Los Cabos Open Water Diver Course

Getting to know the Los Cabos Open Water Diver Course

If you’re curious about taking the plunge into scuba diving but aren’t sure where to start, the Los Cabos Open Water Diver Course might be just what you need. This 3-day program, offered by Sunrider Tours, promises to equip you with the essential skills to become a certified diver. It’s designed for beginners, with a relaxed pace, expert instructors, and some of the best beginner-friendly diving spots in the world.

What we love about this experience is how accessible and well-organized it seems. First, the certification you earn—SSI Open Water Diver—is recognized worldwide, opening up a lot of opportunities for future underwater adventures. Second, the small group size (max 4 travelers) means more personalized attention, which can make a big difference if you’re feeling nervous or unsure. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the course requires some prior reading and video viewing before you get in the water, so being prepared ahead of time helps ensure smooth sailing.

This course is ideal for those who want a comprehensive, safe introduction to diving without committing to a lengthy or expensive program. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking to tick an item off your bucket list or someone who wants a solid foundation for future diving trips, this experience fits the bill. It’s particularly suited to travelers who value expert guidance, beautiful locations, and a relaxed learning environment.

Key Points

• Recognized Certification: You’ll leave with an SSI Open Water Diver certificate valid internationally.
• Expert Instruction: Fully certified guides and patient teaching make learning comfortable.
• Ideal Locations: Dives at Pelican Rock and North Wall are perfect for beginners and offer stunning underwater scenery.
• Comprehensive Program: Combines theory, practical skills, and three open water dives over 3 days.
• All-Inclusive: Equipment, water, snacks, and lunch are provided, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Limited Group Size: Max 4 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and safety.

What to Expect from the Course

Planning a 3-day adventure into the underwater world, this course mixes classroom learning with practical experience. The structure is designed to gradually build your confidence and skills, focusing on safety and comfort. The course begins with theory—covering essential diving concepts through videos and reading materials you’ll review beforehand. This prep work helps you hit the water ready to practice.

On each day, you’ll spend time in the water practicing skills like breathing techniques, mask clearing, regulator recovery, and buoyancy control. The real magic happens during the three dives, which happen at different locations, including open water sites in the Sea of Cortez. These spots, Pelican Rock and North Wall, are both known for their gentle depths, not exceeding 12 meters, making them perfect for newcomers.

The instructors, certified by SSI, guide you through each step. They’re praised for their patience and clarity—“Angelo was thorough and patient,” wrote one reviewer—making even the most nervous feel at ease. The group size keeps things intimate, allowing individual attention that’s invaluable when you’re trying something new.

During the dives, you’ll get to enjoy the scenery, observe marine life, and put into practice what you’ve learned. The focus is on safety and enjoyment, with instructors always ensuring you’re comfortable. The center, Scubaja, takes care of gear, water, snacks, and lunch, so you can focus on learning and having fun.

The Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Introduction and Theory

Your first day begins with a review of the theoretical groundwork—covering safety procedures, hand signals, and basic concepts. This part sets the tone for the entire experience. You’ll get familiar with your gear, understand how it all works, and learn about safety protocols. This materials review, along with videos, helps you feel more confident when you hit the water later.

Day 2: Skills Practice

The second day is about bringing theory into practice. In the pool or shallow water, instructors will guide you through fundamental skills—mask clearing, regulator recovery, and buoyancy control. These are the building blocks for safe diving. Several reviews mention how instructors like Camila and Armando took their time to ensure students felt comfortable, which is key for a positive experience.

Day 3: Open Water Dives

The final day features three open water dives at different locations. You’ll put everything into practice in real conditions, exploring the underwater world in a controlled, beginner-friendly environment. Expect to see marine life and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Sea of Cortez. These dives mark the culmination of your effort and learning, and many reviewers praise the guides’ professionalism during these experiences.

The Locations: Pelican Rock & North Wall

Both sites are renowned for being suitable for beginners. Pelican Rock, located near the marina, offers relatively shallow waters with vibrant marine life and minimal currents. It’s often highlighted as a safe and scenic spot for first-time divers.

North Wall, on the other hand, provides a different perspective—its gentle sloping wall offers a unique underwater landscape full of coral and fish. The maximum depth of about 12 meters makes it accessible for learners, yet interesting enough to see a variety of marine creatures.

The fact that these sites are explicitly chosen for beginner divers makes the whole experience less intimidating. You get to explore in a safe, manageable environment while still feeling like you’re part of an adventure.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Based on the glowing reviews, people really valued the expertise and patience of the guides. One reviewer noted, “Angelo was thorough and patient,” emphasizing how personal attention made the course memorable. Another praised Camila for her ability to put a nervous student at ease, which is crucial for first-timers.

The scenery and quality of the instruction seem to stand out, with many describing the experience as “amazing” and “unforgettable.” The opportunity to snorkel and dive in the Sea of Cortez also adds a special element, providing a chance to see vibrant marine life up close.

Most comments highlight how well-organized and supportive the whole process was, from gear provision to the small group setting. The inclusion of water and snacks, along with lunch, means you can focus entirely on learning without worrying about logistics or missing out on nourishment.

The Cost and Its Value

At $550 per person, this course offers a solid value considering it includes all gear, instruction, water, snacks, and three dives. Certification from SSI is recognized worldwide, making this a worthwhile investment if you’re eager to enjoy the underwater world beyond this trip.

While not the cheapest option, the small group size and focus on safety and quality make it a good deal. Plus, the fact that it’s a 3-day program means you gain comprehensive skills without a prolonged time commitment. For many, it’s a practical entry point into scuba diving, especially in a location as picturesque as Los Cabos.

Who Should Consider This Course?

This program is best suited for beginners and travelers new to scuba diving who want a structured, guided experience. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a safe, well-organized introduction with certified instructors and a small group. If you’re interested in exploring underwater sights like Pelican Rock or North Wall while gaining an internationally recognized certification, this course checks all the boxes.

It’s also a good fit for those who prefer a relaxed, friendly atmosphere over a high-pressure, large-group setting. If you’re traveling with friends or family who want to learn in a supportive environment, this course could be a perfect choice.

FAQs

What is included in the price?
The fee covers all necessary diving gear, water, snacks, lunch, and instruction for the 3-day course, including three dives at beginner-friendly spots.

Do I need prior experience?
No prior experience is necessary. This course is designed for beginners, with theory and practice tailored for those new to diving.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 4 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and safety.

What are the main sites for diving?
The primary locations are Pelican Rock and North Wall, both known for their shallow depths and marine beauty, ideal for beginners.

How long is each day’s schedule?
The course spans approximately 11 hours over 3 days, with sessions mainly in the mornings from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Is the certification recognized internationally?
Yes, the SSI Open Water Diver certification is valid worldwide, allowing you to dive up to 18 meters.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are meals provided?
Yes, water, snacks, and lunch are included during the course days, so you don’t need to worry about bringing food.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the start. Less notice may result in no refund.

Is transportation included?
The meeting point is near public transportation, but specific transfer details aren’t included, so plan accordingly.

To sum it up, the Los Cabos Open Water Diver Course from Sunrider Tours offers a well-rounded, beginner-friendly introduction to scuba diving. With expert guides, an intimate group size, and access to iconic, easy spots for new divers, it’s a great choice for anyone eager to explore the underwater world safely. Whether you want to gain a certification or just experience the thrill of breathing underwater for the first time, this program balances professionalism with a relaxed, fun atmosphere. For travelers who value quality instruction, stunning scenery, and the convenience of an all-inclusive package, this course stands out as a solid option in Cabo San Lucas.