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Is diving safe?Absolutely! Diving is incredibly safe when you follow your instructor's guidance and use the equipment properly. Our certified instructors are dedicated to making sure every participant enjoys a thrilling and secure experience underwater. Get ready to dive in and make unforgettable memories with us!
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Do I need prior experience to dive?Not at all! You don't need any prior experience to join us. We offer introductory courses specifically designed for beginners. Our certified instructors will be with you every step of the way, ensuring you have a fantastic and safe diving adventure. Dive in with confidence!
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Can I dive if I am not a strong swimmer?Basic swimming skills are recommended, but not required. For our introductory courses and recreational dives, you can still participate even with minimal swimming ability, as long as you feel comfortable in the water. Dive into a fun and memorable experience with us!
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What age do you need to be to start diving?The minimum age to start diving is usually 10 years old. We offer special programs for children that are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable diving experience. Let your young adventurers explore the underwater world with confidence and fun!
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Are there any health conditions that might prevent me from diving?Certain medical conditions, such as respiratory or cardiovascular issues, may prevent you from diving. It's crucial to fill out a medical questionnaire and consult with a doctor if you have any health concerns or if you are currently taking any medications. Your safety is our priority, so make sure you're fit to dive before embarking on your underwater adventure. We will NOT take women who are pregnant.
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Can I scuba dive if I'm pregnant?To ensure the safety and health of both the mother and the child we will NOT allow women dive while pregnant.
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What are the risks of scuba diving?Risks include decompression sickness, barotrauma, and marine life injuries. Proper training, adherence to guidelines, and diving within your limits minimize these risks.
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How do I get certified to scuba dive?To become a certified diver, you need to complete a course with a recognized diving organization, such as PADI or SSI. The course typically includes theoretical lessons, confined water training, and open water dives. PADI offers an E-Learning option, where you can do the "book work" online before coming on vacation so you only have to do the water skills with an instructor. Don't use your vacation time studying! Visit the PADI website to learn more about courses and E-Learning.
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How deep can I go on my first dive?On your first dive, you will typically go no deeper than 12 meters (40 feet). Depth limits increase with experience and certification level.
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How long does a typical dive last?A typical dive lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on depth, air consumption, and conditions.
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What should I expect during my first dive?During your first dive, you will learn basic skills in a pool or shallow water, followed by a guided dive in open water. Instructors will be with you at all times to ensure your safety and comfort.
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Do I need insurance for scuba diving?While not always required, it's recommended to have insurance that covers diving-related incidents. Some dive centers may offer insurance or require proof of coverage. You can check out DAN - Diver's Alert Network which is the most popular and worldwide recognized insurance.
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What should I bring for diving?We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, your log book, and a bottle of water. We provide all the necessary diving equipment, including wetsuits, fins, masks, and air tanks. We ask that you please avoid using sunscreen before any dive.
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What is included when scuba diving with David?Diving with David is an all-inclusive experience! Here's what's included: - Roundtrip transportation - All equipment needed - wetsuit, fin, mask, regulator, BCD, weights and air tanks. - Entrance fees if you are diving in the cenotes - Light lunch
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What is the schedule for the day?For ocean dives we have to be at the dive shop by 7:50 am. Your pick-up time will vary depending where you are staying. - Local ocean dives - about 4 hours not including transportation time. - Cozumel - We return to Playa del Carmen around 1 pm For cenotes and caves you will be picked up around 8 am and the time that you return will depend which cenotes/caves that we will visit.
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Can I bring my own camera for diving?Yes, you can bring your own camera, but it must be rated for underwater use and capable of withstanding the pressure at the depths you plan to dive. NOTE! Non-certified divers are NOT permitted to handle a camera nor is the instructor allowed to handle a camera or manage your camera as they need to focus entirely on your safety.
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Do you rent underwater cameras?Yes, we offer underwater GoPro rentals for $20 USD for those who do not have their own. In the case that you will be diving in the cenotes, there is an additional fee charged by the cenotes. Prices will vary.
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Do you offer professional underwater photos?YES! We offer a professional photography service (not a GoPro) at an additional cost. The price is approximately $40 USD/$60 Euros per person for sea dives and $130 USD/$150 Euros for cenote dives, plus an extra $20 USD/$40 Euros for cenote entry and photographer equipment. Prices may vary for groups. If you need this service, please let us know in advance so we can prepare a personalized quote for you.
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What if I have a friend that wants to join but doesn't want to dive?Ocean Dives - It's not possible for non-divers to board the boat. Cenote Dives - Yes, if a friend wants to join and there is space in the vehicle, a friend can come along. The price is $600 MXN / $30 USD / $25 EUR which includes transportation, a mask and snorkel, and a light lunch. It does NOT include the entrance fee to the cenote.
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What are the average ocean temperatures near Playa del Carmen and Cozumel?The average ocean temperatures near Playa del Carmen vary throughout the year. Generally, the water temperature ranges from about 79.5°F (26.4°C) in February, the coldest month, to around 84.9°F (29.4°C) in September, the warmest month (SeaTemperature.info) (SeaTemperatures). During the summer months, from June to August, the water temperature typically averages around 83°F to 84°F (28°C to 29°C) (WaterTemperature).
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What is the average water temperature in the cenotes?The average water temperature in the cenotes near Playa del Carmen and Tulum typically ranges between 75°F (24°C) and 77°F (25°C). These cenotes maintain a refreshing coolness year-round offering a pleasant escape from the tropical heat. (Our Offbeat Life) (Tripadvisor) (Every Steph).
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What is the difference between cavern dives and cave dives?The difference between cavern dives and cave dives lies in the level of complexity, training required, and the environment in which the dives take place. Here are the key distinctions: Cavern Dives: 1. Light Zone: Cavern dives are conducted in the "light zone," where natural sunlight is still visible. Divers can always see the entrance and have natural light to guide them. 2. Training: Cavern dives require basic scuba diving certification, such as Open Water Diver certification. Additional training in cavern diving may be beneficial but is not always required. 3. Penetration Limits: Cavern dives have limited penetration into the overhead environment, typically no more than 40 meters (130 feet) from the surface or the entrance. 4. Depth: The depth in cavern dives is usually shallower compared to cave dives and often remains within recreational diving limits. 5. Guidelines: Divers can follow a clear guideline or a fixed line installed for navigation but always remain within sight of natural light and the exit. Cave Dives: 1. No Natural Light: Cave dives go beyond the light zone into areas where natural sunlight is no longer visible. Divers rely entirely on artificial light sources. 2. Advanced Training: Cave dives require specialized training and certification, such as Cave Diver certification. This training covers advanced techniques, navigation, equipment use, and emergency procedures specific to cave environments. 3. Penetration Limits: Cave dives can involve deep penetration into the cave system, far beyond the limits of cavern diving. This can include complex passages and multiple entry/exit points. 4. Depth: Cave dives can reach significant depths, often deeper than those encountered in cavern dives, depending on the cave system. 5. Guidelines: Cave divers use permanent guidelines or reels to navigate through the cave. They are trained to handle complex navigation and emergency situations without relying on natural light. Summary: - Cavern Dives: Conducted within sight of natural light, require basic scuba certification, limited penetration. - Cave Dives: Conducted beyond natural light, require specialized training and certification, allow for deeper and more complex exploration. Both types of dives offer unique experiences and challenges, but cave diving involves a higher level of risk and requires extensive training to ensure safety.
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Do I need special certification to dive in cenotes?While Open Water certification is typically sufficient for many cenote dives, some cenotes with more complex cave systems may require advanced or cave diving certification. For cenote cavern dives, you must at least have an Open Water certification. We have approximately 40 cenotes that we can choose from and we decide which ones are the best depending on your level of experience and certification. For caves, You must have Intro to Cave or Full Cave certification. We have approximately 30 to choose from and we decide which ones are the best depending on your level of experience and certification.
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What is the water temperature in the cenotes?The water temperature is a constant 24°C (75°F) all year round. We recommend using at least a 5mm wetsuit.
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What kind of equipment do I need for cenote diving?Basic scuba diving equipment is required, including a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), dive computer, and a tank. A wetsuit is recommended due to the cooler water temperature. Dive lights may also be necessary for exploring darker areas.
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What can I expect to see while diving in cenotes?Each cenote is unique and something very special to see! You'll navigate crystal-clear water seeing stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate cave formations. Some cenotes also have fish, turtles, and unique aquatic plants.
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How deep are cenote dives?Cenote dives typically range from shallow areas of around 5 meters (16 feet) to deeper sections of up to 30 meters (98 feet), depending on the specific cenote.
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