Cabo San Lucas: Beginner Scuba Dive with PADI Instructor & Gear

Summary

First-time scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas marine park with local guides

You’ll get your first taste of scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas with a patient local guide—starting with simple skills on the surface before heading underwater to spot colorful fish. Includes all your gear plus bottled water and national park entry fees. Expect some nerves at first, but you’ll finish grinning under your mask.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I almost bailed when I saw the wetsuit — it looked way too tight and I was already sweating from nerves. But our instructor, Jorge, just grinned and handed me a bottle of water (which I immediately spilled down my front, classic). He had this calm way of explaining things, like even if you forgot which hand sign meant “okay,” you’d still be fine. The check-in was quick, just a couple forms and a health thing — nothing scary. There were a few other beginners on the boat too, all looking as awkward as me in our borrowed fins.

The boat ride out to the dive site took maybe five minutes — enough time for the salty wind to mess up my hair and for someone to point at a pelican gliding right next to us. Once we anchored near the rocks (I think it was Pelican Rock?), Jorge ran through how all the scuba gear worked. I kept fiddling with my mask because it smelled faintly rubbery and new, which was oddly comforting. We practiced breathing through the regulator above water first; honestly, that first inhale felt weirdly loud in my ears but kind of satisfying too.

Going under for real… that’s where it got surreal. I remember gripping Jorge’s arm tighter than necessary while we did those basic skills — clearing my mask, finding my regulator again (which I dropped once and panicked for half a second). He gave me this thumbs-up underwater that made me laugh into my mouthpiece. The water was cooler than I expected but clear enough to see little yellow fish darting around. At one point someone’s hair floated straight up like seaweed — it looked hilarious but also kind of magical? We didn’t go deep, maybe just enough to feel weightless for the first time.

I still think about floating there, hearing only bubbles and my own heartbeat, not really believing I was actually scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas. When we surfaced, Jorge high-fived everyone (even though my glove slipped off) and told us we’d done great — even if some of us forgot half the hand signals. So yeah, if you’re thinking about trying beginner scuba diving here… don’t worry about looking silly. Everyone does at first.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beginner scuba diving experience

• Check in and meet PADI instructor
• Fill out medical form and gear up
• Boat ride to dive site
• Receive instructions on gear and safety
• Practice basic diving skills
• Enjoy shallow scuba diving adventure

Top questions

Is this beginner scuba diving tour suitable for people who have never dived before?

Yes, it's designed for complete beginners with no prior experience required.

How long does the beginner scuba dive last in Cabo San Lucas?

The whole experience takes about 4 hours including instruction and dives.

Is equipment included in the Cabo San Lucas beginner scuba tour?

Yes, all necessary gear such as tanks and weights is provided as part of your booking.

Are there any health restrictions for this dive?

Yes, certain medical conditions may prevent participation; you'll fill out a health questionnaire before diving.

What is the minimum age for this beginner scuba dive?

The minimum age is 10 years old for participants.

Do you need to know how to swim well?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; strong swimming skills help but aren't mandatory.

Does the tour include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

Can pregnant travelers join this beginner scuba tour?

No, it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with certain health conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes guidance from a professional PADI instructor who’ll walk you through every step, bottled water to keep you cool on deck, all your tanks and weights ready to go, plus national park fees and local taxes covered so you can just focus on breathing underwater instead of paperwork.