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Get Your PADI Scuba Certification in Guatemala!

$995Program Costs
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47Programs
2003Year established

Program Overview

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.

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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.

What's Included

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

Quick Details

Location
Panajachel, GuatemalaAntigua, Guatemala
Starts At$995 for 3-5 days
Availability
Year(s) Offered:Year Round
Terms Available:
  • Throughout the Year
Age Requirement14+
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Scuba
Subjects & Courses:
  • Spanish
  • Sports
GuidelinesAll Nationalities
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Updated Aug 30, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Panajachel, Guatemala

Fields & Subjects

  • Spanish
  • Sports

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: Year Round
  • Terms Available: Throughout the Year

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

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

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

14+

Starts At

  • 3-5 days: $995

Payment Terms

  • Payment Plan
  • Upfront Deposit
  • Changes Allowed

Refund Policy

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about MAXIMO NIVEL.

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.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Language School
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
People’s Choice Award 2023 Finalist
Top Rated Language School 2022
Notable Mention 2021 - Gap Year
Top Rated Organization 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative TEFL / Teach Abroad Program 2021 Finalist
Top Rated Teach Abroad Organizations of 2020
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020 Notable Mentions
2019 Notable Mentions
NAFSA
ALTO - Association of Language Travel Organisations
GoAbroad Top Language Program 2018
GoAbroad Top TEFL Certification Program 2018
GoAbroad Top Language School 2018

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