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SDI INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT

Turn Your Passion Into Purpose
Become a Scuba Instructor
Become an SDI Instructor

Teaching others to dive is one of the most impactful ways to give back to the sport. The SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and Instructor Evaluation (IE) are the pathways to becoming a certified SDI Open Water Scuba Diving Instructor — preparing you to train divers from beginner to advanced levels.
 

At CDT Mexico, instructor training is individualized: we plan a pathway based on your experience, certifications, and goals to make sure you get the most out of your development.

Who this program is for

This pathway is for divers who are already:

  • Certified as a Divemaster or Assistant Instructor, or equivalent

  • At least 18 years old

  • Comfortable in the water with strong rescue and problem-solving skills

  • Motivated to teach and mentor new divers and continuing education students

  • And have logged a a minimum of 100 dives

What’s included

  • Full IDC + IE

  • First Response Instructor training

  • Coaching by tech & cave diving specialists (including Instructor Trainer and Cave Evaluator)

  • Accommodation during the course

  • Three additional nights are included for rest and travel flexibility

  • A professional environment focused on long-term instructor development

Special Instructor & Tech Packages

For candidates looking to go further, we offer custom education packages combining the SDI IDC/IE with advanced and professional-level training, such as:
 

  • Intro to Tech

  • Sidemount

  • Cave Diving

  • TDI Instructor Levels

  • Other SDI / TDI professional pathways


These combinations allow you to optimize time and cost, while maintaining coherent skill development and high standards.

Special combo packages are available on request.

A quiet jungle base designed for divers.

HOUSING INCLUDED
Premium accommodation
Fully included

AIRPORT PICK-UP
Arrival and departure
Transfers included

14 NIGHTS INCLUDED
10 days program
Plus rest / transfer days

SMALL GROUPS

Maximum 3 candidates
Focused, personal training

SDI IDC & IE with CDT Mexico — In a Nutshell

The SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and Instructor Evaluation (IE) are your gateway to becoming a certified SDI Open Water ScubaDiving Instructor — but here, it’s more than just passing an exam.
You train in a professional, real-world environment, coached by technical and cave diving specialists (including Cave Instructor Trainers), gaining solid teaching skills, confidence, and credibility from day one.
 

Our program is designed as a complete, stress-free package, including accommodation throughout the course plus two additional nights for rest and recovery before or after the evaluation.
In addition to your SDI Instructor rating, you are also trained as a First Response Instructor, allowing you to teach first aid and CPR courses independently.
 

Typical duration is 10 days, depending on preparation level and pace — focused, efficient, and uncompromising on standards.
 

SDI IDC & IE — What It Is and How It Works

The SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is a professional-level training program for certified Divemasters or Assistant Instructors who want to step into the role of SDI Instructor with confidence and real teaching competence — not just a certification.
 

During the IDC, you refine:
 

  • Teaching methodology and student psychology

  • Academic presentations and knowledge development

  • Confined-water and open-water instruction

  • Demonstration-quality skills and dive control

  • Risk management, standards, and decision-making
     

Training is delivered by active technical and cave diving professionals, bringing a higher level of precision, discipline, and awareness into recreational instruction. This approach not only prepares you for the SDI IE, but also opens the door to technical and overhead environments for those who wish to continue their education.
 

As part of the program, candidates are also trained and qualified as First Response Instructors, expanding their professional scope beyond scuba instruction.
 

After completing the IDC, you enter the Instructor Evaluation (IE) — the formal assessment where you demonstrate your ability to teach safely, clearly, and professionally in classroom, confined water, and open water scenarios. Successful completion certifies you as an SDI Open Water Scuba Instructor, eligible to teach worldwide through SDI

Ready to discuss your instructor pathway?

Instructor training is not off-the-shelf.
It starts with a conversation.

→  Meet your instructors

→  Stay & Dive Packages

→  Contact us

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