Sidemount Course in Playa del Carmen
Streamline Your Setup! Learn Sidemount Diving with the SDI / TDI Sidemount Course in the […]
Train with a PADI 5 Star Dive Center
Xico Dive Center · PADI Center
S29477 · Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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Streamline Your Setup! Learn Sidemount Diving with the SDI / TDI Sidemount Course in the Ocean or Cenotes!
Highlights of the SDI / TDI Sidemount Course
- 2-day SDI / TDI Sidemount Course
- Includes eLearning and all course materials
- 2 training dives (choose between cenote or ocean)
- All technical sidemount equipment available for rent
- Learn cylinder rigging, trim, propulsion, gas switching & shutdowns
- Small groups
- Certification fees included
- Experienced technical instructors
- All taxes and entrance/marina fees included
Description of the SDI / TDI Sidemount Course
The SDI / TDI Sidemount Course introduces you to one of the most versatile and efficient gear configurations in diving. Whether you’re exploring tight cave passages or simply want better gas redundancy, sidemount diving enhances balance, comfort, and streamlining.
Over two days, you’ll learn how to set up, adjust, and dive a sidemount rig in either a cenote or ocean environment based on your choice. You’ll also practice safety drills, buoyancy control, proper trim, gas management, and cylinder handling.
Courses are available every day!
What to Expect
- Day 1: Gear Workshop + Confined Skills (approx. 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM) – 4-hour classroom session (theory, configuration, hose routing, gas management, trim) and a 2-hour confined/pool session to dial in fit, buoyancy and core sidemount skills.
- Day 2: Sidemount Dives 2 & 3
- Ocean Option: ~12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, two guided shallow reef dives focused on real-world skills.
- Cenote Option: ~8:30 AM – 2:30 PM, two guided dives in cenotes for precision buoyancy and control.
You’ll fine-tune shutdowns, practice gas switches, work on propulsion techniques (frog kick, back kick), and reinforce safety procedures. Once complete, you’ll earn your Sidemount Certification.
Training location and dive sites may vary depending on weather and dive preference.
Price of the SDI / TDI Sidemount Course
The SDI / TDI Sidemount Course in the Ocean is 9000 MXN (≈$514 USD) per person and in the Cenotes it is 12000 MXN (≈$686 USD), covering all training, materials, 2 dives, and certification fees. No hidden costs!
Top sidemount rental equipment is available for an additional 2000 MXN (≈$114 USD).
What’s Included
- SDI Sidemount eLearning and digital materials
- 2 Training Dives in your choice of cenote or ocean
- Entrance or Marina Fees (depending on dive site)
- Shower and Towels in the Dive Center
- Locker in the Dive Center
- Water & Cookies on the Boat
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
1. Swimsuit. 2. Personal items (camera, hat, sunglasses).
Where do we 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.
What are the prerequisites?
You must be at least 18 years old (or 15 with parental consent) and an Open Water Diver. Good buoyancy control is required.
What’s the difference between cenote and ocean dives?
Cenote: Calm, clear freshwater with no current—ideal for skill work and buoyancy precision.
Ocean: Offers natural conditions like current and waves—great for real-world sidemount diving experience.
Ocean: Offers natural conditions like current and waves—great for real-world sidemount diving experience.
Do I need to complete theory before the course?
Yes. You’ll receive access to eLearning to study key concepts like gas management, configuration, and trim. This must be completed before Day 1.
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 
Takumi Saito
Trustindex 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
Nick DiVito
Trustindex 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
Andy McKenzie
Trustindex 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
Lori
Trustindex 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
Kenzie Billings
Trustindex 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!
