Our Underwater Adventure Starts Here

Beneath Los Cabos’ shimmering waters lies a whole other realm. From the moment you descend under the waves, you are surrounded by vibrant reef fish, playful sea lions, and the mesmerizing rock formations that characterize the Sea of Cortez. The waters in this corner of the globe are regularly warm, clear, and teeming with life, prompting famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau to deem it the “World’s Aquarium.” Beginner divers can easily spot sea turtles, schools of angelfish, and even gentle rays resting on the sandy seafloor. It’s the ideal place to finally earn that SCUBA certification you’ve been eyeing.

Fortunately, getting certified in Los Cabos is relatively simple. Whether you’ve never worn a mask before or you started training at home and want to complete your open-water dives here, Los Cabos’ accessible dive sites and world-class instructors make checking that bucket-list item easy.

So, where do you start? Earning your Open Water Diver certification is a straightforward process that typically takes three to four days. You can start training before your travels by completing the classroom and pool portions of the curriculum at home. Then, all you have to do is complete your open-water dives in Los Cabos—an option many visitors choose.

If you would rather do everything in one place, the process is still simple. To get certified you must complete a course covering SCUBA fundamentals like buoyancy control, breathing techniques, and underwater communication—either online or in person. Then, participate in confined water dives, which is where you practice essential skills in a pool or shallow water before the big test: heading into the ocean. Your open water dive is your final. It’s where you demonstrate your skills in real-world conditions under the supervision of a certified instructor. Once you’ve completed all three components you can become a certified PADI SCUBA diver.

A Number PADI-certified dive shops operate right out of Marina Cabo San Lucas, just steps from Pueblo Bonito Rosé and Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos. If you're staying at Sunset Beach, Pacifica, the Towers, or Monte Cristo Estates, a quick, complimentary shuttle will take you to the resorts on Médano Beach, and the marina is just a short walk or ride away. There, you'll board a dive charter and head out to some of the best beginner dive sites anywhere.

Booking a certification course is as simple as reserving a lesson with a local dive operator. Many instructors offer private or small-group courses, ensuring a safe, personalized experience. Contact your resort concierge to get help setting up your classes before you arrive, so you can build that into your travel itinerary.

Most open-water certification dives take place at famously beautiful aquatic spots, like Pelican Rock, which is known for its sandy bottom, friendly reef fish, and easy conditions for first-time divers. You can also get your first taste of the diving life by the iconic Arco at Land’s End, where you’ll glide over to Neptune’s Finger and see the incredible sand cascade. Here, sea lions often play alongside divers, making for an unforgettable experience. A little farther out from the marina, Santa Maria Bay offers a shallow, protected cove whose tranquil waters are renowned for their excellent visibility, allowing you to enjoy swimming among bright coral reefs and darting fish. Another popular harbor is Chileno Bay, a marine sanctuary where you’re likely to spot eagle rays, moray eels, and numerous tropical fish.

No matter where you decide to dive, expect clear blue waters, abundant sea life, and a truly magical first experience. Book your Cabo trip today and start planning your scuba adventure!