PADI Discover Scuba Diving

Recommended by 97% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Costa Maya, Mexico

Great choice

10+ bookings last month.

3 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

· Adam_D ·

Sep 2025

Brenda was super attentive and made me feel at ease the entire time. It's a beautiful location to dive in. Lots of activity even on a cloudy stormy day. All the staff was extremely friendly and helpful.

· Bryan_I ·

Jun 2025

Sebastian was amazing as our guide! We were in extreme rough, waters with first time divers, and it went off without a hitch. Also located at a great location with many many restaurants and vendors.. even if you don’t dive, it’s a great place to hang out all day!

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Overview

Try out scuba diving without having to be certified first with this Discover Scuba Diving course in Mahahual. Learn the basics of theory and technique, test out your new skills in confined water, then enjoy a dive in open water accompanied a PADI dive instructor. No experience necessary, all the equipment you need is provided.

Discover Scuba Diving course in Costa Maya
Try scuba diving without a lengthy certification course
Includes skills training, and confined water and open-water dive
All equipment and bottled water provided
Small group size ensures more attention from your guide

What's Included

Use of Scuba equipment

Use of SCUBA equipment
Bottled water

The cab costs 4 USD per person /per ride (solo pax may pay 8 USD)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Huachinango, 77976 Q.R., Mexico
Busque un taxi y pídale al conductor que lo lleve a las Ecocabañas Blue Kay.. Baje en el estacionamiento junto al edificio de Recepción. Tome el camino hacia el paseo marítimo y encontrará el centro de buceo a la derecha, junto al restaurante.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate

A 12-hour period is needed between diving and ascending to an altitude above 300 meters or a thousand feet.
Check with your doctor: if you have high blood pressure, angina, or take medication to control blood pressure
Check with your doctor: if you had a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or history of chest surgery
Check with your doctor: if you have a history of seizures, blackouts or fainting, convulsions or epilepsy or take medications to prevent them
Check with your doctor: if you have a history of heart disease or heart attack, heart surgery or blood vessel surgery
Minimum age: 10 years old
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Madelin_B

My boyfriend and I booked this for our time at Costa Maya while on a carnival cruise. We both had zero scuba experience going into it, and felt very safe and well equipped after the class. Our guide/instructor sebastian was amazing!! He was so good at explaining and demonstrating the techniques. We were very happy with the group size, it was only us and one other person. We were accompanied by sebastian and a dive master who both made us feel really safe while at the coral reef. I got quite nervous when we started the dive and took several attempts to make it more than a few feet under. But sebastian was very patient and coached me while the other descended with the dive master (I can’t remember her name but she was really great too). After a few minutes of coaching and encouragement I was able to make it to the bottom and I absolutely loved exploring the reef upclose. A few logistics things for anyone coming from the Costa Maya port: It is $5/person for the taxi so bring cash. This booking is in local time so keep that in mind. We were in no rush getting to the excursion or back to the boat and it worked out great. It was an experience like to no other and we highly recommend.

Reviews

4.9

based on 103 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Bad Experience due to problematic regulator

Roderick_B, Feb 2026

I purchased this excursion for my son in law and he was very apprehensive about scuba diving. My daughter and I are both certified divers and we really thought he would love it if given a try. After trying 2 separate regulators that leaked they gave him a third and apparently this regulator had issues and Chris had no idea because he had never dove before but this new regulator made it extremely difficult to breathe. I didn't find this out until we were headed back to the ship as he thought this was normal. He explained to my daughter and I that it hurt to try and get air and an hour or two after diving for 30 minutes, his chest muscles still hurt. I am very disappointed as he is now completely turned off on diving and what should have been an amazing experience, he hated.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry the experience felt uncomfortable for your family member. Safety and equipment reliability are our highest priority. Our regulators are high-quality, professionally maintained, and regularly inspected by a qualified technician. During the standard pre-dive check, one regulator showed a free-flow and was immediately removed from use. The regulator ultimately used for the dive was checked and confirmed by the instructor to be functioning properly. Following your comment, every regulator in our shop — including those used that day — was tested to identify any unit that might require increased breathing effort. No abnormal resistance or malfunction was found. During the Discover Scuba Diving program, participants first practice in shallow water. The instructor observed that the required skills were completed correctly, although some difficulty breathing and visible anxiety related to the experience were noticeable. With first-time divers, tension can sometimes lead to incomplete exhalation, leaving the lungs partially full. When attempting to inhale again, this can create the sensation that no air is being received, even though the regulator is functioning normally. The instructor remained close and attentive throughout, and safety was maintained at all times. No equipment malfunction was detected before, during, or after the activity. We genuinely regret that the experience was not fully comfortable. We would like to reassure future guests that equipment integrity, safety, and professional standards are never compromised

Great dive

Trustin_T, Dec 2025

This is a unique experience and well worth the money. The guides are kind and knowledgeable about diving and they also offer photography of your experience.

Great experience and amazing staff

Dylan_K, Nov 2025

Absolutely blown away by this experience and the staff here. I was a bit nervous to try scuba but I would do it again 100 times. The staff here start to finish was so friendly and so patient while we learned the basics. Throughout the whole dive the guide stayed close and made sure we were both ok never felt unsafe with her. The dive itself was also amazing even though it was a shallow 30 foot dive it was so beautiful and just off the coast of the dive shop. Saw amazing coral schooling fish and even stingrays. I give this 100 stars if I could me and my gf will absolutely be back. Can’t rave enough about how great everyone here was and how beautiful the dive was. If your on the fence just book it I promise you won’t regret it.

great dive shop

Adam_D, Sep 2025

Amazing!

Lacey_S, Sep 2025

I had the BEST experience taking the Intro to Scuba class! From start to finish, the instructors made me feel comfortable, safe, and excited to try something totally new. They explained everything clearly, answered all my questions with patience, and kept the class fun and engaging. Once we got in the water, I was blown away by how easy they made the process feel. I went from being a little nervous to feeling completely confident and just enjoying the underwater world. This was such an unforgettable experience, and now I can’t wait to continue my scuba journey. Highly recommend this place to anyone—even if you’ve never tried scuba before!

Bug spray needed at the...

Eric_H, Jul 2025

Bug spray needed at the beach, nice quiet location Lots of fish, turtle, large ray Great dive master

So incredible!!

Madelin_B, Jun 2025

Great place to hang out whether you are driving or not

Bryan_I, Jun 2025

Great Refresher Dive

Desiree_R, Jun 2025

This was a great experience, the dive instructor was very good and was comforting and calmed my nerves. Great to be diving.

Great Excursion

Becky_H, Jun 2025

Great experience! Sea Bass was awesome! He was very knowledgeable and patient. The seas were pretty rough when we went but other than that it was beautiful!

Amazing for first time Scuba diver

Paul_B, Apr 2025

Sebastian was fantastic, patiently explaining each step and ensuring everyone understood the procedures. I faced a few challenges—my mask leaked, my weight belt was too loose, and my ears hurt—but Sebastian calmly helped me resolve each issue. Eventually, I reached the bottom and enjoyed a magical 40 minutes swimming and floating among vibrant tropical fish. Just do it. You will be in good hands.

Amazing!

Becky_H, Apr 2025

These guys were awesome! I am scuba certified but my husband, father, and daughter are not. This was the perfect excursion for us so we could all dive together. You have a guide with you the whole time. They are super professional and extremely patient. You watch video and go over the basics of scuba first. Then they take you in the shallow water to practice using your equipment. You do one 45 minute-ish dive. If you’re thinking of getting scuba certified or just want to try it out this is the excursion for you!

Good, but I would have rescheduled

Jonathan_G, Apr 2025

I was genuinely looking forward to completing this dive, but the sea conditions made it difficult for me. The waves were stronger than I anticipated, and I ultimately couldn’t finish the dive. The boat ride out was a bit intimidating as well, which added to my hesitation. That said, the crew remained supportive and professional throughout, and I truly appreciated their patience and encouragement. While I wasn't able to finish this time, I’m not giving up—I plan to try again under calmer conditions. I still believe this is a great experience for those more comfortable with open water or on a calmer day. My daughter was the only one to complete the dive and she had an amazing time.

Sea Bass FTW

Carley_B, Dec 2024

This is a small local dive shop. That means their attention to the individual needs of their customers takes precedence. Our group has a wide range of experience and length between our last dive. Sebastian (Sea Bass) went out of his way to ensure everyone was well prepared and refreshed for our dive. One of our divers left a piece of non-essential gear behind and he arranged a loaner of personal equipment. This shop cares. They will adapt to your needs. Next trip, 100% of our dives will be here. Book now, you will not regret it. And ask for Sea Bass. He is cool and funny. And caring and professional. Couldn't ask for more in a guide.

Great people, great time

Lacy_B, Dec 2024

All the staff there was great but im going to give a special shoutout to Jesse, who was absolutely amazing. It was my first diving experience and had many panic attacks and self doubt, but she was able to help me keep calm and get an absolutely magical experience.

December 2024 cruise

Haley_B, Dec 2024

This was an amazing diving experience! They really know what they are doing and we're able to calm down a member of our group that was feeling anxious. They went by the ship time so don't stress and our boat docked late and they were understanding and accommodating.

Must do

siddiqjoseph, Oct 2024

Rodrigo was great, very attentive to us. We rarely repeat excursions but this is one i could definitely come back for! One certified diver and ine newbie .. mom and son. Noah at the shop was also very friendly and helpful. It rained heavily and most excursions were canceled however they were able to work us in between the rain!!

Response from Host, Oct 2024

It's very heartwarming to know mother and son enjoyed diving together. You are welcome back anytime. Greetings from Mar Adentro's team!

Amazing!!!

Theresa_A, Oct 2024

Rodrigo, Brenda, and Noah were amazing! Patient and solid instructors! I had a difficult time regulating pressure in my ears. They took time with me, kept me safe, and I eventually made it to the bottom! I will SCUBA with them again!

Excellent for a beginner diver.

brad_P, Sep 2024

Best scuba I ve done. Now only been a few times. But instructors were very kind and showed us a lot of marine life that we probably wouldn’t have seen if it wasn’t for him.

Great Trip

Paul_M, Jun 2024

Brenda and Rodrigo were excellent. I am already certified, but my wife is not so we signed up for the beginning scuba so she could get a taste of diving and I could dive with her. Well when we arrived I learned that instead of taking the beginning class again they allowed me to dive with another group while she went through the instruction portion of the class. I was rusty because I haven’t dove in about a year and half, but Brenda was great. My wife had a great time with the class and enjoyed the experience. I will definitely dive with this outfit again next time I’m in Costa Maya.

First class operation

Lawrence_C, May 2024

First class operator. The weather was questionable for a first dive experience and they allowed us to cancel. Would definitely book with them again.

Amazing Experience

David_F, Apr 2024

What an amazing experience…..especially for inexperienced divers. David and Brenda were phenomenal and made us feel comfortable the entire time. We had an on-shore class, then went into waste deep waters to practice, then went out to the dive site. We were under for about 45 minutes and saw beautiful fish, coral, rays, and morel eels. The weather was partly sunny but the water below was crystal clear. Highly recommended for anyone who isn’t certified! (They also had dives for certified divers and snorkeling trips too) I can’t say enough about these amazing folks!!!!!

Wonderful scuba experience!

KathrynHardy, Mar 2024

Gala and Brenda were great! Gala spent some good time with instruction, then equally with the first round in shallow water. This was only our 2nd time and I struggled my first time, so she ensured this experience would be great and it was. We saw a stingray, lobsters in a hidden cave and other fish. Pineapple pieces after was an Nice way to end our excursion.

Awesome experience!

Steve_B, Jan 2024

Excellent and very nice instructors! Some of the most beautiful coral I’ve seen and I have scuba many other countries.

Beautiful reef, safe and informative instructor

Bridget_M, Jan 2024

Amazing experience - patient and safe. Great for beginner or a refresher. Beautiful reef in wonderful condition. My husband was not certified and I am but it has been a few years so wanted a refresher. She was able to both guide and teach him while pointing out interesting sea life to me.

Best Diving Outfit Ever

Jose_R, Oct 2023

Where to start??? I’m certified with advance Open water and Nitrox. My wife wanted to get into diving since it’s my hobby. Lucia and the crew were amazing and patient with my wife during the Discovery Dive. Although my wife passed the initial training she only got as far as off the boat to dive. She realized she couldn’t and they helped her back on. I still dove and it was spectacular. The crater we dove in was full of fish of all sorts. I’ve dove all over the world and this crew is by far the best I’ve ever had the pleasure diving with. I hope to be back soon. Thank y’all!!!!

Great diving spot and guides

john_H, Sep 2023

The diving and instruction were fabulous, with two guides for four people. Coupled with a low price, this was a great deal. This was the second Discover class my adult son and I have taken. Some enormous coral, and we saw a clown fish. Manta rays are in the area, but we did not see any this time. The beach we started from was the closest to the ship port, about a mile away and you can see the ship, making a great photo. The only thing amiss was the toilet facilities owned by the beach bar.

amazing dive with professionals

Gabriela_C, Aug 2023

Husband and daughter had an amazing time diving! The instructors were really knowledgeable, the diving spots were beautiful, and we all felt super safe the whole time. I was able to come along on the boat and snorkel at the top while waiting for them. Seeing the marine life and feeling so peaceful underwater was really special. We highly recommend booking this experience!

So Fun!

Christina_B, Aug 2023

Incredible experience! Quick taxi from the port. Everyone extremely patient and helpful during. We plan to return during our next cruise through the area. I attended with my teenage daughter and we had a wonderful time.

Would not recommend discovery for non-Spanish speakers

Kristie_V, Jul 2023

We are a family of 5, my husband and I are certified. Kids are 18, 15, and 12. 1 of three kids made it to the bottom. The other two struggled to understand instructions. Staff was very friendly and dive master’s English was hard to understand.