Scuba Diving FAQ's
Do I need to be certified to take a course?
If you are not certified, or have never been scuba diving before, PADI courses are available starting from US 120$, provided you meet the medical requirements.
All certified divers are required to do a scuba orientation on the day of arrival.
I have done all the necessary classes to dive back home except for the open water dive. Can Sandals finalize my certification?
Yes, but it's not part of the all-inclusive package. Just simply have your dive shop send a referral to our dive shop. We offer a number of certification courses and specialties for various levels, including:
How long is the Padi Discover Scuba Diver (resort) course valid for?
The Padi Discover Scuba Diving (resort) course is valid for one year at a Sandals or Beaches Resort. The 120$ fee is waived if you have taken the course less than one year ago at a Sandals or Beaches. Proof of Padi Discover Scuba Diver certification will be required.
How long is the Open Water certification valid for?
The Padi Open Water certification is valid for life. After 6 months of not diving, you will have to do a pool check-out, which includes a review of 4 skills. After 18 months of not diving, you will have to do a refresher for a nominal fee. Levels at Dive Master and above will only need to provide a completed medical evaluation form.
Do you offer the courses online?
Yes! Get more time in the water through PADI eLearning! For an additional fee, you can get the class work portion of the course out of the way prior to your arrival to the resort. Click here to get more information about eLearning.
Can we dive on our own?
No. At Sandals, all dives are guided.
What are the requirements to dive?
All certified divers are required to do a scuba orientation on the day of arrival and provide a medical evaluation form. This will consist of 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 AND SIGN 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.
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 AND SIGN 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 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 courses are offered at Sandals?
PADI courses are offered at Sandals. Divers certified by N.A.U.I. and all other dive agencies recognized by DEMA are accepted to dive with us.
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.
What is you cancellation policy?
We require 72 hours notice prior to your arrival at the resort if you need to cancel your dive course. 100% of the value of the course will be non-refundable if less than 72 hours is given for the cancellation.