Tips for Planning a Successful Family Dive Vacation:

Planning Your Dive Trip: Start Early!

Here are a few tips to help you plan a successful family dive vacation. The key to a smooth and stress-free dive trip? Early planning! 

• 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:  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.

Need Help with Flights?

We’ve got you covered! Margo Peyton has over 15 years of experience as an airline reservations agent. We also recommend Lennie, our trusted independent air consolidator with over 25years of experience.

Choosing the correct destination for your family dive vacation:

Beyond the Dive: 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 to keep everyone happy with exciting activities 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. 

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.

Protect Your Investment: Why Trip Insurance is a Must

Peace of Mind in Uncertain Times: Life is unpredictable. Unexpected events, such as 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. 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.

Planning a family dive trip?

Here are some tips to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience:

• Embrace Flexibility: 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.
• Do Your Homework: Research your destination thoroughly. 

Other Important Tips

• 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!
• Protect Yourself with Insurance: Don’t overlook the importance of travel and DAN (Diver Alert Network). Dive accident insurance.
• 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. 

Be Prepared

• Be Prepared: Pack a day’s worth of essentials in your carry-on to handle potential baggage delays. Keep travel documents in a separate bag for added security. Make sure to have your certification cards, medications, a day’s worth of clothes, and a swimsuit
• Consider your family members’ ages and abilities. 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. 
• Make sure everyone has the proper training and certification. Talk to your experienced dive travel professional about your choices. Our team is all PADI Pros! Tom Peyton is a Divemaster; Margo, 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- 9 can participate in Seal Team. Kids as young as ten can become PADI-certified divers. 
• Be aware of the risks involved in diving. Be sure to educate yourself about your kid’s depth limits and restrictions. Talk to your family doctor about any conditions or concerns, as well as any medications you are taking. 
• Call Kids Sea Camp and Family Dive Adventures today to plan your next great family adventure vacation. We are #1 in the dive industry regarding kids, diving, and family dive vacations. 803-419-2556