Do I need to be certified?

No. Certified divers are allowed one two-tank dive or two single dives a day. There's no diving on day of departure. All our dives range up to 85 feet.

If you are not certifed, or never dived before, a resort course is available for US$70, provided you meet the medical requirements.

If you are a certified diver and the instructor feels you need to take a refresher course, there will be an additional $70.00 per person for the 1.5 hour course. As per PADI standards this will allow you to dive as a certified diver.

All certified divers are required to do a scuba orientation on the day of arrival.

Do I need to wear a suit?

The Caribbean waters are approx. 75°F-85°F throughout the year, but if you don't have one, we have Scuba Pro wetsuits available for rent at an additional cost. During the winter months it is a good idea to wear your suit.

How long is the Discover Scuba Divng (resort) course valid for?

The Discover Scuba Divng (resort) course is valid for one year at a Sandals or Beaches Resort. The $70 fee is waived if you have taken the course less than one year ago. Proof of Discover Scuba Diver certification will be required.

Can we dive on our own?

No. At Beaches, all our dives are guided.

What are the requirements to dive?

A swim evaluation and medical questionnaire which must show no contra-indications to diving. Whether you are a certified diver or not you must meet medical requirements before diving. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONTRA-INDICATIONS TO DIVING YOU MUST HAVE A DOCTOR COMPLETE, SIGN AND AFFIX STAMP/SEAL THE PHYSICIAN SECTION ON THE FORM BEFORE YOU WILL BE ALLOWED TO DIVE AT ANY OF OUR RESORTS. However, the dive instructors at our resorts have the final approval on whether or not a guest is considered fit to dive.

Are hyperbaric chambers available nearby?

Yes, a hyperbaric chamber is within easy reach from our resort:
   - Turks & Caicos - 15 minutes (by car)
   - Ocho Rios - 1/2 hour (by car)
   - Negril - 1 hour 45 minutes (by car)

Helicopters are available for emergencies.

What is the minimum age requirement?

All divers must be 10 years or older. We do however have scuba programs for kids as young as 8 years.

Can I get Certified at Beaches?

Yes, several different, fully accredited, scuba certification programs are available at Beaches for an additional cost.

I do have a contra-indication to diving but my doctor has approved my wish to continue diving. Will the resort allow me to dive?

A medical questionnaire is available on this website or will be provided at the resort prior to your first dive. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONTRA-INDICATIONS TO DIVING YOU MUST HAVE A DOCTOR COMPLETE, SIGN AND AFFIX STAMP/SEAL THE PHYSICIAN SECTION ON THE FORM BEFORE YOU WILL BE ALLOWED TO DIVE AT ANY OF OUR RESORTS. However, the dive instructors at our resorts have the final approval on whether or not a guest is considered fit to dive. Sandals and Beaches Resorts will not be responsible for any incident hat may occur to a guest as a result of incorrect information provided by the guest on a scuba diving questionnaire.

What diving organizations are represented at Beaches?

Mainly P.A.D.I., N.A.U.I. and all other dive cards from agencies recognized by DEMA are accepted.

Up to what time before departure are we allowed to dive?

You are not allowed to dive on the same day of departure.

Can my non-diving partner come on the boat?

Sorry, non-divers are not allowed on the dive boat

I have done all the necessary classes to dive except for the open water dive. Can Beaches finalize my certification?

Yes, but it's not part of the all-inclusive package. Speak to the dive instructor upon arrival. We offer the following certification courses:

   - Open Water Certification
   - Advanced Certification
   - Adventure Diver
   - Rescue Diver
   - First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries
   - First Aid for Aquatic Emergencies
   - National Geographic Diver