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| Scuba Diving |
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| For those who relish being completely submerged in the water, scuba diving in Caribbean waters is like heaven. Being able to stay underwater makes all the difference. On most ships, you will have the option of a one-tank or two-tank dive. The difference between the two is that the one-tank dive is usually a shallow water dive (up to about 35 feet in depth, lasting about 45 minutes), while the two-tank dive includes both a shallow dive and a deeper dive (90 – 110 feet, also about 45 minutes long) with a 45 minute surface interval. The deeper dives can be quite spectacular, allowing you to explore deep walls, ship wrecks, blue holes and unbelievable reefs that grow 20 -30 feet high and are home to some amazing underwater life. |
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| You may be able to participate in a “resort” training course which will provide you with sufficient training to safely do a shallow dive under supervision. If such a program is available as a shore excursion, it’s probably a good option because the ship is most likely using the only vendor in port that provides (and insures) that kind of excursion. Many (if not most) dive shops don’t provide that type of program. If this program is not offered as part of the ship’s excursions, your best bet is to go online and search the dive shops in the port you are visiting, then contact them directly. |
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| You can also get some very good direction and advice from a dive shop in your local area, because those guys are likely very familiar with diving in the Caribbean. Actually, we’ve never personally met a professional diver who hasn’t explored Caribbean dive sites. You local dive shop may even know precisely who you need to contact to participate in a resort program once you get to port, and they can certainly advise you as to what gear you will need and whether or not you should take it with you or get it there. |
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| For those who are already trained, to do a scuba dive you must show proof of certification and you must have dived in the last two years. |
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| If you are presearching your dive options, don’t expect much information from the phone operators at your cruise line. For the most part, they really don’t have a clue about anything related to scuba diving. And usually, they won’t tell you who the vendor is that they use. When we need info about scuba diving, we call the various dive shops we can find in a port and ask them if they are the excursion provider for our cruise ship. They have no problem telling you if they are, in fact, it’s a feather n their cap and they sometimes promote that alliance on their website. |
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| And , we can’t say enough about how helpful the online message boards are when it comes to gathering up diving info. Divers are a friendly lot, and they love to share their information and suggestions. You may not be able to find anyone on the message boards who has done the Parrot Boat Party Beach Trip but you will definitely find people who have scuba dived in the water you will be visiting. |
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| Whatever diving you do (snorkel or scuba), remember to take your beach towel and sun screen. (Especially remember the sunscreen if you are snorkeling.) The excursions will provide some type of beverages, and maybe even snacks (check before you go), but that’s about it. Also be sure to stop by the restaurant in the morning and get yourself about half a dozen bread rolls. Once you’re under water, the fish will come right up and eat from your hands. Very cool! |
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Other Underwater Adventures |
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Many people lust for the serenity and beauty of the undersea world, but just don’t like, or are unable to participate in, the experience of launching oneself into underwater space. If you can’t swim, or prefer not to, there are several innovative ways to get under the waves. You trade off some freedom of movement, but you still get the experience. |
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These particular offerings may not be available in the port you visit, but they have become so popular (and cruise ships are all about giving their passengers what they want) that there is a good chance you’ll find some version of them. If you can get your hands on an underwater camera, you’ll get some great shots. |
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SUB (underwater) Scooter |
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For those who want to visit the undersea world in a different way, here’s a nifty option. These little subs are basically battery-powered underwater scooters that utilize a bubble-shaped helmet that allows you a full 360 degree viewing field. Your air supply comes from a scuba tank that is mounted on the scooter. The “handle-bar” allows you to change direction, but not depth. You are taken down to the proper depth (about 15 feet) by safety divers that accompany you the whole time. Safety features and the design of the scooter make sure that you can’t sink and you can’t flip over. The speed is pretty slow (about 2 knots). If you want a leisurely stroll through the octopus’s garden, this is it. |
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Submarine Tour |
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This 90-minute submarine tour travels about five feet below the water surface and allows you to observe the surrounding sea life through large glass windows in air-conditioning and comfortable individual seats. You don’t have the experience of being in the water (which is one of the reason people like this excursion), but you do get to see some wonderful sights. In fact, you will likely see some things, like sharks, that you would miss if you were diving. |
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SNUBA |
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An interesting version of underwater exploration is a hybrid activity that couples safety and relative familiarity of breathing surface air with the ability to stay underwater. SNUBA dives require that you wear a helmet over your entire head that is linked to the dive boat with an air hose, and sometimes, a communication line that allows you to hear instructions or sightseeing info from your diver guide. This is a nice compromise for people who are new to diving, and it allows you to wear your glasses (if needed) and you don’t even have to get your hear wet. |
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Underwater Helmet Walk |
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This is a version of SNUBA, but in this case you actually descend to the bottom of a guided tour area and walk around while breathing through a helmet. These excursions are usually limited to a specific area, and are accompanied by the voice of a guide who points out various fish, rocks, structures, etc., that are situated along the path of your walk. |
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Underwater Adventures (previous page) |
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| Prescription Sun Glasses |
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Articles we've written about
Cruising In The Caribbean |
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Ten Mistakes When Taking A Cruise - It’s a shame to lay out
$250 - $2,500 on a dreamy
cruise vacation only to encounter unnecessary mishaps and
inconveniences. So, in an effort
to minimize the likelihood of a
bump in the road to your perfect
vacation, here are some common
potholes that can tarnish your
experience.
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Eleven Expert Cruising Tips - Some useful,relevant tips and
ideas, and other neat stuff you
can use to make their cruising
experience better.
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Hooked On Cruising (And I Like It!) - It's official! I have a
condition, a disorder by some
people's assessment. It's called
"Caribbean Obsession Disorder",
and there really is such a thing.
Imagine that!
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