FAQs

The following are Frequently Asked Questions of our guests. If you cannot find an answer to your specific question, please use our FAQ Request Form.

Q: Do you offer packages that include airfare as well as diving and accommodations?

Q: Should I make reservations in advance?

Q: How far in advance should I make reservations?

Q: Which Certification cards does Tortuga Divers accept?

Q: What equipment can I rent from Tortuga Divers?

Q: What is the average water temperature?

Q: Can we rent Nitrox tanks?

Q: What type of tanks do you use?

Q: Are dive lockers available?

Q: Are there refreshments on the boats?

Q: Do you require a deposit for advanced diving reservations?

Q: I'll be taking a cruise which docks for only a day. Will I have enough time to dive with Tortuga Divers? Also, do you provide transportation to and from the port?

Q: Do I need to give exact dates I want to dive, or can that be set up when I get there?

Q: Can snorkelers go on the dive boats with the divers?

Q: Do all the training courses include equipment?

Q: I am trying to decide if I need to bring along my wetsuit. Could you tell me what the water temperature is like?

Q: I am not a certified diver but would like to dive with Tortuga Divers. What are my options?

Q: Should I bring my own equipment or rent it from you?

Q: I will be vacationing with my children and plan to go diving with Tortuga Divers. Can you suggest any activities for my children to do while I go diving?

Q: I haven't been diving in a long time - is there a Refresher Course that I can take?

Q: Do you offer packages that include airfare as well as diving and accommodations?
A: No, at this time we do not offer packages with airfare. Please contact your travel specialist. Tortuga Divers recommends American Airlines.

Back To Top

Q: Should I make reservations in advance?
A: In order to guarantee spots on our dive boats, it is best to book prior to leaving for your trip. Just like hotels and airlines, spaces are limited and can sell out.

Back To Top

Q: How far in advance should I make reservations?
A: There is no set time limit to book. The earlier you book, the better your chances are of availability.

Back To Top

Q: Which Certification cards does Tortuga Divers accept?
A: All certified divers are required to present a Certification card. Tortuga Divers accepts the following certification cards, among others: PADI, NAUI, YMCA, NASDS, IDEA, PDIC, SSI, HSA. If your certification agency is not listed above please contact us.

Back To Top

Q: What equipment can I rent from Tortuga Divers?
A: Just about everything you may need. Tanks, weights, and weight belts are included in the cost of the boat dive; all other gear is available for rent from our dive shops.
Aqualung Titan Regulator w/ Console, Aqualung Wave BCD w/ Inflator, Mask, Fins & Snorkel, 3 mm Wetsuit (shorties). 

Back To Top

Q: What is the average water temperature?
A: The water temperature averages 80-82 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, making diving without a wet suit comfortable for most people.

Back To Top

Q: Can we rent Nitrox tanks?
A: Yes, Nitrox tanks are available for Nitrox certified divers for an additional cost. Please inform the dive shop in advance if you would like to have Nitrox tanks available.

Back To Top

Q: What type of tanks do you use?
A: Aluminum 72 cubic foot tanks are used on the dive boats. Note valves (K), yoke. Din regulators will require an adapter.

Back To Top

Q: Are dive lockers available?
A: Yes, dive lockers are available and are free of charge.

Back To Top

Q: Are there refreshments on the boats?
A: Yes, there is fresh water on all of the dive boats. Additionally, an ice chest is provided to store any snacks you may choose to bring.

Back To Top

Q: Do you require a deposit for advanced diving reservations?
A: A credit card number is required in order to hold your reservation. Cancellation penalties may apply. Contact the dive shop for details.

Back To Top

Q: I'll be taking a cruise which docks for only a day. Will I have enough time to dive with Tortuga Divers? Also, do you provide transportation to and from the port?
A: No. Tortuga Divers is located on the far end of the island. It is approximately a one hour drive from the cruise ship dock. Diving may be arranged through Red Sail Sports and we would be happy to provide assistance.

Back To Top

Q: Do I need to give exact dates I want to dive, or can that be set up when I get there?
A: It is best to set your full dive itinerary in advance because it is based upon availability. If you've purchased a dive package then you must select your dive dates in advance of arrival.

Back To Top

Q: Can snorkelers go on the dive boats with the divers?
A: Generally, no. We do offer our popular East End Snorkel Adventure.

Back To Top

Q: Do all the training courses include equipment?
A: Yes, all courses at Tortuga Divers include required equipment.

Back To Top

Q: I am trying to decide if I need to bring along my wetsuit. Could you tell me what the water temperature is like?
A: In Grand Cayman, the average water temperature is 82%uFFFD. We do rent wetsuits, so if you decide to rent one upon your arrival, that is also an option.

Back To Top

Q: I am not a certified diver but would like to dive with Tortuga Divers. What are my options?
A: There are several ways you can dive with Tortuga Divers:

First is the full certification course. The PADI certification takes four days to complete at about 5-6 hours per day. This includes theory and pool sessions as well as all the equipment you will need to become certified.

Second, if you choose to take your classes and pool session in your hometown, you can then complete your open water dives in Grand Cayman. PADI / NAUI / SSI / HSA / IDEA / PDIC / NASDS* Open Water Referrals includes all equipment, consists of 4 dives, and takes 2 days.

* Please call first to ensure that certification by a particular agency is available at the location you plan to dive.

Lastly, if you decide that you don't have enough time or want to test the waters before becoming certified, we do offer a Resort Course for non-certified divers which includes instruction, all equipment, pool session, and 1 tank boat dive.

Children must be at least 10 years to be certified or to do the resort course.

Back To Top

Q: Should I bring my own equipment or rent it from you?
A: That is up to your discretion. Tanks, weights, and weight belt are provided on every dive at no extra charge and all other equipment can be rented at an additional cost. All of our equipment is re-newed every year and we have top-quality equipment. If you bring your own equipment, we have locker facilities for you to store it.

Back To Top

Q: I will be vacationing with my children and plan to go diving with Tortuga Divers. Can you suggest any activities for my children to do while I go diving?
A: Children interested in snorkeling may enjoy our SASY activities.

Back To Top

Q: I haven't been diving in a long time - is there a Refresher Course that I can take?
A: Yes, in fact Tortuga Divers policy is as follows:
Last dive was over 1 year ago, refresher course recommended.
Last dive was 2-6 years ago, Tortuga Divers Refresher Course required.
Last dive was 7-9 years ago, Full PADI Refresher Course required.
Last dive was over 10 years ago, please contact dive shop for assessment prior to booking your dives.
If you have any further questions about our refresher course policy then please call 877-RED-SAIL and our representatives will be happy to assist.

Back To Top

If you cannot find an answer to your specific question, please use our FAQ Request Form.