Los Cabos Open Water Diver Course

The best part of this three-day course is its small scale. With a maximum of four people, you get real time with your instructor while learning skills in a confined setting and then practicing them in the Sea of Cortez. The course leads to SSI Open Water certification, allowing you to scuba internationally to 18 meters.

I like that the price includes study material, equipment, water, fruit, cookies, and the four required sessions. I also like the calm, patient instruction. Camila helped a nervous 13-year-old feel at ease, while instructors including Rogelio, Armando, and Angelo earned praise for careful explanations and steady supervision. The main drawback is that you must bring $13 in cash for the dock and park fees, and the three-day schedule requires a serious time commitment.

Key points to know before booking

• Four underwater sessions: One takes place in a confined setting, followed by three open-water sessions at different locations.
• SSI certification: Complete the course and you can scuba internationally to a maximum depth of 18 meters.
• Small groups: The maximum group size is four, which matters when you are learning breathing, buoyancy, and safety skills.
• Patient instructors: Camila, Rogelio, Armando, and Angelo are named instructors connected with especially reassuring instruction.
• Useful inclusions: Equipment, study materials, bottled water, fruit, cookies, and the course instruction are covered.
• Extra cash fees: Budget $5 for the dock and $8 for park access, both payable in cash only.

What you are really buying for $555

The course costs $555 per person. That is not a casual half-day activity. It is a structured certification program with classroom work, equipment, skill practice, and four underwater sessions spread across about three days.

The value comes from having the major pieces bundled together. You do not need to rent a mask, tank, or other scuba equipment separately. Study material is included, as are bottled water and simple snacks such as fresh fruit and cookies. The course also includes one confined-water session and three open-water sessions, which gives you a path from basic skills to real conditions.

You should still add the $5 dock fee and $8 park access fee to your budget. That brings the known additional cost to $13 per person, and both payments must be made in cash. The supplied information does not list a separate lunch inclusion in the formal inclusions, although the course description says the center takes care of lunch as well as water and snacks. I would confirm the lunch arrangement before setting out, especially if you have dietary needs.

A small class can make this price more appealing. A group of four gives the instructor room to watch your technique and respond to nerves. That matters more here than it would on a standard sightseeing trip. Small errors in breathing, clearing your ears, or managing equipment are easier to address when you are not one person in a large class.

Day one: theory, videos, and getting comfortable

The course starts at Sunrider Tours at Gali Plaza on Boulevard Marina in central Cabo San Lucas. The teaching begins with video presentations and theory, followed by practical lessons. This part may feel less thrilling than getting into the water, but it is where you learn the rules that keep the rest of the course manageable.

You can expect instruction on the basic use of scuba equipment and the procedures needed underwater. The goal is not simply to put on a tank and swim around. You are learning how to stay calm, use your equipment correctly, and respond to common problems under an instructor’s eye.

The first confined-water session gives you a controlled place to practice. It is a sensible starting point for anyone who feels unsure about breathing underwater. You can work through the required skills before dealing with boat movement, open water, and the distractions of marine life.

I like this gradual structure. A patient instructor can make a large difference at this stage. Armando was praised for practicing each skill with care, and Angelo was noted for explaining the tests clearly. Those details matter if you are a first-time student who needs instructions repeated in plain language.

You should arrive ready for physical participation. The course asks for a moderate fitness level, and scuba equipment adds weight and awkwardness before you enter the water. This is not presented as a passive boat excursion. You will need to listen, practice, move with the equipment, and stay engaged for three days.

Day two: open water near Cabo San Lucas

The open-water portion takes you to different locations, including sites in the Sea of Cortez. The exact order of sites can depend on conditions, but the course includes three open-water sessions in addition to the confined-water session.

This is where the classroom material starts to make sense. You practice the skills in a proper marine setting while your instructor remains close. For a new student, the main attraction is not simply seeing fish. It is learning how to control your breathing and movement while dealing with the real conditions of open water.

Pelican Rock is specifically connected with the course experience, and the area can have plenty of boat traffic. Captain Jaime received praise for helping keep the group safe when boats were moving around the site. That is a useful detail for beginners: the setting can be beautiful and busy at the same time, so good boat handling and clear supervision matter.

The boat is described as clean, spacious, and well stocked. You will have water and snacks, and the program is designed to take care of the basic equipment needs. Still, bring any personal comfort items you prefer, such as sun protection or a towel, if those are important to you. The supplied information does not list a full packing list, so do not assume every personal item is provided.

The marine life adds interest to the training. One outing included sightings of many fish and a guitarfish, an unusual animal that looks part shark and part ray. You should not book this as a guaranteed wildlife encounter, but the Sea of Cortez setting gives the open-water sessions more character than a purely instructional pool course.

Day three: completing the certification work

The final day is about putting the pieces together. By this point, you should have worked through the required theory and practical skills, then completed the open-water requirements with your instructor.

The certification is the first level of professional scuba training and allows you to go underwater internationally to 18 meters. That is a meaningful benefit for someone planning future scuba trips. You are not just paying for an introduction in Cabo. You are working toward a recognized qualification that can support later recreational scuba outings.

The course is conducted by SSI-certified instructors. The certification process includes videos, theory, practical lessons, and the four required sessions. Because the course runs over several days, you have more time to build confidence than you would in a single introductory session.

That schedule is also the biggest practical commitment. You need to keep three days open and be prepared to attend the required parts rather than treating the course as something you can fit between other excursions. The listed operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM for the stated 2026 period, but the overall course lasts about three days. Confirm the exact meeting time for each day before booking other plans.

Why the instructors matter for first-time students

Good instruction is the heart of this experience. New scuba students often need calm explanations more than flashy promises, and the named instructors have different strengths reflected in the course feedback.

Camila helped a nervous young student settle in and feel comfortable by the fourth session. That is especially useful if you are worried about breathing underwater or handling the equipment. Rogelio was described as thorough and professional during an instructor-led beginner session, with an emphasis on helping the student feel comfortable quickly.

Armando was praised for creating a safe atmosphere and practicing skills patiently. Angelo was recognized for clear explanations during skill tests. These are the qualities I would prioritize over a guide who simply promises a dramatic location or lots of wildlife.

Captain Jaime also plays an important part during boat-based sessions. His role is different from the instructor’s, but safe boat positioning and awareness of nearby traffic matter at popular sites such as Pelican Rock.

The maximum of four people is a strong feature for anyone who wants personal attention. It also means you should not expect a large social group. You will be spending much of the course with a small team, which can feel reassuring if you prefer direct guidance and a quieter learning setting.

What is included, and what is not

The included items cover the main needs of a certification course:

• Study material
• Scuba equipment
• Four sessions, including one confined-water session
• Bottled water
• Fresh fruit and cookies

The course description also says the center handles lunch, but lunch is not listed in the formal inclusions. I would ask for confirmation before the course begins. This is a small but important point if you are planning meals around the morning schedule.

The two excluded charges are simple but easy to miss. The dock fee is $5 per person, and the park access fee is $8 per person. Both are cash only. Bring Mexican pesos if possible, or confirm the accepted currency before you arrive. Do not rely on a card for these charges.

The meeting point is Sunrider Tours, Boulevard Marina S/N, Gali Plaza, Local 41, Centro, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur. The activity ends back at the meeting point. It is near public transportation, which makes the central location useful if you are staying in Cabo San Lucas.

Confirmation is normally sent at booking. If you book within two days of the start date, confirmation may arrive within 48 hours and remains subject to availability. That makes an early reservation wise, especially because the group is limited to four.

Who should book this course?

This course suits a first-time scuba student who wants a full certification rather than a quick underwater introduction. It is also a good match if you prefer a small group and want an instructor who can give you patient, direct feedback.

I would consider it for families with an eligible teenager, but the information provided does not give a formal minimum age. One 13-year-old completed the course with instructor support, yet that does not establish the current age rule. Ask Sunrider Tours about age, medical, and participation requirements before booking for a child.

It can also work for someone who has already tried a beginner session and now wants a recognized qualification. The three-day format leaves room for theory, practice, and repeated sessions instead of rushing everything into one morning.

This is less suitable if your Cabo schedule is tight or you only want snorkeling. You need moderate physical fitness, several hours across three days, and the willingness to learn safety procedures. The course is practical training first, sightseeing second.

The cancellation terms are friendly if your plans change. You can receive a full refund by canceling at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The activity depends on suitable weather, and if poor conditions cause a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Los Cabos Open Water Diver Course?

I would book this if you want a proper SSI certification and value patient instruction over a quick, flashy outing. The four-person limit, included equipment, and gradual move from confined water to the Sea of Cortez make the $555 price easier to justify.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to a nervous beginner who wants close supervision. Camila, Rogelio, Armando, and Angelo are associated with the kind of calm teaching that can make or break a first experience. The only points to settle first are the cash fees, lunch details, exact daily schedule, and any age or medical requirements.

If your goal is simply to see Cabo from the water for a few hours, choose a shorter activity instead. If you want a qualification you can use internationally to 18 meters, this three-day course offers a practical route with equipment, instruction, and open-water practice included.

FAQ

How long does the Open Water Diver Course take?

The course lasts approximately three days.

What certification will I receive?

You will work toward SSI Open Water Diver certification, the first level of professional scuba certification. It permits international scuba to a maximum depth of 18 meters.

How many underwater sessions are included?

Four sessions are included. One takes place in a confined setting, and three take place in open water.

Where does the course meet?

You meet at Sunrider Tours, Boulevard Marina S/N, Gali Plaza, Local 41, Centro, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is scuba equipment included?

Yes. Use of scuba equipment is included in the course price.

Are food and drinks included?

Bottled water, fresh fruit, and cookies are included. The course description also says the center takes care of lunch, but lunch is not listed in the formal inclusions, so confirm this before booking.

What extra fees should I bring?

You need $5 per person for the dock fee and $8 per person for park access. Both fees must be paid in cash.

How many people can join the course?

The maximum group size is four participants.

What happens if bad weather cancels the course?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.