SSI Course

Open Water Certification in Playa del Carmen

Become a certified diver in Playa del Carmen with The Dive Machine. The SSI Open Water Diver course is the first level of recreational diving and certifies you to dive anywhere in the world to a maximum depth of 18 meters.

Divers practicing skills during an Open Water course

Your First Diving Certification

The Open Water Diver certification is recognized worldwide and is the first level of certification in recreational diving. It shows that you have the knowledge and skills to dive safely and responsibly in open water. With The Dive Machine you train with experienced SSI instructors in small groups, in one of the best places to learn: the crystal-clear water of the Caribbean, its coral reefs and its tropical fish. Our Open Water courses can also include cenote dives as part of the training.

Beginner divers with their instructors on the sandy bottom

How the Course Works

Theory

Theory

Dive physics, equipment, dive planning and safety.

Confined Water

Confined Water

Practice the basic diving skills in a pool or confined water.

4 Open Water Dives

4 Open Water Dives

Four dives in open water, supervised by your instructor.

Your SSI Certification

Your SSI Certification

A digital certification in the SSI app, valid anywhere in the world.

Remember

When to Take Your Course

You can take your Open Water course all year round: the water in Playa del Carmen stays between 25 and 28 °C. The course is usually completed in about three days, combining theory, confined water training and open water dives.

Diver at the surface with the dive boat behind
Instructor teaching diving skills to a student

Why Get Certified with The Dive Machine?

We are an SSI certified dive center in Playa del Carmen with a 5-star SSI rating, personalized small groups and multilingual instructors. We work with SSI because of its versatility and technology: your certification is available in digital format in the SSI app, valid anywhere in the world. All equipment is included, and after your course you will be ready to explore the reefs and cenotes of the Riviera Maya.

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m

Max. Depth Certified

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Open Water Dives

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Days (approx.)

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-28 °C

Water Temperature

What's Included

Everything you need for an amazing day of diving: we take care of the rest

Full Scuba Gear

BCD, regulator, tanks, weights, fins and mask.

Dive Lights

Primary and backup light for exploring the cenotes

Thermal Protection

Wetsuits suited to cenote and reef conditions (24-26 °C)

Cenote Entrance Fees

All park and cenote entrance fees are paid by the diver.

Lunch/Snacks

A tasty sandwich with fruit and a dessert after your dive adventure

Certified Guide

All of our instructors are bilingual and hold current credentials

Why Choose The Dive Machine?

Your trusted diving partner in the Riviera Maya

SSI Certified Center

As an SSI certified dive center, you can count on high-quality training and first-class customer service backed by international standards.

Small Groups

We prioritize personal attention with small groups, ensuring a safe and intimate dive where every diver gets the care they deserve.

High-Quality Equipment

Dive with complete, quality gear included in your experience: BCD, regulator, tanks, weights, fins, mask and dive lights.

Expert Certified Guides

We only work with the best certified guides in the Yucatán Peninsula, with thousands of dives and years of experience so you can enjoy every moment.

Sustainable Diving

The Dive Machine offers eco-friendly tours in Puerto Aventuras and the Riviera Maya. We are committed to reducing waste and promoting responsible diving practices.

Personalized Service

Every diver is unique. We tailor each experience to your skill level, interests and comfort, whether it is your first dive or you are an advanced explorer.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The Open Water Diver course is usually completed in about three days, combining theory, confined water training and four open water dives supervised by your instructor.

Up to 18 meters, anywhere in the world. With the Advanced certification you can dive up to 30 meters, and with the Deep Diver specialty up to 40 meters.

We work with SSI (Scuba Schools International), a globally recognized agency known for its high training standards and emphasis on safety. Your certification is available in digital format in the SSI app, valid anywhere in the world.

No. The Open Water course is designed for beginners. If you want to try diving first, our Discover Scuba experience lets you dive with a certified instructor without a certification.

Your swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a change of clothes, plus your certification card if you are already certified. All diving equipment is provided by The Dive Machine.