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Certified Divers
DPV Scooter Diving in Playa del Carmen – 2-Tank Dive
Use an underwater scooter to cover more of Playa del Carmen reefs on two guided DPV dives. DPV and harness are included, with morning or afternoon departures for properly trained certified divers.
Why choose Xico for this dive
PADI 5 Star Dive Center
Professional recreational diving and training from a PADI 5 Star Dive Center.
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.
The experience
Cover More Reef Without Turning the Dive Into a Race
A Diver Propulsion Vehicle lets you move across a longer section of reef while reducing constant finning. That changes the scale of the dive: instead of circling one compact area, the group can connect reef sections and see more terrain while the guide controls speed, route, depth, and gas limits.
The goal is not maximum speed. Good DPV diving feels controlled, efficient, and smooth.
Two Scooter Dives With the DPV Included
Your trip includes two guided local dives and the DPV with harness. Morning normally allows the option of a deeper first profile followed by a shallower second dive, while the afternoon usually focuses on two shallower profiles. Exact routes depend on weather, current, visibility, port status, and the group.
For Divers Who Already Know DPV Procedures
This is not a learn-as-you-go scooter rental. Divers need DPV specialty training or equivalent documented experience accepted by Xico. You must be able to control speed, stop, turn, maintain buoyancy, monitor gas, stay with the group, and manage the unit without damaging the reef.
A Different Way to Experience the Local Reefs
DPV diving is a strong choice for experienced local divers, repeat visitors, and anyone who wants a more dynamic two-tank Playa day. Standard recreational rental gear is available separately, while the activity-specific DPV equipment is included.
Simple logistics
How it works
Check In and DPV Setup
Confirm certification, recent experience, equipment, and DPV setup before the boat departure.
DPV Safety Briefing
Review speed control, stopping, turns, group positioning, gas planning, towing, and what to do if a unit stops.
First Scooter Dive
Follow the guide along a route selected for conditions and group experience.
Surface Interval
Relax on the boat with water and cookies while the team prepares for the second dive.
Second Scooter Dive
Explore a second local route with the same controlled pace and gas-management rules.
Return to Xico
Return to Playa del Carmen and rinse or store equipment at the dive center.
Before you book
Plan your dive
Included
- 2 guided DPV scooter dives
- DPV and harness
- Professional certified guide
- All taxes and marina fees
- Water and cookies on the boat
- Locker at the dive center
- Shower and towels at the dive center
Extras / not included
- Standard recreational rental gear
Requirements
- Open Water Diver plus DPV specialty certification or equivalent documented training accepted by Xico
- Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.
- DPV specialty certification or equivalent documented training accepted by Xico.
- Good buoyancy, gas awareness, and control while operating the scooter.
- Recent diving experience; a refresher or local check dive may be recommended after a long break.
Key details
- Meet at
- Xico Dive Center, Playa del Carmen
- Operating days
- Daily
- Availability
- Year-round
- Nitrox
- Complimentary for Nitrox-certified divers on suitable dive profiles, subject to availability.
- Specialized equipment
- DPV and harness included
More trip details What to bring, check-in and departure information
What to bring
- Certification cards
- Swimsuit
- Dry clothes and personal items
- Your own dive equipment if preferred
Arrival / check-in: Choose the morning or afternoon local departure. Arrive on time for certification review, equipment fitting, and the DPV briefing.
Boat / transport: Both dives use local Playa del Carmen boat logistics. Exact sites depend on port status, weather, current, visibility, and the dive plan.
Departure details: Morning is normally 08:30-12:00 and afternoon 12:30-15:30. Exact routes and profiles are selected for conditions and diver experience.
Ready to go?
Check availability
Tell us your preferred date and diver details. The Xico team confirms the exact trip before anything is booked.
- Direct confirmation from the Xico team
- Diver level and trip fit checked
- Exact trip confirmed before booking
Prefer WhatsApp? Message Xico →
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a DPV certification for the scooter dives?
Yes. This trip is designed for divers with a DPV or underwater-scooter specialty certification, or equivalent documented training accepted by Xico. A normal Open Water certification alone does not cover the planning and control skills used on this activity.
What is DPV scooter diving?
A Diver Propulsion Vehicle is an underwater scooter that pulls a diver through the water. It lets the group cover more reef while reducing constant finning. The dive still requires good buoyancy, awareness, speed control, and disciplined positioning.
Do scooter dives cover more distance than normal reef dives?
Usually, yes. The DPV allows the group to explore a longer route than a normal fin-powered dive, but distance is never the only goal. The guide controls the route, speed, depth, gas limits, and turnaround point for the conditions and group.
Does a DPV make my tank last longer?
A scooter can reduce effort and finning, but gas consumption still depends on depth, breathing, current, comfort, equipment, and how the DPV is used. The guide plans the dive using normal gas-management rules rather than promising a longer bottom time.
Can I use a camera while scooter diving?
Only if you are already comfortable controlling the DPV and camera together. You must be able to stop, manage speed, maintain buoyancy, monitor the group, and secure the camera without distraction. Ask the guide before bringing a large setup.
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