Cabo San Lucas Scuba Diving Tour with PADI Instruction

Learn to breathe underwater, then actually do it

A 4-hour beginner scuba diving activity in Cabo San Lucas where you receive basic theory and skills instruction from a PADI-certified guide, then complete two shallow dives in the Marine Park. The guide stays with you throughout, and all gear, tanks, weights and national park fees are included. Morning and afternoon departures available; minimum age 10, moderate fitness required.

The Experience

You arrive at the dive shop, meet your PADI instructor, complete a health questionnaire and get fitted with gear. The whole setup takes about an hour — wetsuit, tank, weights, the works — and your guide walks you through what each piece does and how it sits on your body. Once you're ready, it's a short 5-minute boat ride to the dive site in the Cabo San Lucas Marine Park.

In the water, you don't jump straight into exploring. Your instructor takes you through basic skills first — how to clear your mask, how to breathe steadily, how to control your buoyancy — in shallow water where you can stand if you need to. These aren't complicated; most people get comfortable within the first few minutes. Once you've practiced and built confidence, the real dive starts. You descend with your guide, stay in close contact, and spend time looking at what's actually down there. Two dives total, both shallow, both with your instructor right beside you the whole time.

The whole experience runs 4 hours from check-in to the end. You choose morning or afternoon; both departures work the same way. Bring a valid ID and avoid diving within 18 hours of flying — that's a safety rule, not a suggestion. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions (asthma, heart issues, spinal injuries), check with your doctor first; the health form will ask about these. No alcohol for at least 12 hours before you go.

What’s included

• Professional PADI-certified guide in English, Spanish or French.
• all diving gear including tank, weights and wetsuit.
• bottled water.
• national park entry fees.
• local taxes.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Manta Scuba Diving

Is this one for you?Breathe underwater and discover if scuba is your next passion—guided dives in shallow waters let you experience the real thing without committing to full certification.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

268 verified traveler reviews

5 ★257

4 ★4

3 ★2

2 ★3

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What do I need to bring or wear to a beginner scuba dive in Cabo San Lucas?

Bring a valid ID and your medical form completed beforehand. Wear a swimsuit under your wetsuit. The dive shop provides the wetsuit, tank, weights, mask and fins — everything you need to breathe and move underwater. Bring a towel and dry clothes for after.

How deep do you go on a beginner scuba dive?

Beginner dives stay in shallow water where you can touch bottom if needed. Your PADI instructor keeps you in depths where you're comfortable and can practice skills safely before exploring further.

Can I dive if I've never done it before?

Yes — that's exactly what this tour is built for. You get basic theory and skills instruction before you dive, and your PADI-certified guide stays with you the entire time. You'll practice in shallow water first, then move to the actual dive once you're confident.

What's included in the 4-hour beginner scuba tour?

The tour includes a PADI-certified guide, all diving gear (tanks, weights, wetsuit), bottled water, national park fees and local taxes. You do not rent additional gear or pay entry fees separately — those are covered.

When do morning and afternoon dives leave, and how do I choose?

You pick either the morning or afternoon Discover Scuba Tour at checkout. Both follow the same instruction and dive structure; the difference is departure time. Choose whichever fits your schedule.

Is there a minimum age or fitness level for beginner scuba diving?

Minimum age is 10 years old. You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness — you're moving in water with gear on, so some strength and endurance matter. Pregnant travelers and anyone with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or certain medical conditions should not dive; your health questionnaire will flag these.