Travel Policies
Welcome Divers!
We are so glad you are interested in traveling with us!
Over the past 20 years, Carolina Dive Center has organized dive travel to most of the world’s dive destinations. We are going to have fun and do everything possible to make sure you have an amazing vacation.
Our goal is to clearly communicate the seriousness of the sport, the nature of travel involved, and what you can expect from our trips.
By booking one of our trips, you agree to the Terms and Conditions outlined below, which may be updated periodically and will be reflected on our website. After your deposit is made, we will send you a Personal Services Contract for your review and electronic signature. This step ensures mutual protection in the event of any issues. We greatly appreciate the trust you place in us as you invest in your dive vacation.
We enter this agreement with the shared objective of delivering an unforgettable experience. If you have any questions regarding the information provided, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to ensure your trip is safe, enjoyable, and stress-free.
Personal Services Contract/Trip Agreement
Carolina Dive Center requires a signed Personal Services/Trip Agreement for each trip.
This agreement ensures you’ve completed the necessary preparations for your trip and that we have all essential information to assist you if needed during your travels. You will be responsible for electronically signing the following:
- Medical Statement Form
- Liability Waiver
- Trip Payment Terms
- Cancellation Policy
- Skill Refresher Agreement (if applicable)
Non-Refundable Payment Plans
Most trips involve a payment plan, beginning with an initial deposit. Please note that all payments are non-refundable. To safeguard your investment, we strongly recommend purchasing a Trip Protection Plan.
- The initial deposit can be made via credit card.
- Preferred payment methods for subsequent payments are check or Venmo.
- Since we do not increase trip prices to cover credit card fees, a 4% processing fee applies to all credit card transactions.
Chargeback Claims
By booking with Carolina Dive Center, you agree not to initiate chargeback claims.
Airlines
Each trip’s itinerary will specify arrival and departure times and locations. Your trip leader will provide these details. We request that you forward your flight itinerary to us so we can coordinate airport transfers to and from your dive destination.
You are responsible for arranging your transportation to the trip's meeting location, whether by driving or flying, and for notifying your trip leaders of any changes or delays to your flight schedule. Additionally, you are accountable for understanding and adhering to the airline's policies. Carolina Dive Center cannot be held liable for canceled flights or airlines refusing to issue refunds.
Hotels/Resorts
Carolina Dive Center acts as an intermediary between you and the hotel, resort, or liveaboard provider. However, each destination has its own policies that take precedence over ours. It is your responsibility to review and understand these terms.
Dive Operations
Carolina Dive Center coordinates dive operations based on group occupancy and registration. Please note that last-minute changes or additions to the group may affect the fees.
While we facilitate the arrangements, the dive operation ultimately determines whether dives occur, where they take place, and who participates. They may also have their own policies and waivers, which you are responsible for reviewing and signing.
We trust the expertise of the dive operations and their judgment regarding weather conditions and diver abilities. If a divemaster or trip leader assesses that your diving skills pose a safety concern and decides not to permit you to dive, Carolina Dive Center fully supports that decision.
General Travel Information
For international trips, you are required to carry a valid passport throughout the duration of the trip. Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond the trip's return date. If you are not a U.S. citizen, certain destinations may also require a visa. It is your responsibility to confirm and secure any necessary travel documents before departure.
Carolina Dive Center, along with our travelers, is subject to the policies of the service providers we use. These include hotels, resorts, liveaboards, onsite transportation, and dive operations. Each provider has its own cancellation and refund policies, over which we have no control.
For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing a Travel Protection Plan. In fact, we require you to acknowledge in your trip application if you choose not to purchase one. While we do not endorse specific companies, many of our travelers opt for Dive Assure.
Dive Insurance
Carolina Dive Center also highly recommends having active dive insurance during your trip. You will need to carry your insurance card or information with you and provide us with a copy before departure.
Dive insurance covers scenarios that standard health insurance typically does not, such as treatment in a decompression chamber following a diving injury. Additionally, dive insurance often provides international coverage, making it an essential safeguard for your trip.
We encourage you to review the policies of different providers to select one that best fits your needs as a diver.
At Carolina Dive Center, we believe that being well-prepared leads to fewer issues and more enjoyment during your trip! This applies to both your equipment and your diving skills.
- Dive Equipment: If you’re bringing your own gear, ensure you’re familiar with how it works and that it has been serviced or tested before the trip.
- Diving Skills: If it has been several years since your last dive, we strongly recommend signing up for a refresher course to brush up on your skills.
Trip Communications
As your trip approaches, we’ll provide regular updates and important information through multiple channels:
- Trip Emails: These will confirm flight details, share travel documents, and provide any required resort forms or waivers to complete before the trip.
- Meet and Greet: This session will cover all trip logistics and allow you to ask any questions.
- WhatsApp Group: We’ll create a group for easy communication and sharing photos during the trip.
By staying informed and prepared, you’ll set yourself up for a safe, smooth, and enjoyable adventure!
We Want To Make Sure You Have The Best Dive Vacation Possible
Thank you for staying knowledgeable about our travel policies and how to dive safely.
Again, if you have any questions please let us, or your trip leader, know!
We have a history of over 20 years of running great dive trips and we expect yours to be no different!