Planning a dive trip can be a lot of work, so allowing a family travel expert Like Kids Sea Camp to serve you makes the process fun and incredibly rewarding. Here are a few tips to help you plan a successful family dive vacation:
Planning Your Dive Trip: Start Early!
The key to a smooth and stress-free dive trip? Early planning! Here’s why:
- More Research Time: Starting early gives you ample time to explore potential destinations, compare options, and find the perfect spot for your dream dive vacation.
- Better Flight Options: Early birds get the best flight deals! You’ll have more choices and flexibility with dates, airlines, and routes. Use tools like Google Flights to research itineraries and track prices. Be sure to have your airport codes handy!
- Accommodation Choice: Popular dive resorts and hotels book up quickly, especially during peak season. Planning ahead ensures you snag your preferred accommodations.
- Gear Up: Don’t forget your dive gear! Starting early allows plenty of time to check your equipment, make any necessary repairs or replacements, and ensure everyone in your group has what they need.
- Time Zone Awareness: Pay close attention to time zone changes between your departure and arrival cities. This helps avoid missed flights and schedule mishaps.
- Connection & Layover Times: Factor in connection and layover times when booking flights. Ensure you have enough time to comfortably transfer between flights, especially if you’re traveling with dive gear.
Need Help with Flights?
We’ve got you covered! Margo Peyton, with 15 years of experience as an airline reservations agent, is happy to provide expert advice. We also recommend Lennie, our trusted independent air consolidator with over 17 years of experience. Feel free to contact either of them for assistance with your next dive trip!
Choosing the correct destination for your family dive vacation:
Here’s how:
Beyond the Dive:
While diving is the main attraction, consider what other activities your family enjoys. Our destinations offer a wide range of options, from snorkeling and kayaking to land sailing, jungle biking, and even barista or cooking classes and world-class spa experiences! Choose one of our locations that will keep everyone happy with exciting activities both above and below the surface.
Consider Diver Skill Levels:
Do you have a mix of beginners and experienced divers in your family? No problem! Destinations like Bonaire, the Cayman Islands, and Roatan offer easy diving that is suitable for all levels. For more seasoned divers, consider the Galapagos, St. Lucia, Belize, the Philippines, or one of our many live-aboard adventures.
Accessibility and Dietary Needs:
We believe everyone should be able to experience the joy of diving. That’s why we offer more accessible destinations like Roatan, Fiji, Belize, and Little Cayman, catering to those with mobility challenges. We also understand the importance of dietary needs. Many of our locations can accommodate specialized diets, including gluten-free, celiac, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Marine Life Encounters:
Dreaming of swimming with whale sharks, encountering majestic manta rays, or witnessing the magic of coral spawning? Each destination has its own unique marine life and seasonal events. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll guide you to the perfect spot to fulfill your underwater wishes.
With Kids Sea Camp, you can create a family dive vacation that caters to everyone’s interests and needs. Let’s find the perfect destination for your unforgettable underwater adventure!
Protect Your Investment: Why Trip Insurance is a Must
When planning your dream dive vacation, securing comprehensive trip insurance should be at the top of your to-do list. Here’s why:
Peace of Mind in Uncertain Times:
Life is unpredictable. Unexpected events like illness, accidents, family emergencies, or even work and school commitments can derail your travel plans. Trip insurance, especially with a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) option, provides financial protection and peace of mind, allowing you to book with confidence.
Save Thousands with CFAR:
CFAR insurance goes beyond typical travel policies, covering a wide range of unexpected situations, including:
- COVID-related disruptions: Travel restrictions, positive tests, or mandatory quarantines.
- Missed flights: Oversleeping, traffic delays, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Passport issues: Expired or forgotten passports.
- And much more: Hundreds of covered reasons to cancel your trip, giving you ultimate flexibility.
A Small Price for Big Protection:
For a few hundred dollars per person, you can safeguard your investment and avoid potentially losing thousands on non-refundable flights, accommodations, and dive packages. Consider it an essential part of your vacation budget.
Book Early, Insure Early:
The sooner you book your trip, the sooner you should secure your trip insurance. CFAR policies can even cover trips booked up to 3 years in advance, providing long-term protection and flexibility.
Don’t let unforeseen circumstances turn your dream vacation into a financial nightmare. Invest in trip insurance and travel with confidence!
Planning a family dive trip? Here are some tips to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience:
1. Embrace Flexibility:
Travel, especially with family, often comes with unexpected twists and turns. Remember to be kind, patient, and respectful to travel professionals and dive operators. Go with the flow, embrace the unexpected, and remember that flexibility is key to a successful trip.
2. Do Your Homework:
Before you book, research your destination thoroughly. Explore online reviews, connect with other divers, and visit our website for valuable resources, including:
- Dive training and services: Ensure the destination offers appropriate training and services for your family’s skill levels.
- Client comments: Learn from the experiences of other families who have traveled with us.
- Photo Gallery: Get inspired and excited about your upcoming adventure!
3. Protect Yourself with Insurance:
Don’t overlook the importance of travel and dive accident insurance. Dive insurance, such as that offered by DAN (Diver Alert Network), can provide crucial coverage in case of a medical emergency.
4. Pack Smart:
Keep your luggage light and manageable. Consider investing in travel-friendly dive gear, like the SCUBAPRO Lighthawk or Rebel BCDs, designed for compact travel. Kids Sea Camp is a SCUBAPRO dealer and #1 with outfitting families and kids with dive gear, computers, and many other items that make your dive vacation easy and comfortable. We also recommend you go to your local dive shop to try on wetsuits, fins, masks,and snorkels and support your local dive shop and community as your first choice.
5. Be Prepared:
Pack a day’s worth of essentials in your carry-on to handle potential baggage delays. Bring snacks and stay hydrated during your journey. Keep a second copy of important travel documents and valid passports with a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of your departure. Keep travel documents in a separate bag for added security. Make sure to have your certification cards, medications, and a days worth of clothes and a swimsuit.
6. Relax and Enjoy!
Dive trips are a fantastic way to explore the world and connect with other passionate families. Relax, embrace the adventure, and allow us to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
With a little planning and a positive attitude, your family dive vacation will be an unforgettable experience
Additional Tips for a Successful Family Dive Vacation:
When planning a family dive vacation, there are a few additional things to keep in mind:
- Consider the ages and abilities of your family members. Not all dive sites are appropriate for all ages and abilities. Be sure to choose a destination suitable for everyone in your group. Give us a call and talk to any of our dive instructor team. members to answer your questions.
- Make sure everyone has the proper training and certification. Ensure that everyone in your group has the appropriate training and certification for the trip you are considering before you book your destination. Talk to your experienced dive travel professional about your choices. Our team are all PADI Pros! Tom Peyton is a Divemaster; Margo, Olivia, Kiley, and Rob are all PADI instructors and seasoned travelers and are current and up-to-date in their teaching status. Kids aged 5-7 can do our SASY program, and 8 and 9 can participate in Seal Team. Kids as young as ten can become PADI-certified divers.
- Be aware of the risks involved in diving. Diving can be a dangerous activity if mandates and rules are not followed. Be sure to educate yourself about your kid’s depth limits and restrictions. Before scuba diving, talk to your family doctor about any conditions or concerns and medications you are taking. Kids Sea Camp has over 8000 youth certifications and zero dive accidents. We are #1 worldwide for family dive training and travel for a reason.
- Call Kids Sea Camp and Family Dive Adventures today to plan your next great family adventure vacation. We look forward to serving you twenty-three years and over 7600 youth scuba certifications. We are #1 in the dive industry regarding kids, diving, and family dive vacations. 803-419-2556
