PADI Divemaster Internship & Certification in Cabo San Lucas

Who can apply to become a PADI Divemaster?

For internships, you need to have a minimum of 40 logged dives to apply and be a Rescue Diver (any agency) with a current CPR certificate within 2 years. In Cabo San Lucas our PADI Dive Center requires a minimum age of 18 years.

We offer 50% off any dives you need before you DM.  We can officially sign you up when you have 38 dives. Numbers 39 & 40 can be orientation dives on day 1, when you dive to get to know the operation before we officially begin.

You will be asked to get medical clearance before any in-water activity, no matter if you are in perfect health. It would be best to submit this via email before you travel. Check this link here: Diver Medical Form – PADI

How long does the PADI Divemaster certification take?

This is a professional course!  It’s meant to be more challenging than the levels that precede it. There are more skills and assessments than ever before and you will achieve an elevated understanding of theory concepts. The PADI Divemaster Certification can be achieved in 3 ways:

Divemaster internship (4 weeks or 6 weeks)

Sign up for a 4 or 6-week Divemaster internship. At Cabo Private Guide, you can choose the one that suits your budget and time. We wanted to create 2 options to optimize your schedule, but the training standard is the same, only the duration changes.

Learn more about the internship program

Divemaster Course (12 days)

The second option is to come and complete an intensive 12-day Divemaster Course (with 1 scheduled day off). Read about the benefits of each below. You need a minimum of 70 Dives to begin because we believe all Divemasters should be qualifying with at least 90 – 100 dives.

Learn more about the 14 day course

Divemaster office-volunteer work-exchange (12 weeks)

The third option is best if you want maximum immersion, real responsibility, and a strong CV boost, because you’re learning the dive pro role and the behind-the-scenes systems of a dive center over a full season. The optimal time to sign up is October – March, with September being low season.

How to apply? Contact us to inquire about your availability. If our dates are open, we will call you and check we are a good fit. We accept one person at a time and, due to high demand, we require a small financial commitment to hold your space. Once the DM eLearning payment (6300 mxn) and a small admin fee of 2000 mxn (non-refundable but you can reschedule) is paid, then you are confirmed. Once you complete your course, you must pay PADI fees directly to the agency. This is approximately $175 usd which covers the DM application processing fee. Your classroom sessions, scuba training, equipment rental, exams & assessments are all covered by your volunteer hours at the dive center..

Learn more about the Divemaster volunteer exchange

Sections of the Divemaster course are as follows:

• Theory sections 1- 10 and Exam,
• Skills circuit from the Open Water Course
• Swim tests and watership skills, including Rescue Diver skills
• Assisting PADI courses
• Workshops to practice your dive leader skills and rescue training
• Deep Diving Workshop and PADI Search and Recovery Diving Workshop

 PADI Divemaster Internships

If you want to work mainly out on our boat then a 4-6 week PADI Divemaster Internship is THE BEST way to become an accomplished member of any dive boat crew. At Cabo Private Guide, we do not subscribe to the idea that DMT’s (Divemaster Trainees) are there just to haul tanks and wash equipment. You will be an integral part of the daily work life of a regular divemaster.

You cannot guide our guests until you get your Divemaster Certification number, but you will be encouraged to help with boat logistics, in-water assistance, customer service on the dock and the dive boat, and all the daily demands of the dive center.

During the 4 to 6 weeks, your schedule will depend upon certified diving tours and PADI courses that sign up. You will have one day off a week that will be allocated on a flexible basis.

4-6 weeks Divemaster Internship

What does accommodation cost?

You can expect to find a room in a local shared house for about $300 USD a month, or you can get a private place for about double. We have various contacts within the local dive community if you’re looking for a place to share and we also have options for private Airbnbs.

When is the best time to do a Divemaster internship in Baja California?

The best time to start this internship would be October – April.

September – December is the warmest. September is prone to hurricanes, storms and cancellations. Check out our blog about annual seasonal conditions in Cabo .

If you are interested in becoming a Divemaster contact us! We will set up a call and answer any of your questions directly.

Contact Us

12 Days PADI Divemaster Course

If you want to earn the PADI Divemaster certification faster than an internship we can offer you the FAST TRACK. If you have already logged 70 dives and have retained the mastery-level skill requirements for all preceding dive courses, then you are welcome to sign up for this course.

You will not be expected to work dive center shifts and you will only attend your training sessions. Your schedule will be fairly fixed. You can choose to do this all in one consecutive time period, or spread over 2 or 3 trips to Cabo. You have 1 year to complete the course from start to finish.

12 Day PADI Divemaster course

 Divemaster office-volunteer exchange | 12 Weeks

The Divemaster office-volunteer work-exchange is designed for divers who want to train as professionals in Cabo San Lucas and learn how the dive center is run at the same time. This will make your dive CV stand out! We DO NOT offer a job following the course, unless you are a Mexican National, we are a good fit and there is a job available.

Instead of paying tuition, selected candidates volunteer 36 hours per week assisting at reception and learning how to run a dive center. You will train in the water and in the classroom for around 1.5 days per week. The certification training is free.  You do need to pay for your own Crew Pack ($6300 mxn) and we require a $2000 mxn deposit to secure your spot. You will also cover your own PADI processing/application fees (approximately $175 USD). This is a fee paid to PADI every year.

The biggest payoff is employability and experience: you finish with a pro-level qualification and practical, behind-the-scenes knowledge of dive center operations: logistics, inventory, bookings, CRM, and PADI admin, not just tank-hauling.

If you would like to discuss this more please contact us

Read our full article on the topic

Cabo Private Guide Team

Here at Cabo Private Guide our instructional team has some of the most experienced instructors in town. Our promise to our clients (you!) is that instructors for Divemaster courses have at least a year’s teaching experience. In reality, the current team has much, much more.

We are of the opinion that you also need to interview us! We have a collective 40 years dive instructional experience between us and have trained many Divemasters and Instructors.

Laura (owner) is a PADI IDC staff instructor and RAID Master Instructor. The rest of the team are all instructors with a minimum of 50 certs from beginner to pro and 6 months experience diving and guiding in Los Cabos.

We believe in one to one training for the most part although you will benefit from doing some of your practical training with other students.

Here are some souvenir videos we have made our candidates: