PADI Digital Underwater Photographer

Shoot Like a Pro – Capture the Magic of the Ocean with the PADI Underwater […]

Train with a PADI 5 Star Dive Center Xico Dive Center · PADI Center S29477 · Playa del Carmen, Mexico

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Shoot Like a Pro – Capture the Magic of the Ocean with the PADI Underwater

Highlights of the Underwater Photographer Specialty Course:

  • 1-Day PADI Underwater Photographer Specialty Course
  • Includes theory session
  • 2 ocean dives focused on photography
  • Learn how to use underwater cameras and compose stunning shots
  • Understand settings, lighting, positioning, and post-dive photo review
  • PADI certification fees included
  • Brand New Rental Equipment included
  • All Taxes and Marina Fees included
  • Highly Trained Instructors

Description of the Underwater Photographer Specialty Course:

The PADI Underwater Photographer Specialty Course is perfect for certified divers who want to improve their photography skills and capture amazing images beneath the surface. You’ll learn techniques to take great photos in real dive conditions, focusing on buoyancy control, lighting, composition, and timing. The course includes a short theory session followed by two open water dives, where you’ll practice what you’ve learned and start building your underwater photo portfolio.

Courses are available every day!

What to Expect:

  • Theory Session – Start the day with a briefing on camera setup, white balance, framing, and tips for shooting marine life. Learn how to manage your gear, work with natural light, and review your images post-dive to improve your results.
  • Ocean Dives (2 Photography Dives) – Head out for two dives in vibrant reef sites ideal for photography. Practice framing, camera techniques, getting close to your subjects, and perfecting buoyancy for clear, stable shots.

Price of the Underwater Photographer Specialty Course:

The PADI Underwater Photographer Specialty Course is 4500 MXN (≈$257 USD) per person. This includes theory, training dives, camera use and certification. No hidden costs!

What’s Included:

  • PADI Underwater Photographer Course Materials
  • Theory Session
  • 2 Ocean Photography Dives
  • Brand New Rental Equipment
  • PADI Certification Fees
  • 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 Underwater Photographer Specialty Course.
Do I need to bring my own camera?
You’re welcome to bring your own underwater camera system. If you don’t have one, we will provide one.
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 skills will I learn?
You’ll learn how to set up and maintain your underwater camera, use available light effectively, compose shots, approach subjects without disturbing them, and stay neutrally buoyant for steady and clear images.
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.

What Our Students Say

Recent Google reviews from divers and students who trained with Xico Dive Center, a PADI 5 Star Dive Center.

Posted on Google Google
Takumi Saito profile picture
Takumi Saito
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My experience of diving with Xico Dive Center was absolutely wonderful. The location, service, pricing, and quality of the instructors were all excellent. I went diving with an instructor named Santiago who explained everything very carefully while keeping the atmosphere fun with his great sense of humor. It was such a wonderful experience to have my first dives in Mexican waters with him. Thank you so much!
Posted on Google Google
Nick DiVito profile picture
Nick DiVito
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Felipe was an excellent open water instructor. I had never dove before, but felt incredibly safe and comfortable with the equipment and concepts after a few sessions with him. He is a calm, expert diver and very good at teaching beginners!
Posted on Google Google
Andy McKenzie profile picture
Andy McKenzie
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Had an amazing day with Ricado, diving the cenotes, and the local reef! Amazing!!!! Thank you.
Posted on Google Google
Lori profile picture
Lori
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I did a recreational with Xico DC which included 2 dives with Felipe as my guide. He was calm and made me feel at ease. For some reason I was nervous but he had a relaxed way about him that set me right. The dives went great. The water had more current than what Id experienced before but Im still new & it was all good. The boat crew was very helpful and attentive. Id definitely dive with Xico DC again. The staff there are very helpful too. Update: I went on with other instructors (Santi & Morgan) to complete my Advanced Cert here adding 6 more dives and then an unforgetable cenote dive. With Xicos great staff, team of instructor's, boat crew, and location, I look forward to seeing what the center looks like after renovations have finished.
Posted on Google Google
Kenzie Billings profile picture
Kenzie Billings
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Felipe was an excellent instructor! My dad and I had only snorkeled a handful of times prior to pursuing open water scuba certification. Felipe was calm, cool, and collected - which encouraged me to be, too! I highly recommend Xico and the diving staff there. We will be back to continue learning!

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