If you've never been scuba diving before, let Aquadventures take you! We have one of the best places on the planet to take you for your first time. Find out more about it and read stories from certified divers about their first dive! We're going to present a
Q & A article to give you all the info that you need to know about diving for the first time, and getting your first level of certification. Ready? Let's get wet!
WARNING! Scuba Diving CAN BE ADDICTIVE! Once you've been underwater and witnessed the beauty of the underwater world, you'll want to go again and again!
Can I go scuba diving without being certified?
Absolutely! It's not necessary to be certified (take the course) to go scuba diving. Most dive shops will do a 30-45 minute class in the pool or if the dive center doesn't have a pool, they will take you to shallow water to learn the basics. You'll learn how to use your dive equipment, equalize your ears, and basic underwater hand signals.
The only requirements to try scuba diving are that you must be at least 10 years old and pass a medical questionnaire. questionnaire. You can check it out here -
Why should I get certified?
No matter how many times you've gone diving until you are certified, each time that you want to dive, you'll have to do the session in the pool or shallow water. As a non-certified diver, you can only go to a depth of 12 meters/40 feet. Once you are Open Water certified (Level 1), you can dive down to 18 meters/60 feet. If you plan on diving at least twice a year, it's a good idea to do the course. Once certified, you are certified for life. By getting certified you open up so many more interesting dive sites.
How does the certification process work?
Once you've decided that making bubbles is for you and you want to get certified, there are a few different ways that you can do your first course. First, you'll need to study a book that has 5 chapters, and take a written test. You'll do 4 confined water dives and 4 open water dives to practice the skills you studied in each chapter of the book. Here are the options for how to do the course.
OPTION 1: You can read the book at home and take the final exam when you go to the dive center for your dives. This is a great option if you don't want to spend your vacation time studying.
OPTION 2: You can read the book at home and find a local dive shop to do your confined dives in the swimming pool. Then your open water dives on vacation.
OPTION 3: Read the book at home and do all your dives on vacation.
OPTION 4: Study the book and do all your dives on vacation.
Why dive with Aquadventures in Cozumel?
Check out the 2 videos below and then keep reading!
Discover Scuba Dives at Chankanab
Chankanaab Park & Beach Club
Once with the gear on, we will proceed to practice; during the first minutes, you will be getting familiar with your new hobby, enjoying that “no gravity” feeling, and learning how to move efficiently underwater; immediately after we will proceed to the underwater tour. (40-50min approx.) One or more Scuba Instructors will be with you during the whole process. The zone is blessed with reef formations and marine gardens which hold fish communities, crustaceans, mollusks, and coral. You will not need to go far to enjoy them, along with the coast sea fans and other soft coral grow abundantly. In the central area, bigger coral formations are the home of grey snapper shoals, and for those who can dive down, it ́s common to find lobster, king crab, moray eels, stingrays, and countless shrimp and other small species. Sunken Statues of the “Guadalupe” Virgin, the Christ, therein Mayan god Chaac, and original Spanish cannons are located on the sandbars. Pictures come out great! Depending on the season, we get visits from turtles and eagle rays that seek an easy meal on the seagrass and sandbars before getting back to the deeper reefs. The whole area is buoyed for the safety of swimmers and scuba divers.
Includes: Park Admission Bracelet, Snorkel, and Scuba gear rental, Scuba Class, Practice and underwater tour, Sea Lion Show, Beach chairs, Beach Palapas (huts), Hammocks , Prehispanic replica area, Mayan House, Tropical Garden, Beach Area, Life Jackets, Tequila Area, Bathrooms, Showers. You will also receive a courtesy drink (soda, water or beer).
For all the info about the schedule and pricing go to -
Testimonials from Certified Divers
"I tried my first discovery scuba in Curacao, the island I was born. After years of snorkeling as a kid living in Curacao. The magic of being part of marine life still gets me inspired every day. After my study of marine biology in the Netherlands, I returned to Curacao so I can dive in blue water all year round. I'm only a PADI Open Water, but I have been diving all over the world. Very experienced in difficult situations. But still in love with the marine life." - Henk - Open Water
"First experience was taking the classes. I was taking a break from drinking and partying so I started diving to fill the void. I continued diving because it’s a wonderful world underwater that many never see other than a television." - Clint - Divemaster
"I was working as a snorkel guide in Cancun when a local dive instructor asked if I had ever been diving. I hadn't. After my first dive, I was hooked. Immediately I began the Open Water course. Once certified I got a job managing a dive center and continued my training. I've spent years working in the scuba diving world and living in paradise has been amazing ever since. I've met some of the most amazing people that come from all over the world to dive here." - Missey - Playa del Carmen
"I started my dive at the Y in Ohio at the age of 14, before PADI even existed. My first ocean dives were in the Bahamas and absolutely amazing! After only doing scuba in the pool, then going to the ocean there... I was blown away! I've been addicted ever since and have dove all over the world." - Peter - Colorado