First open-water day jitters are real. This Maroma Beach referral package is built for people who already did the hard setup work and just need the ocean part with close coaching in a small group (max 15).

I really like how practical this is. You get scuba gear provided plus a bilingual guide (English/Spanish) who can keep things clear while you’re focused on buoyancy and breathing, not translating in your head.

One thing to plan for: the $15 USD dock fee per person is not included, and there’s also no food package bundled into the price—so you’ll want to handle meals yourself.

Quick Highlights (What You’re Really Buying)

• Referral course structure for already-trained divers: finish your open-water requirements in the sea over two days
• Four open-water boat sessions included: four sea days total, supervised by professionals
• Hotel-to-marina round-trip transfers: shared transport at set times, starting around a 9:30am program
• Gear and insurance covered: mask, regulator, BCD/compensator, fins, and lead belt included
• Maroma Beach access included: free entry and use of the facilities between sessions
• Staff support with named guides and captains: people call out crew like Mau, Amauri Zermeño, Alex, Giovanni, Captain Eddy, Carlos, Ivan, Gandhi, and Alexander

Referral Scuba in Riviera Maya: Who This Two-Day Setup Fits

This is a referral scuba course. That means you’re not starting from zero. You should already have completed the classroom theory and pool sessions, and now you’re finishing the open-water part under supervision.

In plain terms, you’ll bring a signed referral packet from your original scuba school. The operator requires those documents before you get into the water. If you don’t have them, you may be turned away at the check-in stage—so double-check before you go.

The program is described as a two-day complementary course that includes four open-water boat sessions. It’s aimed at people who want structured completion, not a random sightseeing swim. The benefit for you: smaller group attention and a coach watching your technique and decision-making.

It also helps that the company clearly sets a minimum age of 10. If you’re traveling with a capable kid (and they meet the medical limits), this kind of course can be a neat way to complete training in one organized package rather than piecemeal lessons.

Maroma Beach Access: More Than Just a Launch Point

Maroma Beach isn’t just where you start—it’s part of the value. You get free access to Maroma Beach and use of the facilities included.

That matters on a two-day program because you’ll likely spend time waiting between water sessions, doing checks, and getting geared up. Having a beach base with facilities makes those gaps feel less like dead time.

Also, Maroma Beach shows up repeatedly in people’s stories for reef viewing and sea life. One diver described a stunning coral reef experience at Maroma, and another specifically praised named reef sites like Paradise and Archos. That gives you a practical clue: the operator is using well-regarded areas for the water work, not just taking you offshore and hoping for the best.

If you’re the type who likes to build a day around the water, not just the minutes you’re underwater, this “beach club + course” pairing is a good fit.

Getting There: Hotel Pickup, Shared Transfers, and Timing

Pickup is offered, and it’s tied to your hotel. The program begins around 9:30am, but the exact pickup time depends on where you’re staying.

A key detail: the transportation is a shared service (hotel-to-marina-to-hotel at specific times). That usually means you should expect a bit of shared-ride waiting, plus timing that’s “close enough” rather than pinpoint perfect. If you hate group logistics, this might feel less smooth than private transfers.

Still, the shared-transport setup is part of why the price can stay reasonable. You’re not paying for a solo van, and you’re not navigating a marina by yourself with gear in tow. For most visitors in Playa del Carmen, that’s a real convenience win.

One practical tip: plan to be ready early. Even if your pickup time looks calm, shared pickup windows tend to flex once the van is collecting other people.

Gear, Insurance, and What You’ll Still Need to Plan

Here’s what’s included, straight up: wetsuits and the full scuba package are provided. That includes mask, regulator, compensator vest (BCD), fins, and a lead belt. You shouldn’t need to pack your own rental gear.

They also include insurance in the package. For a training-focused scuba setup, that’s not just paperwork—it’s peace of mind.

What’s not included is the rest of your “day at the beach” setup:

• locker rental (extra)
• food and beverages
• souvenirs and photos
• the dock fee (paid at check-in)

From a practicality standpoint, I suggest you pack like you’re going to the beach for most of the day. Even if the water time is the highlight, you’ll still need sunscreen, a way to keep your phone dry, and a plan for hydration.

Also, they warn you not to carry valuables. In real life, that means either leave jewelry and expensive stuff behind or keep it minimal. You’ll be doing gear handling, ladder climbing, and moving through boats and facility spaces. Light and simple wins.

Day One and Day Two: Four Open-Water Boat Sessions, Step by Step

Your total experience spans two days, with four open-water boat sessions included. The exact pacing across the two days isn’t spelled out here, but the structure is clear: you’re in the ocean on a boat, and a professional is managing the training/skill completion.

What you can expect from this kind of referral setup:

• You’ll complete required open-water elements with closer supervision than a casual trip.
• You’ll get gear on and ready at the start, so you aren’t doing frantic assembly on a moving boat.
• Your guide will watch your technique and help you focus on the right skills instead of guessing what to do next.

The boat experience itself is praised in multiple accounts. People mention a big boat with a roof for sun protection, plus a sturdy ladder for climbing back after you’re done in the water. One diver also described how the staff set up gear so it’s ready when you step aboard, which matters a lot if you’re newer or returning after time away.

Guides are also singled out by name. For example:

• Mau is mentioned with Captain Eddy and Gustavo for strong support during reef outings
• Amauri Zermeño is praised with clear, attentive service and a crew that keeps things moving smoothly
• Gandhi is credited with patient help for a newer diver returning after a break
• Alexander is highlighted for strong refresher instruction and clear communication
• Carlos and Ivan are mentioned as helpful crew members (including camera support in one account)

That mix tells you what’s happening in the background: the operator leans on a team that’s used to supporting different experience levels, not just speed-running certifications.

One more realistic note: a two-day course has transitions. Between sessions you may feel “almost done” and then start paperwork or setup again. If you prefer a nonstop vacation feel, this might feel more structured than you expect. If you want the job finished correctly, it’s exactly the point.

Cost and Value: What $300 Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

Price is $300 per person. For what you get, that can be solid value—if your situation matches the referral requirement.

Included value:

• four open-water boat sessions
• wetsuits and scuba gear
• bilingual guide support
• insurance
• hotel-to-marina-to-hotel shared transportation
• free access to Maroma Beach facilities

Not included costs to budget:

• dock fee: $15 USD per person, paid at marina check-in
• locker rental
• food and beverages
• souvenirs and photos

So the honest math is: you’ll likely spend a bit more than $300 once you add the dock fee. But when you compare it to paying for gear rentals, a supervised training structure, and boat sessions all separately, $300 doesn’t look outrageous for the full package.

One mixed note from a real-world account: don’t assume there’s a meal waiting after any forms or check-in steps. Food and drink aren’t part of the listed inclusions, so treat this as an experience where meals are your responsibility unless you’re told otherwise on the day.

Who the Experience Best Suits (And Who Should Skip It)

This is best for you if:

• you already finished theory and pool work and want supervised completion in the ocean
• you like a small group rather than a giant boat full of random people
• you want staff attention while you finish required skills and build comfort

It may not be for you if:

• you want zero structure and purely scenic snorkeling-style hours
• you have medical limits that prevent scuba activity
• you’re traveling with heavy valuables and dislike gear-day safety rules

They set minimum age at 10, and they list several reasons scuba activity is not allowed, including pregnancy and a range of ear, heart, lung, and seizure-related concerns (plus recent surgeries). They also mention not to consume alcohol or drugs and to avoid flying by air until 12 hours after your session.

If any of the medical items apply, don’t gamble. Talk to a medical professional and follow the operator’s rules.

Safety Rules You Should Treat Like Non-Negotiables

The safety list here is detailed, and it’s worth reading before you commit:

• no scuba for pregnant people
• no scuba after certain recent surgeries (ear, heart, lungs)
• no scuba with heart conditions, recent lung collapse, epilepsy, and more
• no scuba with uncontrolled issues like high blood pressure, severe asthma, or claustrophobia
• no alcohol or drugs before your session
• avoid flying until at least 12 hours after your scuba time

They also advise:

• don’t overdo alcohol the day before
• avoid carrying valuables
• if you have mobility limitations, back problems, recent surgery, or are pregnant, consider lower impact options

This is one of those tours where “yes I feel fine” isn’t enough. The operator’s restrictions are there because underwater pressure and physical effort change the equation fast.

Staff Service That Shows Up in Real Details

The strongest praise in the accounts is about people care and coaching style.

I noticed a pattern: staff don’t just hand you gear and point at the ocean. Multiple accounts mention that crew members set up gear so it’s ready at boarding, and guides explain highlights during the water sessions. Several mention water being offered on the boat—simple, but it’s the difference between feeling cared for and feeling like a logistics problem.

Named service highlights include:

• Mau, Captain Eddy, and Gustavo for strong reef-day support
• Alex and Giovanni for careful attention and beach-day comfort
• Amauri Zermeño for being a top instructor, with constant check-ins for what you need
• Evan and Moe for excellent two-session day work and clear highlights
• Gandhi for patient support for a returning newer diver
• Alexander for clear refresher instruction and strong communication
• Carlos and Ivan for enjoyable supervision and helpful camera support (in one account)

That’s the “value behind the value.” A referral course depends on instructor judgment. The better the communication, the less stressful the course feels—and the more likely you finish without panic.

The one caution from a mixed account is about expectations for the post-session experience (food/setup after paperwork). Since food and beverages are not included, I’d treat the water portion as the main event and plan your meals independently.

Booking Decision: Should You Book This Maroma Referral Course?

Book this if you’re already trained in theory and pool work and you need open-water completion with four structured boat sessions over two days. You’ll like the included gear, the bilingual guide support, and the convenience of round-trip transfers plus Maroma Beach access.

Consider skipping (or at least rethinking timing) if you:

• don’t have your signed referral documents ready
• need a fully private, no-wait schedule
• are tight on budget because you’ll still owe the $15 dock fee per person
• expect food to be included after your course steps

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes reef scenery, but also wants your skills checked and coached, this is a sensible match.

If you want, tell me your scuba level (referral stage you’re in, and what your original certification requires) and your hotel area in Playa del Carmen. I can help you plan what time buffers to give yourself and how to budget the likely add-ons.

FAQ

What is included in the referral course package?

The package includes shared transportation (hotel to marina to hotel at set times), SCUBA equipment (mask, regulator, compensator vest/BCD, fins, and lead belt), wetsuits, four open-water boat sessions, bilingual guide support in English and Spanish, free access to Maroma Beach facilities, and insurance.

How many open-water sessions are included?

You get four open-water boat sessions in the sea as part of the two-day referral course.

Do I need to have finished training already?

Yes. Referral dives are for people who have already completed the theoretical and pool practice parts. This experience is for finishing the open-water part under instructor supervision.

What documents do I need to bring?

You must show referral documents signed by the scuba school where you completed the initial course.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Round-trip transfers from and to your hotel are included via shared transportation service at specific times. Pickup time depends on where you stay.

What extra fee should I expect at the marina?

A dock fee of $15 USD per person must be paid at marina check-in.

Are locker rentals included?

No. Locker rental is not included.

Who cannot participate?

Scuba is not allowed for pregnant people and for people with certain ear, heart, lung, and other medical conditions listed by the operator, and it’s also not allowed if you have consumed alcohol or drugs.

When can I fly after my session?

You should not travel by air until after 12 hours after your diving session.

What is the cancellation deadline for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience start time, the amount paid is not refunded.