Instructor
Ready to stop dreaming about being a leader and start actively shaping the future of diving?
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The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the crucial step in transforming your passion into a respected, global teaching career. At Aldora Divers in Cozumel—a destination celebrated worldwide for its stunning reefs and drift diving—you will do more than just complete a course; you will immerse yourself in a working dive operation known for its excellence and experienced crew.
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Instructor Training - The Aldora Difference
Working closely with our seasoned PADI Course Director and staff instructor, you will undergo an intensive and practical program. We don't just teach the curriculum; we instill the confidence, authority, and professionalism required to be a world-class educator.
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Mastery of Instruction: You will perfect your teaching presentations, learn to manage classrooms effectively, and refine your demonstration skills until instructing becomes second nature.
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Real-World Experience: Gain invaluable confidence practicing teaching skills in the dynamic environments of Cozumel's premier dive sites and classroom settings.
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Professional Toolkit: Solidify your foundation in the essential academic pillars: Dive Theory, PADI Standards & Procedures, Risk Management, and the Business of Teaching.
Your New Role
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As a PADI Instructor, you are the educator who introduces others to the wonders of the ocean and guides their entire journey from beginner to Divemaster. Upon successful completion of the IDC with Aldora Divers, you will be prepared for the Instructor Examination (IE) and authorized to teach a wide array of PADI courses globally.
Whether your dream job takes you to a far-flung tropical resort or right back here to the famous walls of Cozumel, your PADI Instructor certification, backed by the largest and most respected dive organization in the world, is your professional passport to adventure.
Take the next step toward a lifetime of adventure.
Train where the professionals teach—with Aldora Divers.
Instructor Development Course (IDC) Prerequisites
To enroll in any of our PADI IDC programs and attend the subsequent Instructor Examination (IE), you must meet the following mandatory requirements:
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Certification: Be certified as a PADI Divemaster or hold an equivalent leadership certification from another training organization.
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Age: Be at least 18 years old.
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Experience: Have been a certified diver for a minimum of six months.
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Dive Logs: Have logged a minimum of 60 dives to start the IDC, demonstrating experience in night, deep, and navigation diving.
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EFR Training: Have completed Emergency First Responder (EFR) Primary and Secondary Care training (or equivalent first aid/CPR training) within the last 24 months.
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Medical Clearance: Be fit for diving and submit a Medical Statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months.
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Dive Count for IE: Note that you must have logged a minimum of 100 dives to enroll in the PADI Instructor Examination (IE) after completing the IDC.
Optional Accommodations
For candidates requiring accommodation, Aldora Divers offers exclusive access to shared apartment living downtown.
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Shared Apartment: Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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2-Week Stay (For Option 1): $280 USD
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3-Week Stay (For Option 2): Get the 3-week stay bundled for the price of the 2-week stay: $280 USD!
Please note: Accommodation is not included in the course price and is subject to availability.
INSTRUCTOR PROGRAMS AVAILABLE AT ALDORA DIVERS
10 Days - PADI IDC Fast Track
The Intensive Path to Instructor Certification
This core, intensive 10-day program is designed for the highly motivated PADI Divemaster ready to focus entirely on mastering the PADI System of Instruction and achieving success at the Instructor Examination (IE). This option minimizes your time investment while providing maximum training efficiency.
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Pricing Breakdown (Paid to Aldora Divers)
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The total fee paid directly to Aldora Divers is $2,115 USD. This fee includes:
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IDC/EFRI Tuition (10-Day Course): $1,350 USD
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PADI IDC Materials: $1,265 USD (Includes EFR Instructor, IDC, and Dive Theory Decoded)
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Bundle Discount: A reduction of -$500 USD is applied for the course bundle.
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Initial Deposit: $850 USD is required to reserve your spot (Non-Refundable Materials Fee).
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Program Details & Inclusions
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Full PADI IDC: Complete theoretical, confined, and open water training for the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program.
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EFR or Equivalent Instructor Certification: Includes the training required to teach the Emergency First Responder (EFR) or Equivalent course, a mandatory element for PADI Instructors.
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IE Preparation: Focused practice sessions on teaching presentations, standards exams, and scenario management.
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Unlimited Practice: All necessary Shore Dives are included for practice and skill refinement.
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Optional Accommodation: Shared apartment downtown available for your 2-week stay: $280 USD (First come, first served basis).
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Fees Paid Directly to PADI $ 1,206 USD (2025 Rate)
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The following fees are mandatory and paid directly to PADI, subject to their current rates (Total Estimated $1,206 USD):
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PADI IE (Instructor Examination) & OWSI Membership Fees: $1,060 USD
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PADI EFR Instructor Application Fee: $146 USD
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Fees Paid to PADI will increase in 2026
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Ideal for:
Experienced Divemaster's who meet all prerequisites and need a concise, high-intensity program focused strictly on IE preparation and obtaining immediate teaching status
3 Weeks- IDC & Master Scuba Diver Trainer
The Added Value: Experience & Specialty Expertise
Expand your marketability and accelerate your professional status with this intensive 3-week program. This option combines the core IDC with one full week dedicated to gaining hands-on teaching experience and preparing you to become a Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT). You will diversify your portfolio and become highly sought-after in the global job market.
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Pricing Breakdown (Paid to Aldora Divers)
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The total fee paid directly to Aldora Divers is $2,515 USD
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IDC/EFRI Tuition (10-Day Course): $1,750 USD
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PADI IDC Materials: $1,265 USD (Includes EFR Instructor, IDC, and Dive Theory Decoded)
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Bundle Discount: A reduction of -$500 USD is applied for the course bundle.
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PADI MSDT Training Bundle: Includes training for the following Five Instructor Specialties:
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Enriched Air Diver (most popular continuing education)
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Deep Diver
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Drift Diver
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Optional Choice
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Optional Choice
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Initial Deposit: $850 USD is required to reserve your spot (Non-Refundable Materials Fee).
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Program Details & Inclusions
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Full PADI IDC & EFRI: Complete PADI Instructor training and EFR or Equivalent Instructor certification (as per Option 1).
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MSDT Preparation: Training in Five crucial PADI Instructor Specialty courses, allowing you to quickly apply for the MSDT rating after certifying 25 students.
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Diving Experience:
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Boat Dives: Maximum 10 dives on a space-available basis.
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Unlimited Shore Dives for practice and skill refinement.
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Optional Accommodation: Shared apartment downtown available for your 3-week stay at the price of the 2-week bundle: $280 USD (First come, first served basis).
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Fees Paid Directly to PADI
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The following fees are mandatory and paid directly to PADI, subject to their current rates (Total Estimated $1,665 USD):
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PADI IE (Instructor Examination) & OWSI Membership Fees: $1,060 USD
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PADI EFR Instructor Application Fee: $146 USD
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Specialty Member Application Fees: $92 USD each (5 specialties = $460 USD)
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Fees Paid to PADI will increase in 2026
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Ideal for:
Candidates seeking immediate teaching authority plus the ability to train specialty divers, diversifying their portfolio and making them highly sought-after in the global job market.
10 Week- IDC Full Career Package
The Full Professional Immersion & Mastery
This ultimate 10-week IDC Career Package is designed for candidates committed to becoming highly experienced, sought-after professionals. This option goes far beyond certification, focusing on fully integrating you into the lifestyle, responsibilities, and operational mastery of a true marine professional. Best of all, housing is included with this package!
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Pricing Breakdown (Paid to Aldora Divers)
The total fee paid directly to Aldora Divers is $4,439 USD (Tuition + Materials). This package includes:
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IDC/EFRI Tuition (10-Day Course): $1,350 USD
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PADI IDC Materials: $1,265 USD (Includes EFR Instructor, IDC, and Dive Theory Decoded)
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Bundle Discount: A reduction of -$500 USD is applied for the course bundle.
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Full 6-Week Internship & MSDT Training: The remaining portion of the fee covers the extended 6 weeks of experience, training, and the MSDT bundle.
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Initial Deposit: $850 USD is required to reserve your spot (Non-Refundable Materials Fee).
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Program Details & Inclusions
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Full PADI IDC & EFRI: Complete PADI Instructor training and EFR or Equivalent Instructor certification (as per Option 1).
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Extended 6-Week Internship: Six additional weeks of experience designed for mastery and real-world application.
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Included Housing: Accommodation is included for the duration of this 10-week package.
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MSDT Training Bundle: Includes training in Five key Instructor Specialty courses (as detailed in Option 2).
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Teaching Mastery & Collaboration: Gain practical mastery through assisting in real courses, focused on team collaboration and problem-solving. Nothing beats this experience for building your professional reputation.
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Extensive Dive Time: 8 weeks of all-you-can-dive access and assistance in courses.
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Fees Paid Directly to PADI
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The following fees are mandatory and paid directly to PADI, subject to their current rates (Total Estimated $1,665 USD):
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PADI IE (Instructor Examination) & OWSI Membership Fees: $1,060 USD
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PADI EFR Instructor Application Fee: $146 USD
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Specialty Member Application Fees: $92 USD each (5 specialties = $460 USD)
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Fees Paid to PADI will increase in 2026
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Ideal for:
Dedicated individuals who want to exit their training with maximum confidence, extensive professional experience, a complete specialty portfolio, and the ability to seamlessly step into a leadership role globally.
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We provide all the training, coaching, and time you need to qualify. Your success requires your work ethic, dedication, and completion of all required assignments. Be prepared to study, practice, and push yourself.
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Lifetime Training Guarantee: If for any reason you are not ready for certification at the end of your program, we will ensure you receive the necessary extra time and training. You may attend any future IDC (Instructor Development Course) preparation training at Aldora at no extra training cost to you.
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Non-Refundable Deposit: A $850 USD fee for PADI study materials (e-learning access is granted immediately) is non-refundable.
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Performance-Based Training: As with any higher education or professional training, certification is performance-based. You are paying for the training; therefore, no refunds will be issued once the course has officially begun.
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Taxes and Fees are NOT Included: All listed prices are subject to a 16% Federal and State sales tax.
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Additionally, a $12 USD Marine Park Fee per diving day is applicable.
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Balance Due: The full program balance must be paid before the start of any training.
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Nitrox/EANx: Enriched Air is not included in the package price unless specifically noted in the program description.
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Boat Diving: All boat diving is provided on a space-available basis.
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Exclusions: Accommodation are not included in the course price.