Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Cozumel is one of the best places in the world for beginner divers thanks to its warm water, incredible visibility, calm conditions, and beautiful coral reefs. Our team always chooses dive sites that match your comfort and experience level.

Yes! Scuba diving is very safe when done with professional instructors and proper equipment. At Barefoot Dive Center, safety is our top priority, and our small groups allow us to give every diver personal attention in the water.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first dive, but most people quickly relax once they enter the water. Our instructors guide you step by step to make sure you feel safe, comfortable, and confident throughout the experience.

Yes! If you are not certified yet, you can join a Discover Scuba Diving experience with one of our instructors. Certified divers are also welcome to join our fun dives and advanced courses.

Basic swimming skills are recommended for scuba diving courses, but you do not need to be an expert swimmer. Our instructors will guide you step by step and help you feel comfortable in the water.

The minimum age for most beginner scuba diving programs is usually 10 years old, depending on the course and certification agency. Feel free to contact us and we’ll help you choose the best option for your child.

There is usually no strict weight limit for scuba diving, but all divers should be reasonably comfortable in the water and medically fit to dive. If you have any medical concerns, feel free to contact us before booking.

The first 2 dives of PADI Open Water Diver program are a maximum of 12 meters and the 3rd and 4th dives are a maximum of 18 meters (12 meters for 10-11 year olds).  Your dives should be more than 5 meters but you do not HAVE to go to 18 meters.  Talk to your instructor if you are anxious about depth.

This is tricky because it depends on how quickly you breathe your air.  Most people have some nerves before their fist dive which means beginners use their air faster than experienced divers.  Other factors also affect air consumption; make makeup, depth, fitness, sea conditions, how effectively you use your fins and even water temperature!  Your first dive should be a minimum of 20 minutes and on average first dives usually range from 25-40 minutes but, some first timers manage a full hour.  You won’t know until you try but one thing’s for sure, your air consumption will improve the more you dive.

Firstly, it is highly unlikely that this will ever happen.  During your PADI Open Water Diver course you will be taught how to monitor your air supply frequently and you will learn that we never dive until the tank is empty, we always end the dive before air supply becomes an issue.  You will also learn several different ways to deal with an “out of air situation” safely so in the unlikely event that you did run out, you will have the skills required to manage the situation.

Yes absolutely!  One option is to dive in contact lenses – daily disposables are best in case you lose one during some of the mask skills which can happen from time to time.  If you are not a contact lens wearer, then a prescription mask is a great option.  Some dive centers have prescription masks available but it can be difficult to rent one that matches your eyesight requirements exactly so it’s a good idea to invest in one of your own.  If you are long sighted (have difficulty reading but are okay with distances), then you can buy prescription stickers that you apply to the lower section of a regular mask – much like wearing reading glasses.

Many of our dive experiences include professional scuba equipment. Feel free to contact us for details about specific courses, certifications, or dive packages.

Absolutely! Scuba diving is an unforgettable experience that allows you to explore a completely different world underwater. From colorful coral reefs to amazing marine life, every dive is unique and exciting.

Cozumel is home to incredible marine life including tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, coral reefs, and much more. Every dive is unique, which makes each underwater experience exciting and memorable.

Bring your swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, certification card (if certified), and a good attitude! We’ll take care of the rest and make sure you’re ready for an unforgettable diving experience.