PLAYA DEL CARMEN SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Five Dives to a Sharper Edge: Advanced Open Water in Playa del Carmen
A focused, 5-dive Advanced Open Water course in Playa del Carmen that broadens skills with required deep and navigation dives and optional specialty adventures.
Five Dives to a Sharper Edge: Advanced Open Water in Playa del Carmen.
Off the sunlit coast of Playa del Carmen, Dive Mike runs a compact Advanced Open Water program built around five ocean dives that push certified divers deeper into technique and local marine life. Over 2–3 days you’ll complete mandated Navigation and Deep dives plus three chosen adventure dives—options range from peak-buoyancy work and wrecks to seasonal bull-shark outings and night diving—so you leave with new skills and an expanded view of Caribbean diving.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Five focused dives to Advanced certification
The program comprises five ocean dives that include mandatory Navigation and Deep adventures plus three electives chosen from specialties such as Peak Performance Buoyancy, Wreck, Drift, Fish ID, Night Dive (requires at least four divers) or seasonal Bull Shark outings.
Pick adventures that match your goals
Beyond the required dives you select three additional adventures — whether honing trim and buoyancy, exploring wrecks, practicing drift skills, or learning fish identification in the Caribbean—some adventures carry extra costs and others (like bull-shark trips) are seasonal.
Short timeline, adaptable delivery
The course is delivered over roughly 2–3 days; you can complete theory with Dive Mike in person or do SDI e‑learning at home and join for ocean sessions only. All course options include air tanks, weights, an instructor and water on the boat.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
This is a hands‑on progression: short briefings and skill drills give way to ocean dives where navigation, depth management and whatever specialty you choose become practical exercises. Expect classroom or e‑learning review followed by successive open‑water sessions that test and extend buoyancy, compass work, deep dive planning and species identification in the Caribbean environment.
THE COURSE
Five focused dives to Advanced certification
The program comprises five ocean dives that include mandatory Navigation and Deep adventures plus three electives chosen from specialties such as Peak Performance Buoyancy, Wreck, Drift, Fish ID, Night Dive (requires at least four divers) or seasonal Bull Shark outings.
THE OPTIONS
Pick adventures that match your goals
Beyond the required dives you select three additional adventures — whether honing trim and buoyancy, exploring wrecks, practicing drift skills, or learning fish identification in the Caribbean—some adventures carry extra costs and others (like bull-shark trips) are seasonal.
THE LOGISTICS
Short timeline, adaptable delivery
The course is delivered over roughly 2–3 days; you can complete theory with Dive Mike in person or do SDI e‑learning at home and join for ocean sessions only. All course options include air tanks, weights, an instructor and water on the boat.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a swimsuit, towel, biodegradable sunscreen and a good attitude; basic classroom materials are provided if you start in person.
Air tanks, weights, an instructor and water on the boat are included with all course options.
Equipment rental, NITROX and the marine park fee (200 Mexican Pesos per person, per day) are not included and are paid directly at the dive shop prior to ocean dives.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How many dives are required for certification?
The Advanced Open Water course requires five adventure dives, including the mandatory Navigation and Deep dives plus three electives.
How long does the course take?
The course is delivered over approximately 2–3 days.
What are the prerequisites and minimum age?
You must hold an Open Water certification to enroll; the minimum age is 10 and divers under 14 earn a JUNIOR Advanced Open Water certification.
Can I do theory before arriving in Playa del Carmen?
Yes—Dive Mike offers an SDI e‑learning option so you can complete theory at home and join for the ocean sessions in Playa del Carmen.
What is included in the course price and what extra costs should I expect?
All options include air tanks, weights, the instructor and water on the boat. Not included are equipment rental, NITROX, and the marine park fee (200 MXN per person, per day); some specialty adventures may carry additional costs and certification agency fees (SDI 650 MXN; PADI 800 MXN) are paid after successful completion.
Are there group minimums for certain dives?
Yes—night dives require a minimum of four divers; other specialty outings such as bull‑shark excursions are seasonal and should be confirmed in advance.
Where and when do we meet for the course?
Check‑in is at 8:00 AM at the dive shop in Playa del Carmen.