So you’ve got your Open Water certification, and now you’re craving more. More skills, more dives, and more underwater adventures. If that sounds like you, the PADI Advanced Open Water Course in Playa del Carmen with Xico Dive Center is the perfect next step.
This isn’t a stuffy classroom course. It’s three days of hands-on ocean diving, guided by friendly, experienced instructors who love what they do. With five dives in total—two required and three based on your personal interests—you’ll come out the other side more confident, skilled, and ready to dive deeper into the underwater world.
The course kicks off with two essential dives: Deep Diving and Underwater Navigation. On your Deep Dive, you’ll head down to 30 meters or 100 feet, learning how to manage depth, pressure, and safety while soaking in the thrill of exploring the deeper blue. Then it’s time to practice finding your way underwater during the Navigation Dive, using a compass and natural cues to guide you. These foundational skills open up a whole new level of diving.
The next day is all about choosing your own diving adventure. Want to ride the currents? Drift Diving is a favorite in Playa. Curious about buoyancy and control? Peak Performance Buoyancy will sharpen your skills and help you glide like a pro. Into marine life? Go for Fish Identification and get to know the vibrant residents of the reef. You’ll complete two more dives this day, all chosen based on what excites you most.
Your final dive is a chance to try something special. Some divers choose Wreck Diving, exploring sunken structures filled with life. Others go for the mystery of Night Diving, when the reef transforms into a completely different world under your torch beam. There’s also Underwater Photography, Videography, Naturalist, or even zooming around with a Dive Propulsion Vehicle. We are the only dive shop in Playa del Carmen that offers scooter diving in the ocean. Whatever you pick, it’s the cherry on top of an already epic course.
At Xico Dive Center, it’s all about personal attention, safety, and making sure you have a great time. Groups are kept small so you’re never just another diver in the crowd. Our instructors are passionate, professional, and genuinely care about helping you improve your diving. The shop itself is in a prime Playa location, close to the best dive sites, and uses top-quality gear to make sure you’re safe and comfortable.
When you sign up with Xico Dive Center, the course includes PADI eLearning, training materials, and five guided ocean dives. No hidden fees, no last-minute surprises. Just learning, exploring, and having a great time in the Caribbean Sea.
If you’re looking to grow as a diver and try new experiences underwater, the Advanced Open Water Course with Xico Dive Center is where it’s at. In just three days, you’ll deepen your skills, boost your confidence, and have a blast doing it. Playa del Carmen’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant reefs are waiting. Let’s dive in.
