Beginner diving, cultural and festive visits in Playa Del Carmen
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAmerica / Mexico
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AgeFrom 18 - 55 years
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CO₂-Emissions157.1 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover the underwater diversity of diving in Mexico! A dream setting awaits, with impressive and varied dive sites including coral reefs, cenotes, and drop-offs. Accompanied by a certified instructor , you'll complete your PADI Open Water certification in good company. Between dives, visit a must-see in the region: Chichen Itza, one of the most beautiful Mayan sites and one of the Seven Wonders of the World . In the evening, return to your comfortable villa, offering everything you need to rest and recharge for the next day. A perfect blend of wonder, learning, relaxation, and sport— combine business with pleasure on this trip!
The highlights
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Passing the first PADI diving certification
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A variety of diving spots, including coral reefs, cenotes and drop-offs
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Comfortable private villa with swimming pool
Photos
Sport
Level
Scuba diving
In figures
Diving
- 2 average daily practices
- Maximum depth: 12 m
Management
French
PADI Instructor
Program
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Arrival day
- Accommodation Villa
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Check-in from 6pm at Villa Quetzal , for a gentle arrival and a first immersion in the atmosphere of the stay.
Day 1 -
Visit to Playa & 2 dives
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 5km
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Maximum depth (in m) 8 m
- Accommodation Villa
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you'll participate in a group briefing to get to know the instructors and other participants. The PADI course begins with an initial pool session dedicated to learning the basics. Lunch is provided on-site, in the form of a boxed lunch served directly at the dive center.
Day 2 -
2 dives
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 5km
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Maximum depth (in m) 8 m
- Accommodation Villa
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 8:00 AM at the dive center to complete your pool training and gain confidence before your open water dive. At 12:30 PM , depart for a training dive on the colorful reefs of Playa del Carmen, ideal for applying your initial skills in real-world conditions. Back at the center, you'll continue with a theory session led by an instructor. The day concludes around 4:00 PM .
Day 3 -
2 dives and PADI certification
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 5km
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Maximum depth (in m) 8 m
- Accommodation Villa
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You'll meet the team at 9:00 AM at the dive center for the theory quizzes , followed by the final Open Water certification exam. Once you've passed the theory portion, you'll head out at 12:30 PM for the last two certification dives . You'll return to the center in the late afternoon; the day will end around 4:30 PM .
Day 4 -
Free day
- Accommodation Villa
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A free day to enjoy the Caribbean beaches , relax, or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. If you wish, you can participate in one of the optional excursions offered on site, depending on your preferences.
Day 5 -
Chichen Itza
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 80km
- Accommodation Villa
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure at 8:00 AM for a day of cultural exploration. You'll begin with a guided tour of Chichén Itzá , one of the major sites of the Mayan civilization , listed among the Seven Wonders of the World . A local French-speaking guide will accompany you to explain the history and architecture of this iconic place. After a refreshing swim in a cenote , you'll have lunch at a traditional Mexican restaurant . The afternoon continues in Valladolid , a charming colonial city with pastel-colored houses and historic churches . Return to the hotel is scheduled for around 7:00 PM .
Day 6 -
2 dives in cenotes
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 60km
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Maximum depth (in m) 12 m
- Accommodation Villa
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Head south to discover the cenotes , spectacular geological formations with crystal-clear freshwater . Two guided dives are on the agenda in these veritable underwater cathedrals , unique in the world. With a bit of luck, you might witness the natural phenomenon of haloclines , where fresh and salt water meet. Lunch is provided on site , before returning to Playa del Carmen in the mid-afternoon . The rest of the day is free.
Day 7 -
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You start the day with breakfast , then it's time to check out of your room before 10:00 AM . End of your stay and last moments in Playa del Carmen before your return transfer.
Day 8
Note
The schedule for this program is provided for informational purposes only.
It may be subject to modifications or adjustments, depending on technical criteria, safety requirements, or current weather conditions. In this case, only UCPA supervisors are authorized to make the necessary decision(s).
From June to September, you have the opportunity to swim with the world's largest fish: the whale shark. A unique day, an extraordinary experience accessible to all. This is an additional cost and can be booked on arrival.
Accommodation
Your accommodation, located away from the noisy tourist area, in the residential neighborhood of Playa del Carmen. A villa immersed in Mexican life with a festive and friendly atmosphere, comprising 12 bedrooms, which has been designed especially for activities.
Access
Go to the starting point
It takes 45 minutes to reach Villa Quetzal in Playa Del Carmen from Cancun airport.
You should expect to pay around $60 per taxi ride.
One week before your stay you will receive a welcome email where you can specify your transfer needs; we optimize the pooling of transfers.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation for 7 nights in a shared triple room
- Full board
- PADI Open Water training and certification
- 2 pool dives as part of the Open Water training
- 2 dives in the sea at Playa Del Carmen as part of the Open Water training
- 2 cenote dives
- 1 day exploring Chichen Itza
- The sports coaching staff
- Sports equipment
- Transfer to activity locations
The price does not include
- International flights
- The transfer between the airport and the center
- Tips
- Personal expenses and equipment
- Any other supplement not included in the program
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the date of departure; remember to regularly consult the official websites https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/afrique-du-sud .
⚠️ A visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days. If you are booking your own flight to the United States, you may also be required to provide several documents (biometric passport, ESTA electronic travel authorization, etc.). We advise you to gather all the necessary information and not to leave these procedures to the last minute.
A Medical Certificate of No Contraindication (CACI) to the practice of scuba diving is mandatory (please note it is valid for 1 year). You must present it upon arrival at the center.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
All diving equipment is loaned by UCPA, except for the dive computer:
- Thermal suit
- Flippers
- Mask
- Tuba
- Belt and weights
- Cylinder and regulator
- Stabilizing vest
Clothing to bring
- Sweater
- Long-sleeved UV-protective T-shirt
- Swimsuit
- Cap
They traveled with us
