Dive Paradise is a PADI Gold Palm IDC Training Facility!

Skin Diver Certification - Skin diver is an actual PADI snorkeling certification program. It can be completed in one 3 hour session or two 1 1/2 hour classes, depending on your preference. This program provides the knowledge to turn the weak swimmer into a comfortable snorkeler. It's ideal for Scuba "widows" or "widowers!" where they can learn to safely and comfortably enjoy at least a part of their mate's exciting underwater world. All equipment is included.

Professional Association of Diving Instructors Hotel Barracuda Training Facility Discover Scuba - This is an introductory course to scuba, otherwise known as a "Resort Course". It is a 2-3 hour first experience in Cozumel's special underwater world. This Dive Paradise class is not a true course and does not qualify you for boat dives. You will initially breath off SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) in 3-4 feet of water. As the comfort level increases, you will be taken to a depth of about 12 feet where several basic exercises are practiced. The experience most often culminates with an instructor/supervised fun dive to about 25 feet. If you decide to continue into a full certification course, the price paid for this course will be applied toward the cost of full certification through Dive Paradise. (1 day US$63 - Equipment Included)

Scuba Refresher Course - This course is targeted toward the certified but out-of-practice diver. This experience is the perfect warm-up prior to boat trips for those divers with limited or out of date diving. During the 2-4 hour course you will build your confidence by going through a quick refresher and practicing the diving skills learned in the Open Water Course. Includes one supervised beach dive. (1 day US$53)

Open Water Certification - At Dive Paradise this course includes a minimum of 6 open water dives over a 3-5 day period. Normal class hours are approximately 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Though we cannot guarantee certification, we will work with problem students as long as possible (and your stay in Cozumel permits!). Most students complete the program as safe, confident divers in 3 days. An optional shallow boat dive is available on graduation day to facilitate the advancement from student to diver. 10 year olds may now become certified! (3-4 days US$310 + Open Water manual, Logbook, Recreational Dive planner, & RDP booklet. US$66 + Certification processing - PIC US$25, if PADI - - Equipment Included)

NEW! Online Open Water Certification Training Supplement - Whether you are on the go or want to take it slow, now you can complete the knowledge development portion of the PADI Open Water Diver course with PADI eLearning. It's a great match for your active schedule. After you complete all the online training segments, you can print your eLearning record and bring it in to our facility to complete your training. It is the modern approach to learning to dive, eliminating the need to study while you are on vacation! (US$120 for online training supplement. Signup for the Open Water Certification Course (above), is still required for certification. You have complete access to knowledge development course material for one year from signup.) 
Sign Up for PADI eLearning Course   Sign In to PADI eLearning Course

Final run-throughAdvanced Open Water Certification - Dive Paradise takes you on a minimum of 5 dives over a 2-3 day period. This course is designed to further develop diving skills and expose divers to the variety of adventures available underwater. (2 days US$194 - Boat dives Not Included.)

Instructor Development Course (IDC) - The IDC will be conducted over eight consecutive days. You can expect to start at 9:00AM and run until 7:30PM each day. In addition you should expect to spend several hours each evening for study and lesson preparation. IDC Course Outline and Additional Information (PDF format) (10 days US$1000 - Inquire about schedule)

Note: The training manual is not included with our certification courses unless otherwise stated. It is recommended that the student purchase the manual at home from a local dive shop and review/study prior to arrival. This expedites the learning process.

Completion of Open Water Training ("Referral" or "Check-Out") - This course is for those students who have already completed academic and pool training. The student must bring a signed referral form from their classroom and confined water instructor. The student will make 4 open water shore dives over a 2 day period. Please note that PADI and NAUI standards do not allow this to be shortened to one day. An optional shallow boat dive (1 tank afternoon trip at 3PM) is available on graduation day to facilitate the advancement from student to diver. (2 days US$142 + US$25 for 2 days equipment, if needed + US$25 certification processing (PIC, if PADI))

NITROX Training - Class includes 3 - 4 hours classroom. Course US$95, Text US$55, Certification Processing (PIC) US$25

Other Certification Courses - The following advanced certification courses are offered upon request:
Rescue Diver 3 - 5 days US$368 EFR (Emergency First Responder) - 1 day (8 hours) US$110 + $23 for certificate
Divemaster 7-12 days - Inquire Nitrox - All levels Inquire (See above)
Assistant Instructor - 6 days - Inquire Experienced Diver 2-3 days - Inquire
NAUI-SSI-PADI Crossover - Inquire Private Divemaster -Inquire
Guided Beach Dive - Inquire  

Specialty Courses - The following specialty courses are offered upon request (boat dives not included in price):

Navigation - 2 days/3 dives US$116 U/W Video - 2 days/4 dives US$210
Night Diving - 3 days/3 dives US$116 U/W Research - 2 days/3 dives US$116
Deep Diving - 2 days/4 dives US$142 U/W Naturalist - 2 days/3 dives US$79
Multilevel Diving - 1 day/2 dives US$74 Peak Buoyancy - 1 day/2 dives US$53
Coral Reef Diver - 2 days/4 dives US$142 Drift Diving - 1 day/2 dives US$74
Boat Diving - 1 day/2 dives US$74 Search/Recovery - 2 days/4 dives US$142
Wreck Diving - 2 days/4 dives US$158 Equipment Repair - 1 day US$53
U/W Photography - 2 days/4 dives US$210  

We also offer various courses from the following certification groups:

Scuba Schools InternationalNational Association of Underwater Instructors

Please contact us about availability and pricing!


General Terms and Conditions:
  • Text books and rental of dive gear are not included in the Dive Paradise course cost unless otherwise noted. The cost of gear rental may be estimated by referring to the sales/rental section.
  • There is a US$25 additional processing fee associated with all PADI certification courses to cover PIC registration in the United States.
  • Group discounts available on all instruction - inquire.
  • All prices include 5% Mexico "water related activities" luxury tax, effective January 2002.

The above PADI, NAUI and SSI trademarks are property of the corresponding organizations.