Sail Fish Scuba Policies

Check-in times are 7:00 AM for morning dive charters, 12:00 PM for afternoon dive charters, and 7:30 AM for pool training days, unless otherwise confirmed in writing or related communications. 

Reservation bookings require a $25 deposit secured by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or AmEx). You may pay your balance by any method on the day of the charter. 

Late cancellations and no-shows before the scheduled trip will result in a 100% charge. This means if a guest cancels within 48 hours or fails to show up for their scheduled reservation, they will be charged 100% of the full reservation payment. This applies even if the reservation was made within the 48-hour window. Groups of three or more must cancel at least one week in advance to avoid charges. The card on file will be charged the full reservation payment, including the $25 deposit. 

 A strict 7-day cancellation policy applies to all courses—including Discover Scuba Diving, Refresher Courses, Open Water Certification, and more—regardless of when the booking is made—even if it's within 7 days of the scheduled experience. Cancellations made less than 7 days before the scheduled course, or no-shows, will be charged 100% of the full reservation payment. The card on file will be charged the full amount, including the $25 deposit. 

 If we cancel a trip due to inclement weather, you may reschedule, receive a voucher for a later date (at our discretion), or request a refund. This does not apply to training dives, which may continue in the confined lagoon. If a two-location trip ends early after the first stop due to weather, a 50% refund may be issued at our discretion. Refunds for mechanical issues at sea may be considered at our discretion. Rain or scattered storms typically do not warrant cancellation.

 We generally provide ample notice for cancellations but may cancel at the dock on the day of the dive if necessary. Notifications will be sent via phone, email, and/or text to all divers, snorkelers, and passengers. We will make a reasonable effort to reach you, but if you don’t acknowledge receipt, we are not responsible if you show up and the trip has been canceled.  If we cancel a trip, you can either reschedule, receive a voucher to be redeemed for a later time, or get a refund. 

A reservation is made in the name of the booking holder, who is solely responsible for the reservation. This responsibility applies even when the booking includes multiple participants. If any member of the booking party does not show up or cancels outside the allowed cancellation window, the booking holder is still responsible for full payment of the reserved spots. By making the reservation, the booking holder agrees to these terms. 

No refunds for illness, seasickness, fewer divers or snorkelers than booked (you will still be charged for the full reservation), late arrivals, no-shows, unused tanks or equipment, "one and done" trips (i.e. participating in only one dive site on a two-tank trip), medical emergencies, or if diver certification cannot be verified. Refunds will not be issued if eLearning is incomplete before scheduled in-water training or if guests fail to review our policies in advance. 

Rescheduling within 48 hours of a trip incurs a 25% fee of the missed activity, due before confirming a new date. Rescheduling does not extend the original cancellation window. For example, if you reschedule within 48 hours and later cancel, the original terms still apply. Courses and group bookings (3 or more) require 7 days’ notice. Late changes are also subject to a 25% fee based on the course or activity cost. 

For private charters, a 25% non-refundable deposit is due at booking. The deposit is only refunded if weather makes it unsafe or impossible to operate. Cancellations or rescheduling must be made at least one week in advance, regardless of when the booking is made. Less than one week’s notice will result in the full charter cost being charged to the card on file. By booking with Sail Fish Scuba, you agree to these terms. 

 All refunds are subject to a 10% processing fee. This fee covers non-refundable charges we incur from credit card processors when accepting and refunding payments.

As a small business, these costs add up quickly and directly affect our ability to operate. We appreciate your understanding

We constantly monitor the weather to stay on top of conditions to ensure the best experience for you. We will notify you if inclement weather is expected during your scheduled trip. Weather-related rescheduling is subject to availability and suitable conditions. If weather or conditions change, the Captain may select alternate locations for the best experience. If needed, a sheltered lagoon is available as an alternative to the open ocean.  

No refunds will be issued if a student’s class is ended early due to insufficient swimming ability, student inaptitude, or if the student chooses to withdraw from or end the class early.

 E-Learning (online) codes or any course that includes online academics are non-refundable at the time of purchase. If your scuba course includes required eLearning and you arrive without completing it in full, you will not be allowed to begin your in-water training as scheduled, and you will be charged 100% of the full reservation payment.

To meet PADI standards, students must complete a 200-meter swim and 10-minute float without flotation aids or pool contact. If a student does not meet these requirements, the instructor may offer a retest. If a student is unable to perform the skills safely after retesting, they may be removed from the course. With instructor approval, students who are disqualified may snorkel (with safety measures) or stay on the boat. No refund or credit will be issued for switching to a snorkeler or rider. 

Scuba diving courses are performance-based and require all participants to meet clearly defined safety and skill standards. 

No refunds or credits will be issued to individuals who fail to review our policies in advance and are unable or unwilling to participate due to not meeting safety or performance standards. 

All students must complete and submit the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire prior to participating in any in-water activities. If you answer YES to any question requiring evaluation, you must obtain clearance and a signed release from a certified medical provider before arrival. There are no exceptions. Not submitting the required forms to Sail Fish Scuba before class starts will result in disqualification and no refund. 

 If it’s been 6–12 months since your last scuba dive, a pool refresher is strongly recommended before diving. If it has been two years or more since your last dive, completing a morning refresher is mandatory before diving with Sail Fish Scuba. If you have any concerns about your scuba diving skills, regardless of your certification level, we also recommend a pool refresher or the PADI ReActivate course. 

 All divers must present proof of certification from a recognized scuba diving training agency at check-in. Physical or digital certification cards are accepted.  

Divers are expected to perform to their certification level while on the dive vessel.

We cannot guarantee specific dive sites, events, or boats. Weather, ocean conditions, or other factors may require the Captain or Crew to select alternate locations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Be prepared to dive at different sites than originally planned. We aim to provide as much advance notice and consideration as possible when a destination change is necessary. 

 We may need to reassign your trip to a different dive boat due to unforeseen circumstances. While we strive to avoid these situations, we want to assure you that your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. We will work with you to ensure your trip proceeds smoothly and safely. 

If you want a private instructor or guide, just let us know when you book! Our non-private guides lead small groups of up to 7 divers, taking you to the best spots and handling navigation. Since you’ll be diving with others of different skill levels, there might be a few pauses along the way. For a more personal experience, private guides focus only on you and your group, making the dive flexible and tailored just for you—perfect if you want extra attention or a bit more privacy.

 Guests are responsible for returning all rental gear in the same condition in which it was provided, including all equipment furnished by Sail Fish Scuba. Guests assume all risk of loss or damage, whether or not covered by their personal insurance. This responsibility includes transporting the gear to and from the rental facility and applies during transit, at all named or unnamed locations, and while in use. Guests will be charged to the card on file for any lost or damaged equipment. 

All scuba divers, snorkelers, and boat passengers must complete our waivers before participating in any activities conducted by Sail Fish Scuba.

Please be prepared to drive yourself or secure a personal mode of transportation to attend your scheduled sessions. Sail Fish Scuba does not provide transportation to or from the pool training location. All participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. 

 Our standard turnaround time for equipment servicing is approximately 2 weeks. Hydrostatic testing is performed off-site by a certified third-party facility. As a result, we cannot guarantee exact turnaround times for tank hydrostatic testing. 

 All sales are final. We do not offer returns, exchanges, or in-store credit on any dive gear or retail merchandise. If you have questions about sizing, functionality, or compatibility, our staff will be happy to assist you prior to purchase.

 By making a reservation with Sail Fish Scuba, you acknowledge and accept that participation in any charter or course is contingent upon the policies, payment terms, and objectives outlined or in related communications. Refunds will not be issued to guests or students who do not review our policies in advance and are either unable or unwilling to participate in a trip or course due to safety requirements set by Sail Fish Scuba. 

Scuba diving and snorkeling require swimming ability and good physical and mental health. You are responsible for ensuring you are fit to dive. Any medical conditions that don’t meet PADI standards must be disclosed at booking. If you have any concerns, request a medical form from our staff and consult a medical doctor. No refunds will be issued if you cannot pass the medical questionnaire or fail to provide required medical clearance at check-in for your scuba course.

If you're not a confident snorkeler, we recommend improving your skills before joining the reef snorkel charter, which requires strong swimming ability and takes place in open ocean with no place to stand. We offer Discover Snorkeling experience at a separate rate for those who wish to try snorkeling and are weak/non-swimmers. For your safety, we may restrict water entry if your skills are inadequate. Snorkeling requires good physical and mental health—consult a doctor if needed. 

 As a diver on the boat, you are expected to follow all safety instructions from the crew and adhere to dive planning procedures. Divers must perform at the skill level of their certification, maintain a respectful attitude toward the crew and other divers, and cooperate to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. We may deny service to any diver we determine does not meet our safety standards.

All deep wreck dives require Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent from a recognized agency or be a student undertaking a class with one of our instructors. Divers must have a dive computer (no sharing a dive computer). No decompression dives, unless certified by an recognized agency to do so and have prior approval from our crew. No penetration dives, unless approved by our crew and you are certified to do so by a recognized agency. 

We do not allow solo divers, unless you are certified as a Self-Reliant diver. If you don’t have that certification and don't have a dive buddy, you will be paired either with another solo diver or with one of our Divemasters or instructors for the day. 

We provide complimentary in-water  professional Dive Guides to enhance your diving experience. However, please note that our guides are not a substitute for individual diver proficiency, training, or certification requirements. All certified divers are expected to dive within the limits of their training, certification level, and personal comfort. This includes taking full responsibility for their own dive planning, gas management, buddy checks, and adherence to safe diving practices.

 Our boat is equipped with DAN emergency oxygen kits and first aid supplies. Our crew members are certified as Oxygen Providers and Emergency First Responders. We reserve the right to deny guests the opportunity to dive, snorkel, swim, or participate in any activities if, in our reasonable judgment, they pose a risk to themselves or others, or if we suspect intoxication. 

Due to safety concerns supported by ongoing research, full-face snorkel masks are not allowed on our boats. These masks are also not recommended in our courses because of risks such as CO₂ buildup and limited ability to perform essential skills. Sail Fish Scuba provides traditional masks, fins, and snorkels for all snorkelers. 

 Different organizations may offer varying guidelines on surface intervals before ascending to altitude, but PADI currently recommends waiting 12 hours after a single dive and 18 hours after multiple dives over multiple days. So, if you've been diving for a week and your flight is at 1 p.m., your last dive should end no later than 7 p.m. the day before. Many folks wait 24 hours before flying to play it safe and unwind. 

 All scuba divers must know and comply with local diving laws and regulations, including those related to marine life protection, fishing, and dive flag usage. Harassment of marine life, removal of underwater artifacts, or any disturbance to the natural environment is strictly prohibited. 

Trip insurance is always a good idea due to unforeseen circumstances that may disrupt your travel plans. Please note that Sail Fish Scuba does not offer or sell travel insurance, but we are happy to recommend the following third party option for your consideration: Divers Alert Network (DAN).

 Each PADI program comes with specific diving guidelines based on your level of training and certification, including minimum age requirements, depth limits, and restrictions on with whom you can dive. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us. 

By making a reservation with Sail Fish Scuba, you acknowledge and accept that participation in any charter or course is contingent upon the policies, payment terms, and objectives outlined or in related communications. Refunds will not be issued to guests or students who do not review our policies in advance and are either unable or unwilling to participate in a trip or course due to safety requirements set by Sail Fish Scuba.