PADI AWARE Shark Conservation

Protect What You Love! Join the PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty Course!

Highlights of the Wreck Diver Specialty Course:

2-Day PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty Course
Includes engaging theory session and interactive activities
4 ocean dives (2 of them at the shark site)
Learn about global shark populations, threats they face, and how to help
Offered exclusively between November and March
PADI certification fees included
Brand New Rental Equipment included
All Taxes and Marina Fees included
Highly Trained Instructors

Description of the AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty Course:

The PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty Course is designed for certified divers who want to make a real difference in shark protection. This course offers powerful insight into shark biology, conservation challenges, and what you can do to protect these incredible animals. It includes two days of training, featuring a theory session, shark-focused ocean dives in Playa del Carmen during the peak season between November and March.

Courses are available every day during shark season! (November-March)

What to Expect:

Spend the first part of your course at our dive center learning about the importance of sharks to marine ecosystems, the threats they face, current conservation efforts, and how you can support shark protection both underwater and on land.
4 Ocean Dives (2 of them Shark dives) – Over the course of two days, you’ll complete 2 ocean dives focused on observing and understanding shark behavior. These dives are conducted during the bull shark season in Playa del Carmen (November–March), offering a special chance to see sharks in the wild while learning how to dive with them safely. In addition to the shark dives, you’ll also experience two extra reef dives.
Debrief & Certification – After your final dive, your instructor will review your progress, share additional tips on ocean advocacy, and award you your PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty Certification.

Price of the Shark Conservation Specialty Course:

The price of the PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty Course is 8000 MXN (≈$432 USD) per person, including theory session, 4 ocean dives, certification, and all taxes and fees. No hidden costs!

What’s Included:

PADI Shark Conservation Course Materials
Theory Session
4 Ocean Dives (2 of which at the shark site)
Brand New Rental Equipment
Small groups for a more personal experience
All Taxes and Marina Fees included
Insurance
Shower and Towels in the Dive Center
Locker in the Dive Center
Water & Cookies on the Boat

Frequently Asked Questions:

What to Bring?

1. Swimsuit. 2. Personal items (camera, hat, sunglasses).

Where to meet?

We meet at Xico Dive Center, located on Flamingos Street between 40th Street North and 42nd Street North, in the Zazil-Ha neighborhood of Playa del Carmen.

Is certification required?

Yes, you must be at least Open Water certified to join the Shark Conservation Specialty Course.

What are the benefits of taking this course?

This course helps you understand why sharks are essential to marine ecosystems, what threatens them, and how to support their conservation. It also teaches you how to dive with sharks responsibly and become an advocate for ocean protection.

Where will my training take place?

The ocean dives take place in Playa del Carmen during bull shark season, from November to March.

Do I need to complete any theory or exams?

Yes, there’s a bit of independent study to do before the dives. It’s not a full classroom course like the Open Water, but you’ll review some theory. Don’t worry, there’s no exam.

What will I learn?

During the course, you’ll learn about shark biology, the role sharks play in ocean health, the threats they face worldwide, and what you can do to support shark conservation. You’ll also learn safe, respectful ways to dive with sharks and raise awareness in your community.

What is the Cancellation Policy?

If the reservation is canceled or modified up to 24 hours before the activity date, no cancellation fee will be charged. If the reservation is canceled or modified less than 24 hours before the activity, or in the event of a no show, 100% of the prepaid deposit will be charged.

No cancellation fee will apply if the activity is canceled by Xico Dive Center due to weather conditions, port closure, or operational reasons, and cannot be rescheduled.

In the case of cancellations due to medical reasons, no cancellation fee will apply only if a valid medical certificate is provided within 24 hours of the scheduled tour time.

For courses that include PADI or other eLearning materials, the deposit is non refundable once the eLearning has been activated or issued. This is because the training materials remain valid and can still be used by the student, whether they continue the course with us at a later date or complete it with another dive center.

If a course or activity must be postponed, we will always do our best to reschedule it according to availability.

Sign up for the course

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