What PADI Open Water includes
The Open Water Diver course is the entry level certification accepted worldwide. The course covers safety, equipment, dive theory and 4 open water training dives at depths up to 18 meters. In Mexico the standard schedule is 1 day theory and pool (often the resort pool) then 3 days at the reef.
Where to certify: Playa del Carmen vs Cozumel
| Playa del Carmen | Cozumel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $350 to $420 | $400 to $500 |
| Number of schools | 40+ | 30+ |
| Where you certify | Local reefs and cenotes | Mesoamerican Barrier Reef |
| Conditions | Calm, easy currents | Drift, Open Water with current |
| Best for | Budget and combining cenote certification | Iconic reef and continuing into Advanced |
Costs and what is included
- $350 to $450 PADI Open Water: theory, pool, 4 open water dives, manual, certification card
- $280 to $350 Advanced Open Water: 5 specialty dives over 2 days, unlocks 30 m depth
- $580 to $700 Cavern Diver specialty: 4 cavern dives in cenotes, lets you dive cenotes without a guide on every dive
- $250 to $400 Nitrox specialty: 1 day theory, sometimes free with multi-day packages
How to pick a dive school
- 5-Star PADI Dive Center rating, not 3-Star
- Student to instructor ratio of 4:1 or smaller for Open Water
- Certify on natural reefs, not in a quarry pool
- Confirm price includes manual, gear rental, lunch and transfer
- Read recent Tripadvisor and PADI Pro Check reviews
Ready to get PADI certified?
Book a PADI Open Water course in Playa del Carmen or Cozumel with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Frequently asked questions
3 to 4 days: 1 day theory and pool, 2 to 3 days open water dives. eLearning option lets you do theory at home and finish in 2 long days.
You need to swim 200 meters non-stop and tread water for 10 minutes. If you cannot do that yet, take swim lessons before the course.
Yes. PADI Open Water (or any agency Open Water like SSI or NAUI) is accepted at any dive shop in any country and never expires.
