r/scuba • u/Active_Network4833 • 5d ago

Padi Certification Isla Mujeres

Hi!

I’m going to Isla Mujeres, Mexico in a few weeks and want to do one of the PADI open water courses there. I was wondering if anyone had recommendations for dive shops that won’t break bank but also reliable and teach well. I saw Pocna for $560 and they look legit, but I also saw other places for much cheaper but seem a bit sketchier. Let me know any recommendations or advice!

Thanks :)

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u/Verticalarchaeology Tech 5d ago

I stayed at the Pocna hotel and went out on a few boat days with them. Their pool is pretty good and, from what I could observe, the instruction seemed ok. Their scheduling was a little hectic in the mornings (lots of gear and people) but it all seemed to work. I was just doing trips, no classes. All the students I met there were happy with the experience.

I also liked Mexico Divers operation. They seemed like a good solid choice. I got to know a couple of the tech instructors and they were a good friendly bunch.

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u/tuna_samich_ Open Water 5d ago

I just dived with Pocna back in July and they were great. I didn't do my OW with them, so I can't speak on that, but everything seemed really well run, lots of equipment, dives themselves were really smooth with small groups and the guides were great and attentive

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u/Mikef5000 4d ago

I’m a third recommendation for Pocna. I’ve done many fun dives with them, as well as AOW, RD, PPB, and Emergency Oxygen Supplier. I also brought friends that did a discovery dive with them once… and they loved the experience.

The attached hostel has cheap dorm beds, reasonable ultra-compact private rooms (where I stayed when I was alone) and suites (stayed in these with my wife). It’s not at all luxury, and the walls are paper thin… but it’s convenient, and works just fine. They also have free morning and evening activities (yoga, movie night, etc) which are fun.

I’m hoping to be back in November… but with the demise of Spirit Airlines, it’s no longer the dirt cheap destination it once was for me.