Maroma water time is serious training and fun. This referral SCUBA package is built for people who already passed the theory and pool steps, so you can finish your open-water skills at Maroma Beach with small-group attention. You also get beach club access for downtime between sea days.

I like two things most. First, you’re set up with the gear you need—wetsuit and full SCUBA equipment—and the team helps you get ready fast. Second, the experience is designed to keep you supported, including bilingual guidance in English and Spanish, so you’re not left guessing in the moment.

One consideration: you must bring the signed referral paperwork from your original diving school, and you’ll still pay the $15 USD dock fee per person at check-in.

Key things to know before you go

• Referral course setup for open-water completion: you need proof you already finished theory and pool work
• Four included sea sessions over two days: scheduled as open-water boat training
• Gear + wetsuit included: mask, regulator, compensator vest, fins, and lead belt are provided
• Beach club access at Maroma Beach: useful for relaxing between water time
• Small group size: maximum of 15 travelers for more guide attention
• Extra cost to budget for: $15 USD dock fee per person paid at the marina

What a “Referral” SCUBA Course Means at Maroma

This isn’t a start-from-scratch SCUBA experience. It’s a referral course for people who’ve already completed the theory and the pool practice with a recognized school. The goal here is straightforward: finish the open-water portion with a professional instructor supervising your skills in real conditions.

That matters because it changes the vibe of the whole trip. Instead of teaching basics from the ground up, you’ll be building confidence in the same way you trained—just with real waves, real depth, and real distractions. If you already have your referral documents signed, you’ll walk in knowing what to expect. If you don’t, you’ll likely hit a hard stop.

Maroma’s location also helps. You’re doing your water sessions near Playa del Carmen’s coast, with a beach club base that’s designed for people to take breaks without feeling like they’re stuck waiting around.

Maroma Beach Club Perk: More Than Just Waiting Around

I like that this package includes free access to Maroma Beach and use of facilities. That’s not a random add-on. On a two-day schedule, you need a place to reset between water sessions—especially if you’re one of the people who gets antsy when you’re not doing anything.

In practice, this gives you two chances to enjoy the area:

• Use the time before your first scheduled water time to get oriented and settle in.
• Use downtime after your sea sessions to relax instead of scrambling for your own beach plan.

If your group has mixed comfort levels in the water, the beach club access also makes the day feel less stressful. Everyone can find something to do while you’re waiting for your next scheduled moment.

The Two Days on the Water: Four Open-Water Boat Sessions

The structure is built around two days and four open-water boat sessions. Even if your transfer time is short (the drive time is listed at about 45 minutes), you should plan for long day rhythms typical of boat-based training: packing, gear setup, boat ride, time in the water, rinse, then de-brief and return.

Here’s what you can generally expect from the experience based on the way the staff is described:

• You’ll show up, get your gear fitted, and have it set up so you’re ready when it’s time to board.
• You’ll have a guide focused on your needs, not a crowd-control situation.
• The boat ride is part of the day. One of the recurring practical details from past experiences: the boats are described as sturdy and easy for entry/exit, including a ladder for returning to the boat.

Site variety is another plus. In examples shared by previous participants, the reefs included places like Paradise (often described as full of coral and sea life) and a deeper outing to Archos. That’s good for referral training because it gives you range—different conditions and practice goals.

One thing to keep in mind: your exact schedule is likely to be controlled by sea conditions and instructor timing. The package is weather-dependent in the sense that poor conditions can change plans, so staying flexible is part of being a good SCUBA student.

Hotel Pickup, Marina Check-In, and How the Day Actually Runs

The pickup is a real convenience. You get shared round-trip transportation between your hotel and the marina at specific times. Pickup timing depends on where you’re staying, and the listed start time is 9:30 am.

For planning, think in two layers:

1. The ride time from hotel to marina is listed as about 45 minutes.
2. The full experience is paced around a morning start, then boat logistics and water time.

At the marina, expect check-in procedures tied to your documents and payments. This is where the one extra fee lives:

• Dock fee: $15 USD per person, paid at check-in.

Also, the experience is capped at 15 travelers. That’s a good sign for flow—smaller groups usually move faster with gear and fewer people waiting around at the boat.

If you don’t like carrying stuff around, plan to store what you can. Locker rentals aren’t included, so you might bring a small bag you can keep with you, or simply travel light (and leave valuables behind, since the guidance says not to carry valuables for your safety).

Gear, Wetsuit, and What’s Included (and Why It Matters)

One of the strongest value points here is what’s included. You get the wetsuit and full SCUBA equipment:

• mask
• regulator
• compensator vest (often called BCD)
• fins
• lead belt

Why this matters for you: gear changes how comfortable—and how confident—you feel underwater. When the right sizes and components are available, it reduces the stress of “Will I be okay with this equipment?” Referral training is already performance-focused. Starting with well-prepared gear keeps your brain on the task instead of troubleshooting.

In the way the staff is described, there’s also an attention to setup. Multiple mentions highlight that instructors or crew set up equipment so it’s ready when you reach the boat. That little detail can be the difference between a relaxed boarding process and an awkward scramble.

If you wear prescription items or have special fit needs, you should plan ahead. The information here guarantees the standard gear is provided, but it doesn’t list anything about specialty eyewear or custom accommodations. When in doubt, ask before you go.

Safety Fit: Medical Limits and the Paperwork You Must Bring

This course is not for everyone. The participation rules are clear, and you should take them seriously.

You must not participate if you are:

• pregnant
• had recent surgery involving the ear, heart, or lungs
• have heart conditions, claustrophobia, diabetes, lung collapse, epilepsy, asthma, or high blood pressure
• had alcohol or drugs

Also, a practical rule for after: don’t travel by air until after 12 hours after your session. That’s something I always take seriously with SCUBA-related activities, and this package explicitly calls it out.

Age matters too. The minimum age is 10. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to balance excitement with strict safety limits and comfort with following instructions closely.

Now for the paperwork requirement (this is a big one): you must show referral documents signed by the diving school where you completed the initial course. If you don’t have those, the experience can’t run as intended. Bring them in a format you can show quickly at check-in.

Who You’ll Work With: The Human Side of Good Underwater Instruction

For me, the best SCUBA instruction is the kind you barely notice—because the process feels calm and clear. This package leans hard on that style with bilingual support and a small group size.

In examples from people who’ve been on the water with this team, you’ll see names like:

• Alexander (praised for clear communication and being enjoyable to listen to)
• Carlos (worked alongside Alexander, described as conscientious)
• Gandhi (supportive and patient with people getting back up to speed)
• Amauri Zermeño (named as an outstanding instructor in one experience)
• Ivan (mentioned for capturing camera photos)
• Captain Eddy (mentioned as helpful with boarding and offloading)
• Mau, Evan, Moe, Giovanni, and Alex (also cited in different accounts for service and support)

Even without knowing which instructor you’ll get, these names tell you what to look for: a crew that keeps you taken care of, answers questions, and helps you manage gear and entry/exit.

Service details show up too. One repeated theme is that the staff checks in on you and keeps you comfortable on the boat, with water and soft drinks offered.

Price and Value: Is $300 for Four Sea Sessions and Transfers Worth It?

At $300 per person, you’re paying for more than just “being taken to the water.” This price includes:

• shared round-trip transportation (hotel ↔ marina)
• SCUBA equipment (plus wetsuit)
• four open-water boat sessions
• bilingual guidance in English and Spanish
• insurance
• Maroma Beach club access

Then there’s the one extra you should budget:

• $15 USD dock fee per person (paid at the marina)

For value, the key question is whether you need those four open-water skills sessions to finish your certification path. If you do, this package can be efficient because it bundles the boat training, gear, insurance, and transfers in one system. That reduces the number of separate vendors and time sinks you’d otherwise juggle.

If you already have your own equipment and you’re staying nearby and you’re comfortable arranging transportation, you might save money by going DIY. But for most people doing a certification completion, the convenience and support are worth paying for.

Possible Downsides: Dock Fee, Food Expectations, and Paperwork Checks

This experience is rated very high overall, but nobody gets a perfect score in real life.

Here are the realistic friction points based on the details provided:

• Dock fee at check-in: $15 USD per person. If you forget it, it can slow your arrival. Budget it in advance.
• Referral paperwork is mandatory: you must have signed referral documents. Without them, the program can’t operate as intended.
• Food can be a mixed experience: there’s at least one account where the post-session food situation didn’t match expectations, including complaints about timing and table conditions. If food is a priority for your day, I’d treat it as secondary. Bring your own snacks if allowed by your comfort level and your guide’s rules.

Also, while transfers are included, they are shared. That means your pickup time can vary depending on your hotel route. If you’re the type who hates waiting, build in a buffer for morning pickup and arrival.

Should You Book This Maroma Adventures Package?

I’d book this if:

• you already finished theory and pool work and you want open-water completion with professional supervision
• you like the idea of included gear and hotel-to-marina transfers
• you want a small group (max 15) and bilingual guidance
• you want Maroma Beach access for relaxing between your two water days

I’d pause or choose something else if:

• you can’t provide the signed referral paperwork
• you’re unsure about medical eligibility (the restrictions are specific)
• you rely on your schedule being perfectly tidy and food being guaranteed in a certain way
• you’re traveling with valuables you’d hate to leave behind—this guidance says not to carry them

If you fit the referral profile and you’re ready to show documents and follow safety rules, this is one of the more sensible ways to finish your open-water training at Maroma, with the added bonus of beach club time and a crew style that focuses on keeping you comfortable.

FAQ

What documents do I need for the referral course?

You must show referral documents signed by the diving school where you completed the initial course. This is required at check-in.

Is hotel pickup and transportation included?

Yes. You get shared transportation from your hotel to the marina and back at specific times. Pickup time depends on your hotel location, and the experience starts at 9:30 am.

Are there any extra fees besides the tour price?

Yes. The dock fee is $15 USD per person and it must be paid at the marina check-in. Locker rental is also not included.

What scuba gear is included?

You get the necessary SCUBA equipment, including mask, regulator, compensator vest, fins, and lead belt, plus a wetsuit.

Who can participate, and what are the main limits?

The minimum age is 10. The experience is not allowed for pregnant people or those with certain medical conditions (including specific ear, heart, lung, and other limits listed), and people who have consumed alcohol or drugs.

What’s the refund timing if I cancel?

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