Diving course in Playa del Carmen, grab your mask!

WHERE ARE WE GOING?
The Mexican Caribbean has enjoyed considerable success over the past thirty years or so, thanks to its striking turquoise sea, its barrier reef — the second largest after Australia’s — and its miles of white sand beaches at the heart of the fascinating Mayan world. It is without doubt a natural wonder combining extraordinary beauty: an exuberant jungle, crystal-clear turquoise water, impressive coral reefs, mysterious remains of one of the most important civilisations of the past, and a warm climate all year round.

WHAT TIME DO WE ARRIVE?
Flight to Cancun. Some airlines, not daily, offer direct flights to Cancun. Aeromexico and Air France operate a direct overnight flight to Mexico City, where you arrive in the morning; a connecting flight to Cancun gets you in by late morning. You will be met on arrival, and we take care of your transfer to the hotel. This flight allows you to enjoy a first free afternoon right from arrival. Aeromexico allows one piece of luggage per passenger, up to 30 kg — enough room to bring back a few souvenirs.

WHERE DO WE SLEEP?
The Mahekal Beach Resort, with its palm-thatched bungalows right on the beach, is one of our favourite hotels in the simple category. Located just a few steps from the lively streets of Playa del Carmen, it has a beautiful stretch of fine white sand beach. Thanks to a long-standing partnership, it delights families and couples alike who are looking for a beachfront hotel away from mass tourism and all-inclusive resorts. Rustic yet very comfortable, all rooms come with air conditioning, a private terrace or balcony with hammock, and a safe. Half-board is offered, along with 2 swimming pools, a bar with a pool table and a massage corner. The welcome is warm and the atmosphere relaxed.

WHAT DO WE DO?
Introductory scuba dive
Meet at the dive centre at 10:30 am. The day begins with a theory session, covering the equipment and how it works. The first exercises take place in a pool to get comfortable and at ease. You will then head out by boat for your first dive on a beautiful coral reef close to Playa del Carmen. You will have plenty of time to enjoy this first Caribbean diving experience. Dives are not timed, and for this first experience last between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on air consumption.

Open Water
This 3-day, 4-dive course is PADI’s first level of certification. It allows you to dive anywhere in the world as a certified diver, for those who have previously completed an introductory dive with our team.
– Day 1: Meet at the dive centre at 8:30 am to begin with a pool session to assess your level and comfort in the water. The morning continues with a theory session.
In the afternoon, a sea dive on the coral reef off Playa del Carmen.
– Day 2: In the morning, a pool session and further theory.
In the afternoon, a sea dive.
– Day 3: A morning of theory, quiz and final exam.
The afternoon is devoted to 2 sea dives to complete the certification.

Certification complete, the underwater world opens up to you
– Dive the cenotes
Each day, meet at the dive base to get equipped. Head to the splendid cenotes of the Yucatan — these crystal-clear underground freshwater pools beneath enormous stalactites.
You will dive into these mineral wonders.

– Following the rhythm of the seasons
Depending on the season, your level and your autonomy, you can also swim with whale sharks and sailfish (snorkelling), or dive to encounter eagle rays, leopard rays or bull sharks.

Our partner is an IDC Gold Palm PADI centre, the highest level of recognition in diving, guaranteeing training supervised safely by professionals.

ESCAPE INTO MAYAN LANDS
The major sites of the Yucatan
You won’t want to miss the must-see Mayan cities, provincial towns with colonial charm, and grand, unmissable archaeological sites. For the organisation of these excursions in Mayan lands, feel free to contact us.
– Chichen Itza, a World Heritage site, is without doubt the most visited site for its spectacular pyramids and observatory.
– Ekbalam, on the road to Rio Lagartos, located 20 minutes north of Valladolid, in the village of the same name where a community resides. From the top of the main pyramid, you can see the sites of Coba and Chichen Itza.
– Valladolid is a charming colonial town on the road to Chichen Itza. A pleasant square surrounded by beautifully restored buildings, arcades, colours, and a varied culinary signature recognised throughout the country.
– Coba, the great rival of Chichen Itza, allied with Calakmul and Tulum, is distinguished by its network of sacbés (roads) that allowed travel between its different complexes spread over more than 70 km2 and neighbouring cities. Explore this site by renting a mountain bike at the entrance.
– Tulum, the only Mayan city built on the coast. It was above all a fortress, from which the Maya witnessed the arrival of Spanish caravels. We strongly recommend visiting right at opening or shortly before closing, given how busy it gets due to its proximity to Cancun.

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka’an (a World Heritage site), south of Tulum, is a haven for birds, home to hidden ruins and wild beaches where, every year, countless sea turtles return in a recurring miracle. We can arrange a full day in the reserve with a French-speaking guide, including, in summer, night-time observation of nesting sea turtles.

In summer, snorkelling with whale sharks at Isla Holbox
From June to September: around 90 euros per person, departing at 7:00 am by motorboat, returning at 1:00 pm with lunch on board (sandwich, fruit, water, soft drinks). You approach the whale sharks with mask and snorkel, two at a time so as not to frighten them, and swim alongside them. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, reaching over 15 metres in length and weighing around 30 tonnes. Their migratory route takes them to the tropical waters off the Holbox coast in search of plankton. Despite their impressive size, they are harmless creatures.