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Get Your PADI Scuba Certification in Guatemala!

by: MAXIMO NIVEL

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Earn your global PADI Certification in Guatemala, while exploring the iconic waters of Lake Atitlan. Travel to Santa Cruz on the edge of Lake Atitlan, only a 15-minute boat ride from Panajachel. An untraditional destination for PADI Open Water Diving certification, Lake Atitlan offers a unique high-altitude dive experience into the volcanic crater of Lake Atitlan. Divers touch hot mud along the lake’s volcanic fault lines; view the underwater volcanic rock formations and swim-throughs; and visit the lake’s local inhabitants, including freshwater fish, crabs, and a variety of plant life. Scuba certification structure: 1. Knowledge Development 2. Confined Water Dives 3. Open Water Dives If you're short on time or testing the waters, the 2-day Scuba Discovery program pairs basic pool training with two guided open-water lake dives.

Program Highlights

Explore the underwater crater of Lake Atitlan, where you can touch hot thermal mud along volcanic fault lines and navigate unique freshwater rock swim-throughs.

Earn an internationally accepted PADI Open Water Diver Certification in 3 to 5 days under the direct supervision of bilingual PADI professionals.

Choose between the comprehensive Open Water Certification or a 2-day Scuba Discovery trial course complete with pool practice and guided open-water lake dives.

Enjoy a completely hassle-free setup that covers your local accommodations, full scuba gear rentals, PADI course materials, and transport to and from dive sites.

Easily pair your scuba training with Maximo Nivel's Spanish immersion, volunteer projects, or international internships to customize your time in Guatemala.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Panajachel, Guatemala
Starts At: $995 for 3-5 days
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundTerms Available:
  • Throughout the Year
Age Requirement: 14+
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Scuba
Subjects & Courses:
  • Spanish
  • Sports
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Volunteer AbroadTop Rated Provider 2023 - Language SchoolTop Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer AbroadPeople’s Choice Award 2023 FinalistTop Rated Language School 2022Notable Mention 2021 - Gap YearTop Rated Organization 2021 - Volunteer Abroad

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Panajachel, Guatemala

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Scuba
  • Subjects & Courses
  • Spanish
  • Sports

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Terms Available:
  • Throughout the Year

Age Requirement

14+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Starts At

  • 3-5 days: $995

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • Required Equipment
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Training
  • Assistance Booking Travel
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
  • Micro-Credential(s) / Certification(s)
  • Course Materials
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Emergency Support

Payment Terms

  • Payment Plan
  • Upfront Deposit
  • Changes Allowed

Refund Policy

Full Refund

View Refund Policy

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays
  • Independent living

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the program requirements?

    – Physically fit
    – Basic swimming skills; comfortable in the water
    – Able to swim 200 meters unassisted
    – All scuba equipment is provided, but you may choose to bring your own mask, snorkel and fins
    – All surf equipment is provided, but feel free to bring your own board

    What does the scuba program include?

    – Accommodations
    – Bilingual, PADI-certified instructor
    – All PADI course materials
    – Diving equipment
    – Transportation to/from dive sites
    – PADI Certification
    – Must wait 24 hours after last dive before flying to avoid decompression sickness

    Can I combine the Scuba program with other Maximo Nivel programs?

    Yes! You can easily pair your scuba certification with Spanish Immersion, Volunteer Abroad, TEFL Certification, or an International Internship to build a fully customized study abroad experience.

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    Ready to Learn More?

    Earn your global PADI Certification in Guatemala, while exploring the iconic waters of Lake Atitlan. Travel to Santa Cruz on the edge of Lake Atitlan, only a 15-minute boat ride from Panajachel. An untraditional destination for PADI Open Water Diving certification, Lake Atitlan offers a unique high-altitude dive experience into the volcanic crater of Lake Atitlan. Divers touch hot mud along the lake’s volcanic fault lines; view the underwater volcanic rock formations and swim-throughs; and visit the lake’s local inhabitants, including freshwater fish, crabs, and a variety of plant life. Scuba certification structure: 1. Knowledge Development 2. Confined Water Dives 3. Open Water Dives If you're short on time or testing the waters, the 2-day Scuba Discovery program pairs basic pool tra...

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