A two-day course can change how confident you feel fast. This referral scuba package helps you finish certification-level skills in open water, with hotel transfers, all gear provided, and a small group of up to 15. You also get free access to Maroma Beach and its facilities between sessions.

Two things I really like: first, the setup is practical and supportive—your wetsuit and key SCUBA gear are included, so you spend less time hunting rentals and more time getting ready. Second, you get a true instructor-and-crew focus thanks to the small-group size, plus bilingual guidance in English and Spanish.

One thing to watch: this is not a fully “food included” day. The package lists food and beverage as not included, and there’s also a $15 USD dock fee per person you must pay at check-in, so budget a little extra.

Key Points at a Glance

• Referral course for certification catch-up: You do open-water work after you’ve already finished the theory and pool parts.
• Four open-water boat outings over two days: You get multiple chances to practice under supervision.
• Gear and wetsuit provided: Mask, regulator, vest/BC, fins, and lead belt are included.
• Maroma Beach access included: You can use the facilities for downtime between water time.
• Small-group cap (max 15): Easier attention from the instructor and crew.
• Extra cost to plan for: Dock fee is $15 USD per person at the marina.

Referral Scuba in Playa del Carmen: Who This Course Fits

If you already did the classroom and pool portions, you still may need the open-water part to finish your certification. That’s exactly what this program is built for: it’s a two-day complementary course designed to complete your open-water requirements with professional supervision.

The biggest “fit” clue is the requirement for referral documents. You must show referral papers signed by the diving school where you began the theory and pool training. If you’re missing that paperwork, the course may not work for you—so I’d treat this as your #1 checklist item before you book or arrive.

It’s also set up for a wide range of people from a minimum age of 10. That said, it isn’t casual snorkeling. This is an equipment-and-health-responsibility activity, with clear restrictions around pregnancy, recent ear/heart/lung surgeries, certain medical conditions, and alcohol/drug use.

Maroma Beach Access and the Real Rhythm Between Sessions

This experience includes free access to Maroma Beach and use of facilities. That matters because certification work isn’t just about being underwater—it’s also about how smoothly you handle the waiting time, changing gear, and recharging between sessions.

In practice, you’ll likely have downtime where your day could be half beach, half prep. Having the beach facilities included is a quality-of-life win: you’re not stuck wandering for bathrooms or shade after an early marina start.

Just don’t assume meals are covered. Food and beverage consumption are listed as not included, so plan on bringing water snacks if your schedule stretches or if you prefer more control over what you eat. One negative experience in the feedback highlights what can happen when expectations around food support aren’t matched—so if you care about post-water comfort, plan for it ahead of time.

Transfers, Timing, and Why the Logistics Matter

Pickup is included, but the exact pickup time depends on where you’re staying. The stated start time is 9:30 am, and transfers run hotel ⇄ marina ⇄ hotel at specific times. This is the kind of detail that saves you from stress: you don’t need to solve parking, shuttle-hunting, or timing on your own.

The package uses shared transportation, not private. That means your schedule can include a bit of waiting while the van fills up and drops off multiple hotels. If you’re the type who hates “almost ready” delays, build in patience and keep your documents and essentials handy before pickup.

The experience also runs with a simple structure: you’ll meet, check in, get geared up, go out by boat, and return for your next step. Since this is a two-day program with four open-water boat outings total, the smoothness of transfers really affects how enjoyable the second day feels.

What You’ll Do in the Water (Four Open-Water Boat Outings)

This is the heart of the course: four open-water boat outings in the sea, spread across two days. The goal is finishing certification-level skills in open water under a professional instructor’s supervision, not just doing a one-off recreational swim.

Because this is a referral course, you’re expected to have completed the theory and pool sessions already (exams and pool practice). That usually means less time spent on basics and more time focusing on real open-water conditions: buoyancy control, calm movement, and following cues.

Where you might go for each outing isn’t guaranteed in the details provided, but the name Maroma Beach is included and repeatedly shows up in real operational feedback. You may also hear site names like Paradise or Archos from the same crew ecosystem, but treat specific locations as site-plan dependent.

One more practical note: equipment setup is handled for you. The included package states SCUBA gear is provided, including your mask, regulator, compensator vest/BC, fins, and lead belt. That reduces friction, especially if you’re traveling and don’t want to lug heavy gear.

Gear, Wetsuit, and the Comfort Checklist

The highlights say wetsuits and diving equipment are provided, and the included equipment list matches that. If you’re used to “bring your own, rent later” vacations, this is a smoother deal: you arrive, get fitted, and get moving.

Here’s what’s specifically covered:

• Mask
• Regulator
• Compensator vest/BC
• Fins
• Lead belt

A locker rental isn’t included, so if you want a place to keep your valuables or dry bag secure, you’ll probably pay extra on-site. Also, the guidance says not to carry valuables, which is a good reminder for any beach-and-marina day—especially with shared transport.

Also, plan clothing the way you would for a water-heavy morning. Bring a change of clothes, a towel if you like having your own, and keep your towel/cover-up easy to grab after you return.

The Instructor Crew and How They Teach

This program is built around instructor attention in a small group (max 15), which is a big deal for open-water skill completion. More time listening to cues, faster corrections when something feels off, and fewer people means less waiting and better feedback.

Real-world examples from the same Maroma Adventures operation show instructors and crew praised for clear communication and hands-on support. Names that come up include Alexander, Amauri Zermeño, Gandhi, and crew captains like Eddy. You’ll also see references to staff helping with gear readiness and staying alert to what you need during the boat day.

One useful takeaway for you: if you’re feeling rusty or nervous, this kind of crew style matters. Look for guidance that checks in on you, explains what’s next, and doesn’t assume you already know what open water will feel like.

Price and Value: Is $300 Fair for What You Get?

At $300 per person, this isn’t a cheap add-on, but it also isn’t just a single outing. You’re paying for a structured two-day course with four open-water boat outings, instructor supervision, insurance included, and round-trip transfers.

What makes it feel more like value than an expensive “tour ticket”:

• Transfers are included (hotel ⇄ marina ⇄ hotel).
• Gear is included, including the lead belt (that one detail matters).
• The group is capped at 15, which supports better attention.
• Maroma Beach access is included for downtime.

What might make it feel expensive to someone: the extra items add up. Food isn’t included, lockers aren’t included, and you must pay a $15 USD dock fee per person at check-in. That dock fee alone is an easy budget line you can’t ignore.

So I’d judge the price like this: if you need open-water certification completion and you want a supported, structured two-day plan with transfers and gear, the $300 starts to make sense. If you’re already fully equipped, don’t need a course at all, or hate any extra fees, look harder at alternatives.

Safety Rules You Should Actually Read

This experience has a health and safety section you should take seriously. Diving is not allowed for pregnant women, people with recent surgeries of the ear, heart, or lungs, and people with heart conditions, claustrophobia, diabetes, lung collapse, epilepsy, asthma, or high blood pressure. It’s also not allowed if you’ve consumed alcohol or drugs.

There are also travel and behavior notes:

• Don’t drink too much alcohol the day before.
• Don’t travel by air until 12 hours after your diving session.
• If mobility is limited, if you have back problems, recent surgery, or you’re pregnant, the guidance recommends considering a less impact activity.

The practical value of reading this isn’t just legal safety language. It protects your plan. If you might be unsure about a condition, get a medical okay before you commit—then you avoid wasting vacation time.

Dock Fee, Lockers, and Other “Small” Costs That Matter

The package lists one clear must-pay cost: the dock fee $15 USD per person, paid at the marina check-in. That’s the kind of thing that can surprise people if they only look at the headline price.

Locker rental isn’t included, so if you want a secure place for your stuff, budget for it. Souvenirs and photos are also not included, and the same goes for food and beverage consumption.

My advice: when you’re budgeting for this kind of course, add a “marine day” line item beyond the ticket price. It keeps the day relaxed instead of constantly checking your wallet.

Should You Book This Referral Scuba Course?

You should consider booking if:

• You’ve already finished the theory and pool steps and just need open-water completion.
• You want gear provided and round-trip hotel transfers.
• You like the idea of a small group (max 15) and structured instructor attention over two days.
• You also want built-in beach time at Maroma Beach between sessions.

You might want to think twice if:

• You don’t have your referral documents ready.
• You’re hoping for a full day where food is included (food isn’t included).
• You’re sensitive to extra on-site costs like the $15 dock fee.
• You fall into any of the health restriction categories listed above.

If your priority is a smooth, supervised open-water finish—and you’re already halfway through certification—this course is a strong fit. If you want a casual day in the water, you’ll probably feel like you’re paying for structure you don’t need.

FAQ

What documents do I need for the referral scuba sessions?

You must show referral documents signed by the diving school where you completed the initial course (theory and pool parts).

Is SCUBA equipment and a wetsuit included?

Yes. The package includes necessary SCUBA equipment such as your mask, regulator, compensator vest/BC, fins, and lead belt, and the highlights also note wetsuits are provided.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Shared transportation is included from your hotel to the marina and back at specific times.

Are there extra fees I should budget for?

Yes. A dock fee of $15 USD per person must be paid at the marina check-in. Locker rental, food, and other items are not included.

What languages will the guide speak?

A bilingual guide is provided in English and Spanish.

Who is this not suitable for?

Diving is not allowed for pregnant women and for people with certain medical conditions or recent surgeries related to the ear, heart, or lungs. It also isn’t allowed if you’ve consumed alcohol or drugs.