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. 

 A $25 deposit is required to secure your booking. Once received, the remaining balance is placed on a house account.

A confirmation email will be sent to your email address, showing that a $25 deposit has been paid and the remaining balance placed on your house account. You don’t need to pay the house account in advance—the balance is settled upon arrival at the shop. Please note: the $25 deposit is part of your total booking cost—it’s deducted from your final balance, not added on.

The person who sets up a reservation is deemed the “booking holder.” Reservations are made in the name of the booking holder, who is solely responsible for the reservation—even when it includes multiple participants. If any member of the group fails to show up or cancels outside the allowed cancellation window, the booking holder remains responsible for full payment of all reserved spots. By making a reservation, the booking holder agrees to these terms.

Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled trip, or failure to show up, will result in a 100% charge of the total booking amount. This policy applies even if the reservation was made within the 48-hour window. For groups of three or more, cancellations must be made at least one week in advance to avoid charges. The card on file will be charged the full booking amount (100%), 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  the full booking amount (100%), including the $25 deposit. 

If a course is canceled due to weather or unsafe ocean conditions, we will provide a course credit redeemable within two years of the original booking date. 

If we cancel a trip due to inclement weather, you may reschedule, receive a voucher, or request a refund. This does not apply to training dives, which can continue or be conducted in the confined lagoon. If a two-location trip ends early due to weather, a 50% refund may be issued at our discretion. Mechanical issues at sea may also be considered. 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. 

 Seasickness is not considered a valid reason for a refund or credit. If you are unable to complete your dives or snorkeling trip due to seasickness, the full cost of your booking will still apply and remains non-refundable. Guests are responsible for taking appropriate preventative measures in advance. We strongly recommend preparing ahead of time to help ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience on the water. 

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. 

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 ocean conditions are unsuitable for training dives, we have a sheltered lagoon available where training can safely be conducted. 

Refunds will not be issued for seasickness, personal choice not to dive/snorkel, disliking conditions, failure to provide medical clearance, late arrivals, no-shows, illness, smaller groups than booked, rainy weather (unless canceled), unused gear, student inaptitude or early course withdrawal, incomplete eLearning, failure to provide proof of diver level certification, purchased eLearning codes, or “one and done” tanks (using 1-tank on a 2-tank trip). 

No refunds will be issued to students who quit, cannot complete due to lack of swimming ability or course aptitude, fail to complete required eLearning, or choose to withdraw early, or to anyone unable to meet safety requirements. By booking a course or trip with Sail Fish Scuba, you acknowledge and accept these conditions. No refunds will be issued to individuals who fail to review our policies in advance 

 E-Learning codes and any courses that include online academics are non-refundable at the time of purchase.

If your scuba course includes required eLearning and you arrive without completing it, you will not be permitted to begin your in-water training as scheduled, and you will be charged the full course amount, including the $25 reservation deposit.

Please note: the $25 deposit is part of the total course cost, not an additional or separate fee.

All students must complete and submit the or Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire. If you answer YES to any question requiring evaluation, you must provide signed medical clearance from a certified doctor—no exceptions. If you check in at the shop with a medical questionnaire requiring evaluation by a medical professional and have not obtained medical clearance, no refunds will be issued if clearance cannot be provided.

 For the PADI Open Water Diver course, each student must successfully swim 200 m and float/tread for 10 min without touching the bottom or sides of the pool and without flotation devices. Students must be comfortable in the water and not endanger themselves or others. If the 1st attempt is unsafe or unlikely to succeed, the instructor may deny a second attempt and disqualify the student. Disqualified students may snorkel or stay on the boat with instructor approval. 

If an Open Water Diver student fails the swim test or fails to meet minimum requirements, their instructor may disqualify them for safety. Students with some swimming ability may, at the instructor’s discretion, snorkel using a pool noodle and/or life jacket while holding the boat tagline or remain on the boat as a boat passenger. No refunds or rain checks will be issued for switching from the course to snorkeler or boat passenger. 

Scuba courses are performance-based and require participants to meet clear safety and skill standards. When you pay for a course, you pay for training—not certification, which is earned by demonstrating the required skills and knowledge. Your instructor will decide if you qualify for certification based on your skills, comfort in the water, and written exam results. Refunds or credits are not given to those who do not review our policies or cannot participate due to unmet standards.

PADI has updated its Certification Card policy. New certifications are now issued as digital e-cards, which can be accessed by downloading the PADI app. If you prefer a physical plastic card, it can be obtained for an additional fee. 

 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. 

 Private instruction for courses is available upon request and must be arranged at the time of booking. All requests are subject to instructor availability and cannot be guaranteed. We recommend booking early to increase the likelihood of securing a private session. Please note that an additional charge applies for private instruction, and this will be reflected on your reservation invoice. For more information or to make a request, please contact us directly. 

 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. Due to weather, ocean conditions, or other factors, the Captain or Crew may need to choose alternative locations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Please be prepared to dive or snorkel at different sites than originally planned. We strive to provide advance notice whenever a change is necessary.  

No refunds will be issued if you do not get to dive or snorkel at your desired location.

 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. 

Guests are responsible for returning all rental gear in the condition it was received. This includes any loss or damage during use, transit, or storage—charges apply for lost or damaged items. Guests assume full liability for use of rental gear. Equipment is charged for time out—no refunds or credit for unused items. Regulators dunked without the dust cap will incur a service fee.

Sail Fish Scuba, including its staff, instructors, Divemasters, assistants, and affiliates, is not responsible for any personal items or diving equipment—rented or personally owned by any student, diver, or guest—that may be lost, damaged, or stolen during any courses or activities. We strongly recommend that all participants carefully check and secure their gear before leaving the docks and dive sites to help prevent loss or theft. 

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.

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. No refunds will be issued to students, divers, snorkelers, or riders who fail to review our policies in advance and are unable or unwilling to meet 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. 

Certified divers are responsible for maintaining their knowledge and skills through regular practice and continued education. On the boat, divers must follow crew safety instructions, adhere to dive planning procedures, and perform at the level of their certification. A respectful attitude toward crew and fellow divers is expected to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all. Service may be denied to any diver who does not meet safety standards or follow procedures. 

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. 

If you bring your own dive equipment, it is your responsibility to ensure you are familiar with its proper use. Additionally, your gear should be professionally serviced and tested before your trip to guarantee safety and optimal performance. Sail Fish Scuba is not responsible for any issues related to personal equipment brought on trips or courses. 

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.