June Scuba MAR Maids Training Retreat

For five days, 10 divers came together to train, learn, and encourage one another while exploring the beautiful cenotes surrounding Tulum.

Together, the group completed:

5 Rescue Diver certifications
3 Advanced Open Water certifications
2 Open Water certifications

But like every Scuba MAR Maids retreat, the certifications were only part of the story.

Learning in the Cenotes

Each morning began with training in a different cenote.

The crystal-clear freshwater and calm conditions create one of the best learning environments in the world. Every cenote has its own personality, allowing students to experience different layouts, light conditions, and underwater landscapes while building new skills.

Whether someone was taking their very first scuba breaths or practicing rescue scenarios, everyone was challenged at their own level.

The result was a week full of growth, encouragement, and many proud moments.

More Than Just Dive Training

One thing that makes our retreats different is that learning doesn’t stop when the dives are over.

After lunch each day, the group gathered for workshops designed to help divers become more confident and independent.

This retreat included two sessions:

Basic scuba gear maintenance
Women in Diving: Understanding Your Body Underwater

The second workshop sparked some of the best conversations of the week.

We talked about topics that are rarely discussed during regular courses. How our bodies respond to diving, common questions women have throughout different stages of life, equipment considerations, and practical ways to care for ourselves before, during, and after dive trips.

For many participants, it was refreshing to have an open conversation about subjects that often go unaddressed in the dive industry.

These workshops are useful for our new divers and veterans who never got to have these conversations.

A Community That Lifts Each Other Up

There is something special about learning alongside other women.

Throughout the week, experienced divers encouraged newer students. Rescue students celebrated Open Water milestones. Everyone shared ideas, solved problems together, and cheered each other on.

That supportive atmosphere is exactly why Scuba MAR Maids exists.

We believe women learn best when they feel comfortable asking questions, challenging themselves, and knowing they have a community behind them.

Not only that, its more fun! You can’t beat celebrating together.

Training Hard, Relaxing Well

After each day of diving and workshops, it was time to unwind.

Afternoons were spent by the pool, sharing stories from the day’s dives and, of course, making the daily ice cream run that quickly became tradition.

Evenings gave everyone a chance to explore Tulum together.

One night, the group enjoyed dinner in the Las Palmas neighbourhood, sampling local favourites and lingering over conversation long after the plates were cleared.

Another evening took everyone to a lively local taco spot, where dinner quickly turned into an unexpected watch party as everyone gathered around the television to cheer through a FIFA match alongside the local crowd.