COVID-19

COVID-19 had a devastating impact on the dive industry worldwide and Playa del Carmen was no exception.

Today, the town is fully open with many businesses and attractions ready to receive guests in a safe and controlled way. 

Visiting Playa del Carmen during COVID-19

LAST UPDATED 19, January 2022

One of our instructors briefs a team of divers wearing facemasks

Much of Playa del Carmen has bounced back quickly with most businesses open with reduced capacities and precautions in place. This means that if you are looking to visit for the first time, or as a repeat visit, you will be able to enjoy everything we have to offer.

It is common for rumors to spread about stay-at-home or “lockdown” orders, but there has been no such order since June 2020 and these rumors are usually false. You can see the latest official government information on the current COVID-19 situation and the corresponding restrictions on the Reactivemos Quintana Roo portal which published a traffic light (semáforo) based warning each Thursday evening which is them implemented on a Monday.

COVID-19 implications

  • Cancun airport is running smoothly with minimal disruption to the standard arrival process
  • No testing or quarantine period is required upon arrival to Cancun (although you may have your temperature checked)
  • We are running all our trips with reduced capacity, however we are still operating most trips, most days
  • In accordance with local regulations, face masks must be worn at the shop, in the transportation we provide and on the boat. We will provide you with a facemask if you don’t have one
  • Vaccination levels remain low compared to USA and Europe. As a result Mexico has not yet implemented any different rules for fully vaccinated visitors compared to non-vaccinated visitors
  • We normally offer free nitrox tanks to all our Nitrox certified divers. However due to logistics issues related to COVID-19 it is more difficult than usual to obtain these gas fills. As a result we are currently offering Nitrox on dives between 18-20 (60-100ft) – these are the dives on which the benefits of Nitrox are the greatest.

Testing prior to your return-to-home

Although Mexico currently doesn’t require a negative test result, several countries have now started asking you to provide a recent negative test result prior to you flying home. These tests are readily available here in Playa del Carmen and we will be happy to help guide you to one of several local laboratories where you can obtain a test. Many hotels/travel agencies are planning to arrange all the required testing on your behalf, so this might actually make everything very simple.

  • PCR testing costs approximately 90US and results take around 6 hours.
  • Antigen testing / lateral flow testing costs approximately 30US and results take around 30 minutes

The type of test required in order to fly home will depend on the country you are flying to. Our current understanding is the USA accepts both the PCR and antigen tests, but the UK and Canada requires the PCR test.

How was it?

All businesses in the area had to close from 1st April 2020 to 7th June 2020. We re-opened our doors on 22nd of June and through the dedication of our team and graciousness of our clients, we have been able to pursue our passion of sharing our stunning dives with you all.

5th Avenue with businesses closed and no tourists on 23 April, 2020

Medical Questionnaire

These are the core medical questions associated with PADI Discover Scuba Diving. If you need to answer YES to any of these questions you would need medical sign-off from a doctor.

This is only a quick check to help you right now. Before booking any training you should check the full medical and liability statements associated with the course.

  • Do you currently have an ear infection?
  • Do you have a history of ear disease, hearing loss or problems with balance?
  • Do you have a history of ear or sinus surgery?
  • Are you currently suffering from a cold, congestion, sinusitis or bronchitis?
  • Do you have a history of respiratory problems, severe attacks of hayfever or allergies, or lung disease?
  • Have you had a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or history of chest surgery?
  • Do you have active asthma or history of emphysema or tuberculosis?
  • Are you currently taking medication that carries a warning about any impairment of your physical or mental abilities?
  • Do you have behavioral health, mental or psychological problems or a nervous system disorder?
  • Are you or could you be pregnant?
  • Do you have a history of colostomy?
  • Do you have a history of heart disease or heart attack, heart surgery or blood vessel surgery?
  • Do you have a history of high blood pressure, angina, or take medication to control blood pressure?
  • Are you over 45 and have a family history of heart attack or stroke?
  • Do you have a history of bleeding or other blood disorders?
  • Do you have a history of diabetes?
  • Do you have a history of seizures, blackouts or fainting, convulsions or epilepsy or take medications to prevent them?
  • Do you have a history of back, arm or leg problems following an injury, fracture or surgery?
  • Do you have a history of fear of closed or open spaces or panic attacks (claustrophobia or agoraphobia)?

Small group = big fun

We proudly take our divers in small groups to provide the best service.

Small groups allow us to focus our time and attention on you to make sure you have the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.

Discover Scuba Diving / Open Water
Maxiumum 4 divers per Instructor

Playa del Carmen / Cozumel dives
Maximum 5 divers per Instructor

Cenotes
Maximum 4 divers per Instructor

We believe in quality

We consistently invest in new equipment and maintaining our equipment in excellent condition.

We are proud major-brand equipment we provide. Our standard equipment rental items are:

  • Regulator: Apeks ATA-40 (some with Suunto dive computers)
  • BCD: Zeagle Resort (with weight pockets)
  • Wetsuit: Cressi 2.5mm (ocean)
    or 5mm (cenotes)
  • Mask: 5 models available from Cressi, Beauchat, IST
  • Fins: Cressi branded, full-foot fins