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 from 20 to 90 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.

How long is the resort course valid for?

The resort course is valid for one year. The $70 fee is waived if you have taken the couse less than one year ago.

What are the requirements for a resort course?

A swim evaluation and a medical questionnaire (PDF) which must show no contra-indications to 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.

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.

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

Instructor Certification

Medic First Aid Certification

Varied Specialties Certification

Divermaster Certification

Assistant Instructor Certification

Instructor Certification

Do I need to wear a suit?

The Caribbean waters are pretty warm throughout the year, but if you have one and it's made from thin fabric, bring it along. During the winter months it is a good idea to wear your suit.

Can we dive on our own?

No. At Sandals, all our dives are guided.

Are hyperbaric chambers available nearby?

Yes, hyperbaric chambers are within reach from our properties in:

Montego Area - 1 hour (by car)

Ocho Rios Area - 30 Minutes (by car)

Negril Area - 2 hours (by car)

Bahamas - 25 minutes (by car)

Antigua - 30 minutes (by air)

St. Lucia - 30 minutes (by air)
Helicopters are available for emergencies

Can I get Certified at Sandals?

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

What diving organizations are represented at Sandals?

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

I have done all the necessary classes to dive except for the open water dive. Can Sandals 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

Instructor Certification

Medic First Aid Certification

Varied Specialties Certification

Divermaster Certification

Assistant Instructor Certification

Instructor Certification

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

You are not allowed to dive on the same day you fly.

Can my non-diving partner come on the boat?

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