Frequently Asked Questions

Scuba Diving
Sailing Fun Experience

Scuba Diving

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$100, 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?

If you complete a PADI Discover Scuba Diving (resort) course and did not get certified to scuba diver level and beyond and want to dive again after a break of two weeks, you will have to re-take the class again.

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 Beaches, 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 Beaches?

PADI courses are offered at Beaches. Divers certified by N.A.U.I. and all other dive agencies recognised 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.

“Sailing Fun” Experience

What is the Beaches Resorts "Sailing Fun" Experience?

This is a sailing experience that is affiliated with the American Sailing Association (ASA) designed to introduce kids and adults to the sport of sailing. To complete the experience, students must successfully complete all four modules that make up the experience.

What is the American Sailing Association (ASA)?

ASA is an organisation which provides standards and curriculum for sailing instruction. It is an association of over 300 sailing schools that promotes recreational sailing in the United States and internationally by administering a system of sailing qualifications. The ASA network includes sailors, professional sailing instructors, sailing schools and charter companies.

How long has ASA been certifying sailors?

The American Sailing Association was established in 1983 and was the first keelboat certifying organisation in the United States. ASA represents about 85% of the commercial sailing schools in the U.S. They have certified over 7,500 instructors and 446,000 students in the last 30 years.

What is the age group for this "Sailing Fun" Experience?

This "Sailing Fun" Experience is designed for everyone, ages 8 and over.

What is the cost of the "Sailing Fun" Experience?

The introductory cost of the programme is $150 per person or $500 for a group of four, which includes all four modules. If a parent and a child would like to take this course together as a private course, the cost will be $500.

What is the duration of this "Sailing Fun" Experience?

The total experience spans eight (8) hours. There are four (4) modules with each module lasting two (2) hours each.

Will participants become certified sailors after completing this "Sailing Fun" Experience?

No, participants will not be certified by the ASA after completing their 8-hour experience. However, participants will receive a "Sailing Fun" Experience Card from Beaches Resorts and from the ASA. They will also be registered on the ASA website and their participation at Beaches Resorts will count towards an ASA Sailing Certification.

What are the referral procedures for participants that are unable to complete the "Sailing Fun" Experience during their stay?

If a participant is unable to complete all four (4) "Sailing Fun" modules during their stay, they will be able complete their experience at Beaches Turks & Caicos within 18 months. If their experience is not completed within those first 18 months, then the individual would have to re-start the entire experience from the beginning.

Where can a participant go to find other sailing courses to complete their certification?

To find other great sailing courses and the locations of independently owned ASA schools around the world, visit www.ASA.com.

Can this "Sailing Fun" Experience be completed in a shorter time span?

Yes, this "Sailing Fun" Experience can be completed in a shorter time span than eight (8) hours but all requirements must still be met and verified.

Unlimited Ways
To HAve
MORE FUN!
As Little as $98PP Reserves your room

Qualifying bookings will have the option to "hold the room" for only $98pp. If you select the "hold" option, the credit card used for the deposit will automatically be charged an additional $302 in 21 days. The total remaining balance of your holiday will automatically be charged 45 days prior to check-in date.