Side Mount Courses in Playa del Carmen

Diver practicing side mount configuration underwater

Side Mount Courses

Tags: cave diving, IANTD, scuba courses, scuba training, scubadiving, side mount diving, TDI, Technical Diving

Side Mount Diving Courses in Playa del Carmen

At Pluto Dive, we’ve been passionate about Side Mount diving courses since 2007. It’s not just a configuration — it’s a philosophy. With better streamlining, easier gas management, and enhanced comfort in overhead environments, Side Mount is the preferred choice for many technical and cave divers. And we’re proud to teach it from beginner to advanced levels.

We recommend getting your own Side Mount system to get the most out of your training. We dive (and sell) the Stealth 2.0 from XDeep, a high-performance rig that we can customize and have ready for you on arrival.

If you plan to use Side Mount configuration in any IANTD or TDI course, you’ll need to add two extra training days at $180 USD/day to properly learn setup and procedures.

Our Most Popular Side Mount Courses

➤ IANTD/TDI Open Water Side Mount Diver

Your entry point into the Side Mount world. You’ll learn how to set up and configure your gear, handle one or two cylinders, manage your gas, and practice safety drills.
Prerequisites: 18 years old, Open Water Diver
Duration: Minimum 4 days
Cost: $230 USD/day

➤ IANTD/TDI Cavern Diver (Side Mount)

The first step into overhead environments. Learn line handling, team procedures, stress management, and emergency protocols.
Prerequisites: 18 years old, Open Water Side Mount Diver, Advanced Diver
Duration: Minimum 3 days
Cost: $230 USD/day

➤ IANTD/TDI Intro to Cave Diver (Side Mount)

Move into limited cave penetration using the rule of sixths. Focus on gas planning and critical cave diving skills.
Prerequisites: Cavern Diver, Open Water Side Mount Diver, 80 dives (10 in cavern)
Duration: 3 days minimum
Cost: $230 USD/day

➤ IANTD/TDI Cavern + Intro to Cave (Modular)

Ideal for divers starting their cave diving journey. Learn proper penetration procedures, gas rules, navigation, and team coordination.
Prerequisites: 18 years old, Advanced Diver, OW Side Mount Diver, 80 dives
Duration: 5 days
Cost: $230 USD/day

➤ IANTD/TDI Full Cave Diver (Side Mount)

Learn advanced techniques including complex navigation, major restrictions, and decompression in caves.
Prerequisites: Intro Cave Diver, OW Side Mount Diver
Duration: Minimum 4 days
Cost: $230 USD/day

➤ Cavern to Full Cave Diver Program

A full modular path from Cavern to Advanced Cave level, covering all cave diving procedures.
Prerequisites: 100 dives, Advanced Diver, OW Side Mount Diver
Duration: 8–10 days
Cost: $230 USD/day

➤ IANTD Technical Cave Diver (Side Mount)

Certified cave divers can begin decompression diving in caves, including gas switching and emergency management.
Prerequisites: Side Mount Cave Diver, 15 cave dives
Duration: Minimum 3 days
Cost: $250 USD/day

➤ IANTD Advanced Cave Side Mount Diver

For experienced tech divers wanting to master no-mount passage, advanced gas recalculation, and self-rescue.
Prerequisites: Tech Cave SM Diver, Stage/Multistage Diver
Duration: 3 days minimum
Cost: $250 USD/day

➤ TDI Side Mount Stage Diver

Designed for extending cave penetration using stage tanks with advanced gas management.
Prerequisites: Side Mount Cave Diver
Duration: 3 days
Cost: $250 USD/day

➤ IANTD Stage/Multistage Side Mount Cave Diver

Focuses on planning and performing long dives with multiple tanks and decompression.
Prerequisites: Side Mount Stage Diver
Duration: Flexible
Cost: $250 USD/day

➤ TDI/IANTD DPV Cave Diver

Top-level course using underwater scooters (DPVs) for extended cave exploration.
Prerequisites: 60 cave dives, Stage/Multistage experience, Tech Cave Diver (for IANTD)
Duration: Minimum 3 days
Cost: $250 USD/day

➤ IANTD Cave Survey Diver

Designed for advanced cave divers interested in mapping cave systems with precision.
Prerequisites: Side Mount Cave Diver with excellent trim
Duration: 3 days
Cost: $260 USD/day

Why Choose Side Mount?

Side Mount offers streamlined diving, improved safety, and access to tighter spaces, especially in caves and overhead environments. Whether you’re just starting or pushing your limits, we’ll guide you with experience and passion.

Ready to take your diving sideways?

👉 Contact Pluto Dive and join us for an unforgettable Side Mount adventure in Playa del Carmen.

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