, essential for exploring unfamiliar sites confidently.

The wreck penetration dive offers a glimpse into submerged history, where you will navigate through a wreck, gaining experience managing strong currents and tidal zones. Additional elective dives include Boat Diving, Drift Diving, and Peak Performance Buoyancy, each designed to broaden your skill set and underwater comfort.

The Role of the Private Instructor

The private instructor from My Private Dive ensures that your learning experience is tailored and focused. This one-on-one approach allows for immediate feedback and personalized coaching, which can significantly boost your confidence and skill level in a short amount of time.

The instructor’s language skills in English and Spanish facilitate clear communication, making the learning process smooth and engaging. The course’s flexible pace means you can spend more time on areas you wish to improve or feel less confident about.

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Gear and Equipment Included in the Package

Every aspect of your equipment is taken care of with full gear included. This covers mask, fins, wetsuit, regulator, and accessories, so there’s no need to worry about bringing or renting gear elsewhere. The high-quality gear ensures comfort and safety during each dive, whether exploring coral gardens or penetrating a shipwreck.

Practical Details on Booking and Cancellation

Booking is straightforward with options to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans. The cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk investment. Once booked, you’ll receive a link to complete the non-refundable $125 PADI eLearning manual fee, required for certification.

The eLearning segments can be completed conveniently online before your dives, saving time and allowing you to focus on practical skills during your course days.

What to Prepare Before the Course

Participants should complete the PADI eLearning Adventures in Diving manual, stay fit, and ensure their diving gear is ready. The manual is sold separately, and the link to purchase will be provided upon booking confirmation. Since the course takes place over two days, arriving well-rested contributes to an enjoyable experience.

Experience Environment and Safety Measures

The marine park fees included in the price give access to protected dive sites, which uphold high safety standards and conservation efforts. The personalized instruction emphasizes safe diving practices, especially when managing strong currents or exploring wrecks.

The currents and tidal zones in the area add adventure but are approached with caution and professional supervision, ensuring safety at every stage.

How This Course Stands Out from Other Diving Options

Compared to standard open water courses, this advanced program offers the chance to dive deeper, explore wrecks, and experience currents, giving a more challenging and rewarding underwater experience. The private instruction and all-inclusive package also distinguish this tour as a high-quality, personalized option for serious divers seeking growth.

The location in Riviera Maya means access to some of the most vibrant coral reefs and marine life, making each dive visually stunning and educational.

The Sum Up: Is This the Right Choice for You?

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course in Playa del Carmen offers a comprehensive, customizable experience for certified divers eager to push their limits. The 5 dives in diverse environments—wrecks, currents, coral gardens—help build confidence and skills quickly, backed by high-quality gear and private instruction.

While the price of $559 covers most essentials, ensure you complete the eLearning before the course begins to maximize your time underwater. This course is ideal for adventurous divers who already hold a PADI Open Water certification and seek to expand their capabilities in challenging but accessible environments.

For those looking to enhance their diving proficiency with personalized attention and a variety of exciting underwater experiences, this Riviera Maya course delivers value, safety, and adventure in equal measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $559?
The package includes five dives, private instructor, full gear, marine park fees, and water and fruit during your training days.

How long does the course last?
The course typically spans two days, with 4-5 hours in the water each day, depending on conditions and progress.

What are the prerequisites?
Participants must be at least 15 years old and certified as PADI Open Water Divers.

Is gear rental included?
Yes, full gear is provided as part of the package, including mask, fins, wetsuit, and regulators.

Can I complete the eLearning before arriving?
Yes, completing the PADI eLearning segment in advance is recommended; the manual is sold separately for $125.

What makes this course different from other PADI programs?
This course offers personalized instruction with private guides, dives into wrecks and currents, and includes diving in protected marine areas, adding adventure and confidence-building.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is My Private Dive’s downtown Playa del Carmen location, ready to head out by boat or to cenotes.

Is cancellation flexible?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Are the dives suitable for all skill levels within advanced?
The dives challenge experienced divers to explore deeper zones, wrecks, and currents, but are led by private instructors ensuring safety and tailored guidance.

What is the best way to prepare for this course?
Complete the eLearning, stay fit, and check that your diving gear is ready or rent equipment from the provided options.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby