Locate a dive shop. In Cabo San Lucas there are 7 PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) dive centers and dive boats. All of these centers hold at least a PADI Resort rating meaning that they have been certified by PADI as having the ability and instructors to safely conduct scuba diving. All of the dive shops are located between 1 and 5 kilometers from the center of Cabo San Lucas. Examine the quality of the rental equipment and boat facilities, as well as inquire about the dive trip itinerary.
Request the type of diving you'd like to do. If you are already a certified diver, the diving around Cabo San Lucas is a common destination for scuba diving day trips. These can be local dives in San Lucas bay or a number of the shops run dive charters to Cabo Pulmo, Gordo Banks, Chileno Bay and Santa Maria. These dive sites offer a massive amount of marine life, including species indigenous to both the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific.
Sign up for a dive course. For those certified divers who would like to continue their education, the dive centers here can offer training up to the level of PADI Divemaster. Open Water courses and Discover Scuba Diving programs are available for beginners and dive centers teach courses in English or Spanish.
Check to see if the dive center offers any extras as part of your dive package. This can include nitrox gas tanks to enable you to plan longer dives, underwater camera rental, or the option to purchase underwater photos or video. Please note that the dive centers will only allow nitrox to be issued to those who can submit proof of training. However due to the quality of the local diving it is well worth getting hold of a camera. PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Diver courses and Digital Underwater Photography courses are offered by a number of the dive shops on the island.
