PADI Open Water Diving Certification: 3-Day Course

Four dives across three days: classroom, confined water, and two boat trips to the Marine National Park

A 3-day PADI Open Water certification course in Isla Mujeres teaches you to scuba dive through e-learning, confined water practice, and four open-water dives with a certified instructor. All equipment is included, and you'll explore the Marine National Park on the final two dives. The course qualifies you to dive independently anywhere in the world and opens the door to advanced certifications.

The experience

The course runs three mornings at the dive center, starting at 9 am each day. Day one covers the e-learning principles of scuba diving, equipment setup, and confined water practice where you rehearse skills in a controlled setting. Days two and three take you out on the boat: the first pair of dives lets you practice those skills in open water, and the final two dives happen in the Marine National Park, a 20-minute boat ride away, where you apply everything you've learned while exploring coral and sea life.

All scuba gear and equipment come with the course, along with bottled water and snacks throughout the three days. Your instructor is a certified PADI professional who speaks English or Spanish, so you can follow the classroom work and the in-water guidance in whichever language suits you. Children from age 10 can enroll, though the course does require at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

By the end of day three, you'll hold a PADI Open Water certification recognized worldwide, which means you can dive anywhere without a professional present and can pursue specialty certifications like Advanced Open Water, Underwater Photography, or Wreck Diving in the future.

What’s included

• All scuba equipment and gear for all four dives.
• bottled water and snacks across the three days.
• instruction from a certified PADI guide in English or Spanish.
• confined water practice on day one.
• two boat dives on day two and two boat dives in the Marine National Park on day three.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Only 2 blocks from the Ultramar Ferry. Avenida Benito Juarez 13 across from Javis Cantina.. You can google Aqua Adventures Eco Divers and it will come up correct. This mapping system they us in inaccurate. Thank you”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Aqua Adventures Eco Divers, 5 STAR PADI

Is this one for you?The course runs in English or Spanish, so choose the language your instructor speaks and you'll follow the classroom work and water skills comfortably. Children from age 10 can join, though moderate physical fitness is needed to complete the four dives and the boat rides.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 17 years). Under 10: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens during the confined water practice on day one?

Confined water practice takes place at the dive center on day one after you review the e-learning material and equipment with your instructor. You'll learn and practice the fundamental scuba skills in a controlled environment before moving to open water, so you can build confidence in a safe setting.

How far is the boat ride to the Marine National Park where I do my final two dives?

The boat ride to the Marine National Park takes 20 minutes. That's where you complete dives three and four on day three, exploring the coral and sea life while putting your new skills to use in a real dive site.

Can I bring my own diving equipment or do I have to use what's provided?

All scuba equipment is included in the course and provided by the dive center, so you don't need to bring your own gear. Everything you need to complete the four dives is supplied.

What can I do with my PADI Open Water certification once I finish the course?

Your PADI Open Water certification lets you dive independently anywhere in the world, with or without a dive professional. You can also enroll in specialty courses like PADI Advanced Open Water, Underwater Photography, or Wreck Diving to expand your diving skills.

Is this course suitable for someone who has never scuba dived before?

Yes, PADI Open Water is designed for beginners with no prior diving experience. The course starts with e-learning and confined water practice to teach you the fundamentals, then progresses to open-water dives. You do need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to complete it.