The TDI Cavern Diver course introduces recreational divers to the world of overhead environments in a safe, structured, and progressive way. This course focuses on the specialized skills, planning, and equipment needed to safely explore within the light zone of underwater caverns—laying the groundwork for future cave or technical dive training.

The course will be done in stunning cenotes like Garden of Eden and Chikin Ha, just 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, offering crystal-clear water and breathtaking cavern systems ideal for training in overhead environments.

Course Topics Include:

• Cavern dive planning, gas management, and emergency procedures

• Proper line handling, guideline deployment, and navigation techniques

• Buoyancy control, trim, and propulsion skills specific to cavern diving

• Use of redundant equipment and lights in overhead environments

• Communication methods and team diving protocols

• Environmental awareness and conservation practices inside caverns

• Hazard identification and risk management in overhead environments

Course Structure:

• Academic Sessions: Covering overhead environment theory, gas rules (e.g., rule of thirds), equipment configuration, and safety protocols

• Open Water Dives: Typically 4–6 dives in overhead environments (depending on progression), emphasizing guideline work, precision control, and problem-solving

Prerequisites:

• Minimum age: 18 years old

• Minimum certification: TDI Intro to Tech or TDI Sidemount Diver (or equivalent)

• Minimum of 50 logged dives recommended

Certification Outcome:
By the end of the course, divers will earn the TDI Cavern Diver certification, allowing them to explore caverns while remaining within the daylight zone and no further than 60 meters/200 feet from the surface. This course is a required foundation for further cave or advanced overhead environment training. Follow-up course will be the TDI Intro to Cave.