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PADI Discover Scuba Diving for Kids

PADI · Kids Diving

PADI Discover Scuba Diving for Kids in Playa del Carmen

Kids age 10+ can try real ocean scuba in Playa del Carmen through Xico's PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience, with pool practice and two guided ocean dives when ready. No certification is required.

Why learn with Xico

Runs Even With One Client This product does not depend on Xico filling a group before it can operate.

Real Dive Center Facilities A physical dive center with showers, lockers, retail, rental gear, and diver facilities before and after the activity.

Close to the Beach and Boat Pickup The Playa del Carmen dive center is close to the beach and local boat pickup for simple dive-day logistics.

Insured Professional Operation Required business, boat and vehicle insurance.

Your Training Journey

How the course works

Skills practice

Confined-water training

1 confined-water session

A pool skills session introduces breathing, equipment use and essential first-dive skills before ocean diving.

Real-world training

Open-water training

2 training dives · Pool + Playa del Carmen reefs

Two shallow ocean dives are included when the student successfully completes the required preparation and the instructor considers conditions suitable.

Course Schedule

Your course session

Course session Typical 09:30-15:30

Theory, Pool Skills & Two Ocean Dives

Meet Xico, learn the basics, practice in the pool, then complete two directly supervised shallow reef dives if ready.

Before You Book

Everything you need to start

Included

Scuba introduction and safety briefing
Pool skill session
Two shallow ocean dives when training requirements are met
Full rental scuba gear
Instructor supervision
Taxes and marina fees
Towel and locker at Xico Dive Center
Drinking water and cookies on the boat

Extras / not included

External physician consultation if medical clearance is required

Requirements

Minimum age 10
Basic swimming ability and water comfort
Parent or legal guardian paperwork
Required diver medical screening

Course details

Agency: PADI
Confined water: 1 session
Training dives: 2 training dives
Training location: Pool + Playa del Carmen reefs
Equipment: Included
Availability: Year-round
Minimum booking: Runs with one student
Minimum age: 10+

More course details What to bring, training logistics and instructor requirements

What to bring

Swimsuit
Dry clothes
Parent/guardian paperwork
Required physician clearance, if applicable

Training schedule: Typical one-day plan runs from approximately 09:30 to 15:30, including briefing, pool practice and two ocean dives. Exact timing depends on student progress and operations.

Open-water logistics: Ocean dives operate by local boat on suitable shallow Playa del Carmen reefs.

Schedule note: Start dates are available subject to instructor availability, student readiness and operational confirmation.

Certification requirements: Training is conducted and evaluated by an appropriately qualified instructor for the agency and course. Certification or recognition is issued only after the applicable course requirements are successfully completed.

Course Details

Can My Child Try Scuba Diving in Playa del Carmen?

Yes. At Xico, children age 10+ can join our PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience in Playa del Carmen. This page explains the same one-day beginner scuba experience from a parent's point of view. It is a supervised introduction to scuba, not a separate certification course.

Pool Practice Comes Before the Ocean

The experience begins with a briefing, equipment fitting and pool practice next to Xico Dive Center. Your child has time to get comfortable breathing underwater, learn the basic hand signals and practice the essential skills before any ocean dive is considered.

Two Guided Ocean Dives When Your Child Is Ready

After the required pool preparation, the program continues with two guided ocean dives on suitable Playa del Carmen reefs when conditions are safe and the instructor is satisfied that the student is ready. The maximum program depth is up to 12 m / 40 ft, with the actual dive plan kept conservative for the student, conditions and instructor assessment.

What If My Child Is Nervous or Does Not Feel Ready?

The goal is a comfortable first experience, not pressure to reach the ocean. The instructor can spend more time on the preparation and will assess readiness before continuing. The ocean portion only goes ahead when the required preparation is complete and the instructor considers the plan appropriate for the student and conditions.

Parent, Guardian and Medical Requirements

A parent or legal guardian must complete the required participation and medical paperwork for a minor. Scuba students complete the required diver medical screening, and physician approval may be required before in-water training depending on the answers. Your child should also be comfortable in the water and have basic swimming ability.

Which Kids Scuba Program Is the Right Fit?

For younger children age 8+, PADI Bubblemaker is a first shallow-pool scuba experience and PADI Seal Team offers structured pool AquaMissions. From age 10, PADI Discover Scuba Diving is the one-day try-scuba option with pool preparation and ocean diving. If your child wants a full entry-level certification instead, see the PADI Junior Open Water course.

DSD or Junior Open Water?

Choose Discover Scuba Diving when your child wants to experience real scuba before committing to a certification course. Choose Junior Open Water when the goal is to complete the full knowledge, confined-water and open-water training required for an internationally recognized entry-level certification.

Ready to go?

Check course availability

Tell us your preferred start date, number of students and any questions. The Xico team confirms instructor availability, the training schedule and next steps before your course is booked.

Direct confirmation from the Xico team
Instructor and course schedule checked
Requirements reviewed before training

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Good to Know

Questions before you book?

What is the minimum age for Discover Scuba Diving for Kids?

The minimum age is 10 for Xico’s pool-plus-ocean Discover Scuba Diving for Kids program. The child must be comfortable in the water, have basic swimming ability and complete the required parent/guardian and medical paperwork.

Does Discover Scuba Diving for Kids give a scuba certification?

No. It is a supervised introductory scuba experience, not a full Open Water certification. It is ideal for a child who wants to try real ocean scuba before committing to Junior Open Water training.

How many ocean dives are included?

Xico’s current kids program includes pool preparation followed by two shallow ocean dives on suitable Playa del Carmen reefs, subject to safe conditions and the instructor’s assessment of the student.

Will Xico run my course if I am the only student?

Yes. Xico can run its courses with one booked student, so you do not have to wait for us to fill a group. Your requested start date still needs instructor and operational confirmation.

What paperwork is required for students under 18?

A parent or legal guardian must complete the required participation and medical paperwork for a minor. Age-specific PADI limits and supervision rules continue to apply after certification where relevant.

Do I need medical clearance for scuba training?

Scuba students complete the required diver medical screening. Depending on your answers, physician approval may be required before in-water training. Any external physician or consultation cost is separate unless a course page explicitly says otherwise.

What happens if weather or a port closure affects course dives?

If weather, sea conditions or a port closure prevent required ocean training, Xico will first try to reschedule the affected training according to safe conditions and availability. Certification is issued only after the required performance requirements are completed.