TecDiveTools lists 45 dive centres teaching Cave Diver worldwide. 28 of them publish course prices, in the currency the shop advertises and with the date each was checked — not converted, and not estimated.

Listings are ordered by how much evidence exists about their technical diving, not by a star rating, with any paid Featured listing shown first and marked as such (how rankings work). 30 of these 45 carry reviews we have read and classified as being about technical or overhead training. The count excludes recreational certifications by name, so a busy resort does not outrank a one-instructor cave operation on the volume of its reef trips. Separately, 25 have at least one instructor whose reviews we have read and summarised — a dive centre carries no synthesis of its own. How we read and count reviews.

Looking for individual instructors instead? Instructors.

Listings: 45 dive centres
Where they are: Playa del Carmen (15), Tulum (6), North Florida Cave Country (5), Phuket (3), Puerto Aventuras (3)
Agencies taught: IANTD (45), TDI (14), SSI XR (3), RAID (3), GUE (2)
Most taught: Cave Diver (45), Cavern Diver (45), Introductory Cave Diver (45), Technical Cave Diver (45), Technical Diver (45), Tek Lite Cave Diver (45)
Published prices: 28 of 45 centres publish course prices
Rebreather support: 1 list rebreather units

By country

What is IANTD Cave Diver?

This foundational full-cave certification qualifies divers with either Introductory Cave Diver certification (via modular route with 50+ dives) or those with Open Water Diver only (via direct route with 100+ dives) to conduct independent cave dives in unrestricted passages, teaching comprehensive cave navigation, team procedures, and emergency protocols in overhead environments with no direct access to the surface. You'll master guideline protocols, silt management, stage deployment, and self-rescue techniques specific to full-cave penetrations. Cave Diver certification opens access to world-class cave systems globally and is the foundation for all advanced cave specializations.

Certifying agency

IANTD

Tier

Full Cave

Before you can enrol

Either: (Route 1) IANTD Introductory Cave Diver + minimum 50 logged dives, OR (Route 2) IANTD Open Water Diver + minimum 100 logged dives. Minimum 18 years old. Maximum training depth 150 fsw (45 msw).

Common questions about IANTD Cave Diver worldwide

Where can I take IANTD Cave Diver worldwide?

45 dive centres on TecDiveTools teach IANTD Cave Diver worldwide: Mexico (28), Thailand (9), United States (6) and Indonesia (2). Each is listed above.

How much does IANTD Cave Diver cost worldwide?

Published prices for IANTD Cave Diver worldwide range across 7 centres in the TecDiveTools directory — roughly US$1,000 to US$1,650 at current exchange rates. In each centre's own currency: THB 49,000–55,000 (4 centres), $1,000–$1,200 (2 centres) and €1,250 (1 centre). 4 centres charge by the day instead, which is not comparable with a course total. Prices differ mainly in what they include, so compare the inclusions before comparing the numbers. Prices were last checked in September 2026.

All prices for IANTD Cave Diver

How long does IANTD Cave Diver take worldwide?

Between 4 and 8 days, based on the durations 8 centres publish for it worldwide. The time depends on the centre's schedule, weather, and how quickly the required skills are demonstrated — agencies set a minimum number of dives, not a fixed number of days.

Is there an equivalent of IANTD Cave Diver from another agency worldwide?

At the same tier in TecDiveTools' cross-agency comparison, dive centres worldwide also teach TDI Full Cave (112), RAID Cave 2 (4), NSS-CDS Cave Diver (2), ANDI Full Cave (1) and PSAI Full Cave Diver (1). They are comparable rather than interchangeable — each agency sets its own standards and card, so check which one your next course accepts.