DIVE INTO DIFFERENCE: SCUBA AT SANDALS RESORTS AND BEACHES RESORTS
~Experts and Beginners Alike Can Enjoy the Most Comprehensive SCUBA Program in the Caribbean~
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – While there are many ways to explore the warm turquoise waters surrounding each Sandals Resort and Beaches Resort, none are as adventurous or as up-close and exciting as SCUBA diving. At Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, both experts and beginners can enjoy guided dives showcasing spectacular coral reefs, colorful marine life, and exotic underwater treasures.
“There is a difference when guests choose to dive at Sandals and Beaches through our AquaCenter. With the best in equipment and staff, we offer the most comprehensive SCUBA program in the Caribbean,” says Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “Our guests can experience unlimited diving at the most beautiful dive sites, even if they’ve never dived before. We strive to offer our guests the best possible experience in every aspect of a Luxury Included® vacation, and diving is no exception.”
With more than 50,000 certifications, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts is one of the Top 5 Diving Operations in North and South America based on PADI certifications, and one of the Top 10 Diving Operations worldwide. Additionally, all resorts are PADI Five Star Dive Resorts, which are resorts committed to providing quality diver training and continuing education programs that include dive experiences and environmental awareness. All Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have also all received the PADI Green Star Award, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to environmental preservation.
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts’ diving program includes dives with a range of depth between 30 and 130 feet, with top-of-the-line equipment and guided tours provided. Through its comprehensive AquaCenter, diving is included for divers certified by an industry recognized agency; non-certified divers wanting to experience diving for the first time can take the PADI Discover Scuba Diving course for a nominal fee in a special scuba certification pool and dive the same day.
Divers can experience a wide variety of dives, including Coral Reef Dives, Wall Dives, Wreck Dives, Night Dives and Two-Tank Dives, at tons of diving sites throughout the Caribbean ranging from novice to advanced levels. Additional information about Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts’ SCUBA program can be found below:
Requirements
Certified divers must show proof of certification and meet medical requirements. If necessary, a doctor’s clearance may be required if certain medical conditions exist.
PADI Certification
Non-certified divers can obtain certification from the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) at our resort dive facilities. Certification courses are available from Scuba Diver up to Divemaster, and prices range from $200 to $500 per person, depending on the course.
PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)
Non-certified divers can also take a three-hour course for a nominal fee in a dedicated SCUBA certification pool, which entails:
· Medical questionnaire
· Basic SCUBA introduction
· Hands-on instruction, including mask clearing, regulator recovery, fin pivot, buoyancy check, and full gear swim
Once the course has been successfully completed, guests can dive on guided dives at any Sandals Resort or Beaches Resort for one year from the date of the course completion.
Top-of-the-Line Equipment
Sandals Resorts provide guests with top of the line scuba equipment, including:
· State-of-the-art Newton® Dive Boats, which include onboard freshwater shower, tank holders and a 16' diving platform-all specifically geared towards creating the ideal dive experience
· Luxfer® and Catalina® scuba tanks
· Top-of-the-line Scuba Pro® regulator
· Buoyancy Control Device (Scuba Pro®)
· Silicone masks and snorkels
· Deep Blue Fins®
· Weight belt system
· Cylinder (both compressed and enriched air are available)
· Wet suit (optional) can be rented for a nominal fee
Professional Staff
Every AquaCenter staff member is a certified lifeguard and is trained in CPR and first aid. A nurse is available at every property, and a doctor is always on call, in case of emergency. Additionally, all instructors are HAS (Handicap Scuba Association) certified instructors allowing them to facilitate dives for certified divers with disabilities. Beaches Resorts also has highly trained instructors who specialize in diving programs and training for children.
Kids Programs
Beaches Resorts offers its guests one-of-a-kind PADI scuba programs for junior dive enthusiasts – the PADI Bubblemaker and PADI Seal Team. The PADIBubblemaker program allows children (ages 8 years and up) the opportunity to experience what scuba diving is like, but at a maximum depth of 6 feet. Taught in a pool, the PADI Bubblemaker program is designed for the most entry-level enthusiast, beginning with an introduction to breathing under water with dive equipment. Participants play games such as follow the leader, throw the torpedo underwater and catch throughout the one hour program and receive a completion certificate upon graduation. The program will teach children to be able to breathe underwater, swim with fins and perform underwater skills.
For adventurous kids who are ready to emerge into the world of diving, the PADI Seal Team program is a perfect fit. It consists of five AquaMissions that can be accomplished in two days. The first AquaMission focuses on tasks such as shallow water entry, putting on and adjusting gear, and air supply signals. By completion of the fifth AquaMission, students are able to swim under water with scuba equipment and are awarded with a PADI Seal Team certificate. Parents who have their own fears of breathing underwater can participate with their children
Divers Alert Network (DANâ)
DAN, a non-profit medical and research organization dedicated to the safety and health of recreational scuba divers, works closely with all Sandals dive instructors for training in emergency procedures and oxygen use. They also hold periodical medical seminars throughout the year for all dive staff. DAN is the largest and most recognized dive safety organization in the world.
Dive Sites
Every Sandals Resort and Beaches Resort offers access to a wide selection of spectacular dive sites within close proximity to the resort, including some of the most renowned sites in the world such as Bianca C, reefs by the pitons in Saint Lucia, and Northwest Point and West Caicos in Turks & Caicos. There are nearby sites for everyone from beginners to experts.
Hyperbaric Chambers
In case of emergency, hyperbaric chambers are located nearby every Sandals Resort.
For more information about Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts’ dive program, visit www.sandals.com/scuba and www.beaches.com/scuba.
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Sandals Resorts:
Sandals Resorts offers two people in love with the most romantic, Luxury-Included® vacation experience in the Caribbean. With 15 stunning beachfront settings in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados and Grenada, Sandals Resorts offers more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet. Signature Love Nest suites for the ultimate in privacy and service; butlers trained by the English Guild of Professional Butlers; Red Lane Spa®; Discovery Dining, ensuring top-shelf liquor, premium wines and gourmet specialty restaurants; Aqua Centers with expert PADI® certification and training; fast Wi-Fi from beach to bedroom and WeddingMoons®, for dream destination weddings are all Sandals Resorts exclusives. Sandals Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI), which includes Beaches Resorts and is the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company. For more information about the Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® difference, visit www.sandals.com.
Beaches Resorts:
With three spectacular locations in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica and soon a fourth in Barbados and a fifth in Antigua, Beaches Resorts is the ultimate getaway for every member of the family. With outrageous waterparks, XBOX® Play Lounge, the Scratch DJ Academy, exclusive Kids Camps, teen nightclubs, Certified Nannies, Butler service, Red Lane® Spas, Aqua Centers with expert PADI® certification and training; and free Wi-Fi, Beaches Resorts provides more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet. As a proud sponsor of Sesame Street, Beaches Resorts also offers the Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street®, where kids can spend their vacation with their favorite friends from the Sesame Street gang with daily activities and weekly stage shows. Beaches Resorts are also the perfect place for family gatherings from reunions and special birthdays to FamilyMoons®, Beaches’ signature destination wedding and vow renewal program. Beaches Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI), which includes Luxury-Included® Sandals Resorts and is the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company. For more information about the Beaches Resorts difference, visit www.beaches.com.
Contacts:
The Decker Royal Agency
Stacy Royal Devyn Barker Ana Zawacki
646-650-2185 646- 650- 2186 646-650-2187