Begin in the pool
Bubblemaker and Seal Team keep the first scuba experience in a controlled pool environment, where skills can be repeated without pressure to move into ocean diving.
Kids & Family Scuba
Kids Scuba Diving in Playa del Carmen
Xico’s most popular kids paths are supervised ocean Discover Scuba Diving and PADI Junior Open Water certification. Younger children can also start with controlled pool programs, while already-certified junior divers can continue into advanced training.
Most Popular Kids Scuba Options
Start with ocean scuba or Junior Open Water
These are the two family options Xico books most often: a supervised ocean scuba experience without certification, or the complete Junior Open Water certification path.
Most popular first experience
Ocean experience
Discover Scuba Diving for Kids
A supervised ocean scuba experience for a young diver who wants real diving without committing to a full certification course.
2,750 MXN
per person
≈ $162 USD
- Duration
- Approx. 5-6 hours
- Minimum age
- 10+
- Certification
- No certification
Most popular certification
Full junior certification
PADI Junior Open Water
The full entry-level certification path with knowledge development, confined-water skills and open-water training for a young diver ready to become certified.
10,000 MXN
per person
≈ $588 USD
- Duration
- 3 days
- Minimum age
- 10+
- Certification
- PADI Junior Open Water Diver
Pool Programs for Younger Kids
Start gently in a controlled pool
Bubblemaker and Seal Team are good options when a child wants to begin in shallow, controlled water before choosing an ocean experience or certification path.
First pool experience
Gentle introduction
PADI Bubblemaker
A simple first experience breathing underwater in shallow pool water with direct instructor supervision and child-sized scuba gear.
2,000 MXN
per person
≈ $118 USD
- Duration
- 1 day
- Minimum age
- 8+
- Certification
- PADI Bubblemaker recognition
Pool skills & missions
Structured pool program
PADI Seal Team
A structured pool program that develops real scuba skills through instructor-led AquaMissions, games and challenges.
6,500 MXN
per person
≈ $382 USD
- Duration
- 2 days
- Minimum age
- 8+
- Certification
- PADI Seal Team recognition
For Parents
Which scuba path fits your child?
You do not need to choose the most advanced option. The right starting point is the one that matches the child’s current comfort, maturity and interest in continuing after the first session.
Move into the ocean
Discover Scuba Diving is the bridge for a child who wants to experience real ocean scuba but is not yet choosing a full certification course.
Earn a junior certification
Junior Open Water is the entry-level certification route for a young diver ready for the study, skill practice and open-water training commitment.
Already Certified?
Keep building skills as a junior diver
Young divers who already hold the required certification can continue into more advanced training as their experience, age and prerequisites allow.
- Next skills
PADI Junior Advanced Open Water
Build experience through five Adventure Dives and broaden navigation, depth awareness and other age-appropriate diving skills.
Explore Junior Advanced - Problem solving
PADI Junior Rescue Diver
Develop self-rescue, awareness, diver-assistance and emergency-management skills after the required advanced and first-aid prerequisites are met.
Explore Junior Rescue - Teen leadership
PADI Junior Divemaster
A longer leadership-development route for experienced teen divers who meet the required certifications, logged dives and youth-program requirements.
Explore Junior Divemaster
Why Parents Choose Xico
Professional training from a PADI 5 Star Dive Center
Age-appropriate programs, direct instructor supervision and a real Playa del Carmen dive-center base give families a clear path from first pool experience to junior certification.
PADI 5 Star Dive Center
Professional recreational diving and training from a PADI 5 Star Dive Center.
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.
Family & Beginner Feedback
What parents and first-time divers say about Xico
Real Google reviews selected for parent confidence, beginner support and careful training progression.
★★★★★
Very frindly & uncomplicated! My son felt very good while the course and in good hands. Special thanks to Felipe , he did a great job and now my son is proud to be an official Open Water Diver!
★★★★★
But no experience as a diver I did the discovery dive. Lucas was informative, professional, friendly, and just fun to dive with. Very knowledgeable and conveyed that knowledge well.
★★★★★
Felipe was very professional and thorough. He made sure we knew what we were doing before moving on. The whole class was fun and positive.
Help Me Choose
Which scuba option fits your child?
Choose the closest option or ask Xico to help. The form asks the participant age(s) directly so we can confirm the suitable program and requirements before anything is booked.
- Direct reply from the Xico team
- We confirm the right product and availability before booking
- No instant-booking assumptions
Before You Choose
Kids scuba questions for parents
Age limits, certification choices, paperwork and medical screening before a child starts scuba in Playa del Carmen.
What is the minimum age for PADI Bubblemaker?
The minimum age is 8. The child should be comfortable in the water and must have the required parent or guardian authorization and participation/medical paperwork.
What is the next step after Bubblemaker?
Children who enjoy Bubblemaker can continue with PADI Seal Team for more pool AquaMissions. From age 10, a child who is ready for a full certification can consider the PADI Junior Open Water course.
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.
What is the minimum age for PADI Junior Open Water?
The minimum age is 10. Divers aged 10-11 have more restrictive depth and supervision limits than divers aged 12-14. Xico explains the applicable junior limits to the student and parent before training.
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.