Scuba Diving in Playa del Carmen with Xico Dive Center

Yes, scuba diving in Playa del Carmen is definitely worth it. We have easy boat access to healthy coral reefs, turtles, schools of fish, rays, and in season even bull sharks. From our Playa del Carmen dive center you can also reach cenotes and Cozumel very easily. This mix of reef diving, cavern diving, and island diving in one area makes diving Playa del Carmen special, especially if you want to do several days of diving without long travel times.

On our local reef dives you can often see turtles, southern stingrays, moray eels, nurse sharks, schools of grunts and snappers, and many colorful reef fish. Sometimes we see eagle rays in season. The reefs are mainly sloping walls and coral gardens with sandy patches. Most sites for scuba diving in Playa del Carmen are relaxed dives that are perfect for fun dives, PADI training, and photography.

We dive all year. Water temperature is usually around 27 to 30 degrees Celsius, a bit cooler in winter and warmer in summer. Visibility is often 15 to 30 meters on the reefs. The bull shark season is normally from November to April. Cenotes are good all year because the water there is very stable. If you want the best chance of calm seas for diving Playa del Carmen, most people choose late spring and early summer.

Most sites for scuba diving Playa del Carmen are drift dives with light to moderate current. We choose dive sites based on your experience, the daily conditions, and the group level. Your guide will explain the plan and how to enjoy the drift safely. If the current is stronger than usual, we adjust the dive plan. For beginner and training dives we use more protected areas so you feel comfortable with our Playa del Carmen dive center team.

If you only have one day, you can enjoy a two-tank local reef trip. With two or three days you can combine reef diving in Playa del Carmen with a cenote tour or a Cozumel day. Many guests stay four to six days and do a mix of reefs, cenotes, and maybe bull sharks in season. Because everything is close to our Playa del Carmen dive center, you can plan flexible schedules and still have free time for the beach or other activities.

Yes. Many visitors here do their first Discover Scuba Diving experience or their PADI Open Water course. The shallow reefs are ideal for training and for easy fun dives. We keep groups small and match you with others at a similar level. If you are a bit nervous about scuba diving in Playa del Carmen, tell us in advance and we can start with very shallow, calm sites and go step by step so you feel safe and relaxed in the water.

If you have never dived, you can start with a Discover Scuba Diving experience or go directly to the PADI Open Water Diver course. Discover Scuba is a one-day experience with a short theory class, pool practice, and two reef dives. The Open Water course is a full certification that usually takes three days. Our Playa del Carmen dive center uses local reefs for training so you can enjoy real diving in Playa del Carmen from your first day.

The PADI Open Water course normally takes three days once your eLearning is done. You study the theory online at home or before you arrive. With us you then do one pool session and four open water dives on our local reefs. This way you get a full PADI diving Playa del Carmen experience while learning your basic skills in warm water with good visibility. We can sometimes adjust the schedule if you have time limits.

You do not need to be an athlete, but you should feel comfortable in the water and be able to float. For Discover Scuba Diving you do not need to pass a swim test, but we will first practice in shallow water or a pool to make sure you are relaxed. For the PADI Open Water course you must complete a short swim and float test. Our instructors are used to helping new students start a PADI course in Playa del Carmen at their own pace.

Yes. If you have a PADI referral, or you completed part of your course elsewhere, you can finish with us. Please bring your referral paperwork or logbook so we can see which sections you still need. Then we plan the remaining training dives on our local reefs and, if appropriate, in cenotes. Many people choose to complete their PADI course in Playa del Carmen because conditions and logistics here are simple and pleasant.

Discover Scuba Diving is an experience, not a certification. You learn basic skills, stay under close supervision, and can dive only within that program and depth limits. The PADI Open Water course gives you a lifelong certification to dive independently with a buddy around the world, and join more advanced trips. If you are sure you like diving, PADI Open Water is the best choice.

Yes, this area is great for the PADI Advanced Open Water course. You can do your deep and navigation dives on our local reefs, and we can often include a wreck dive or a cenote dive as part of the program if conditions allow. This is a good way to improve your skills while enjoying different types of scuba diving Playa del Carmen offers. The course usually takes two to three days and gives you more confidence for deeper dives.

Children can start with PADI programs from 8 years old in shallow water, and from 10 years old they can do the Junior Open Water course, with depth limits and extra care. We decide together which program is best based on the child’s comfort, size, and swimming ability. Our dive shop has equipment in smaller sizes and patient instructors who are used to teaching families and young divers.

We offer two-tank morning dives and two-tank afternoon dives on the reefs when the port is open. The morning trip is great if you like calmer seas and better light. The afternoon trip works well if you want to sleep a bit longer or arrive the same day. Each trip lasts around three to four hours. This flexible schedule makes scuba diving in Playa del Carmen easy to combine with other activities on your holiday.

Most shallow reefs are between 10 and 15 meters, perfect for Discover Scuba, PADI Open Water training, and relaxed fun dives. Deeper sites can go down to 25 to 30 meters and are more suitable for experienced or Advanced divers. We choose the dive sites based on your level and the daily conditions. For many guests, these reef depths are ideal for safe, enjoyable diving in Playa del Carmen without long boat rides.

Yes, there is a local wreck close to Playa del Carmen that we visit with certified divers who have the right experience. The wreck lies deeper than most reefs, so we recommend it for Advanced or equivalent level with recent dives. It is a nice way to add some variety to your scuba diving Playa del Carmen plan. If you are interested, let us know in advance so we can schedule the trip on a suitable day.

On our Cozumel dive trip we meet at our dive shop and then take a direct boat to the Cozumel reefs. You do not need to use the public ferry. The tour is a two-tank morning dive with lunch included. Cozumel offers famous walls, clear water, and strong but manageable currents for experienced divers. This is a very popular day trip for people who want to combine diving in Playa del Carmen with world-class Cozumel sites.

Because of the currents and depth, we normally require at least Open Water certification with recent experience. Advanced Open Water is even better, especially if you want deeper walls. Before the trip we ask about your last dives and total number of dives. If you are not ready for Cozumel dives yet, you can do a few reef dives or a PADI course with us in Playa del Carmen first, then enjoy Cozumel later in your stay.

We keep our groups small to give you a safe and personal experience. We group divers by level as much as possible, so beginners are not mixed with very advanced divers. This is important in areas like Cozumel, where currents can be stronger. Many guests tell us this is why they choose us instead of other Playa del Carmen dive shops, because small groups make it easier to relax, enjoy the dive, and improve skills.

Prices depend on the activity, number of dives, and if you need equipment. For example, local reef dives, cenote tours, Cozumel trips, and PADI courses all have different rates. We keep our pricing competitive with other Playa del Carmen dive shops and clear about what is included. The easiest way is to check out the different activities or ask us by email or WhatsApp so we can send you a full breakdown and help plan your diving in Playa del Carmen according to your budget.

All trips include guide, boat, tanks and weights, and drinking water. Cenote tours also include transport and entrance from the dive shop to the cenotes. Full gear rental and 15 liter tanks are extra. We always explain clearly what is in your quote so there are no surprises. As a transparent dive center we want you to know exactly what you are paying for and what optional upgrades exist.

To confirm your spot we ask for a deposit by PayPal or bank transfer (only for Mexicans). The amount depends on the activity and total value of your reservation. The balance is paid at the shop before diving. Because places on cenote, Cozumel, and bull shark dives can be limited, we advise booking early in busy season. This way your scuba diving Playa del Carmen schedule is locked in and we can plan boats and guides for your group.

We understand that plans can change. We ask for at least 24 to 48 hours notice to cancel or change a standard local dive without losing your deposit. Special trips, private charters, or larger groups may have different rules. Bad weather or port closures are handled differently and we will always try to reschedule or refund when the port authority closes diving in Playa del Carmen.

You pay a deposit by PayPal or in person, and the balance in pesos, USD, or card at the dive shop, depending on our current options. If you want to compare with other Playa del Carmen dive shops, remember to check if their prices include tax, fees, and gear.

You are welcome to bring your own full kit or just personal items like mask and computer. We also have rental gear in different sizes, including full wetsuits.

For recreational diving the general rule is to leave at least 18 to 24 hours between your last dive and your flight. If you are doing many days of repetitive dives, we recommend being conservative and planning your last dive the day before you fly. This timing also depends on your health and dive profiles. If you have any specialist medical questions, you should always follow advice from a dive doctor.

It is better not to combine heavy impact or high altitude activities with diving on the same day. If you did a skydive earlier, we recommend waiting before scuba diving Playa del Carmen, especially for deeper or repetitive dives. Your body needs time to recover from changes in pressure. If you plan to do both skydiving and diving during your trip, tell us your schedule and we can suggest a safe order and timing.

For safety, you do not need to be a strong swimmer for Discover Scuba but you must be comfortable in the water and able to follow instructions calmly. For full PADI courses, a basic swim and float test is required. If you are very nervous or cannot swim at all, we can start very shallow and see how you feel, but sometimes it is better to do a swimming class first before starting scuba diving.

Our shop is in Playa del Carmen, close to the beach and the main dive boat area. You can park on the street near the dive center using the local parking machines that accept coins. When you book, we send you our exact location pin and meeting time so you can arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy your dives with our Playa del Carmen dive center team.