GoPro with Scuba PlayaStart anywhere, go pro.
At Scuba Playa, we don’t just teach scuba diving—we build dive professionals. As a PADI 5 Star IDC Center, we’re recognized for excellence in instructor-level training and our dedication to top-tier dive education. Whether you’re taking your first step into the dive industry or ready to go all the way to Instructor, our Pro-level courses combine world-class training, personalized mentorship, and real dive shop experience in the heart of Playa del Carmen.
Led by Manlio Leggio, PADI Course Director with over 20 years of global dive experience, 7,000+ dives, and more than 2,000 certified students. With a deep passion for the ocean and a proven track record of developing successful dive pros, Manlio is committed to helping you thrive in the scuba industry—while keeping the journey fun, challenging, and unforgettable.
Become a leader underwater.
Step into the first level of PADI leadership and start living the dive pro lifestyle. The Divemaster course at Scuba Playa prepares you to supervise diving activities, assist instructors, and lead certified divers—with hands-on, real-world experience alongside our international team.
Learn to guide dives and manage dive logistics.
Assist with courses and sharpen your teaching skills.
Build confidence, skill mastery, and ocean respect.
📅 Duration Options:
📍 Includes: Workshops, theory sessions, confined/open water practice, conservation activities
Certified as PADI Rescue Diver (or equivalent certification)
Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary care (CPR and First Aid) training within the past 24 months.
A medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months
At least 40 logged dives to start the course and 60 dives are needed to achieve certification
Proof of previous certification if obtained through an alternative provider
Turn your passion into a profession. The IDC is your gateway to becoming a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. Train under experienced Course Directors, fine-tune your teaching techniques, and prepare for the Instructor Examination (IE) in a supportive, high-performance environment. Learn to teach all core PADI courses, from Open Water to Divemaster. Develop classroom, confined, and open water presentation skills. Get coaching on how to work in the dive industry worldwide. 📅 Course Structure: 6 days of distance learning (interactive videoconference lessons, 4 hours daily) 8 days of in-person, hands-on training in Playa del Carmen 3 days for the Instructor Examination (IE)
🧭 Choose your package: Standard: IDC + EFR Instructor + Emergency Oxygen Provider Instructor + IE prep Premium: All Standard features + MSDT prep with 5 specialties (EANx, Deep, Wreck, Drift and Aware Shark Conservation), extra teaching workshops, resume support Elite: All Premium features + real team-teaching internship, equipment discounts, and personalized mentorship
Distance Learning Practical Part Instructor Examination May 3 - 8 May 18 - 25 May 26 - 28 Jun 26 - Jul 1 Jul 10 - 17 Jul 18 - 20 Aug 28 - Sep 2 Sept 12 - 18 Sep 19 - 21 Nov 13 - 18 Nov 27 - Dec 4 Dec 5 - 7 MSDT preparation, extra workshops and internship will start two days after the IEs.
1. PADI Divemaster or: • an instructor member in good standing (renewed or eligible to renew) with another recognized recreational diver training organization.* • have a leadership-level certification in good standing (renewed or eligible to renew) with another recognized recreational diver training organization;* 60 logged dives; documented experience in night diving, deep diving, and underwater navigation. 2. 18 years old 3. Medical clearance attesting to dive fitness signed by a physician within the previous 12 months, and have had no medical condition changes. 4. Certified diver for at least six months. 5. Completed the EFR Primary and Secondary Care course, or other qualifying training, within the last 24 months. Note: Emergency First Response Instructor (or qualifying rating) is required for Open Water Scuba Instructor certification. 6. Documentation of any non-PADI qualifying entry-level, advanced, rescue, and leadership level certifications* is required.
Tailored Pro packages—whatever your starting point. No matter where you are now, we’ve got a streamlined path to your professional goals. Choose from our custom packages that guide you step by step from beginner to instructor. All bundles include gear support, mentorship, and conservation action. gear support, mentorship, and conservation action. 🐠 Zero to Hero Start from scratch, rise to the top. For non-divers ready to become certified professionals, all the way to PADI Divemaster. Includes: Open Water, Advanced, EFR, Rescue and Divemaster.
🌊 Open Water to Pro From beginner to dive leader. For Open Water certified divers who want to level up and become PADI Instructors. Includes: Advanced, EFR, Rescue, Divemaster; options for the IDC. 🚀 Advanced to Instructor Take the plunge into professional diving. For Advanced Open Water divers ready to continue through Rescue, Divemaster, and IDC. Includes: EFR, Rescue, Divemaster; options for the IDC. 🧭 Rescue to Instructor Turn your rescue skills into a career. For Rescue Divers who are ready to go pro—Divemaster and Instructor training included. Includes: Divemaster, EFR Instructor; options for the IDC. Each bundle is offered in Standard, Premium, or Elite formats—so you can train your way, your pace.
