Sandals Jamaica

[LaCroix42]

Originally Posted by rnhockey

So to get in two dives you have to go out on both morning and afternoon boats? Sorry, trying to plan a fun, memorable trip, but there is no info on their site about diving times etc...

That was my experience, yes. You can do three (or two or one) if you do a night dive as well. When you check in with them on day of arrival (I *HIGHLY*urge you to do it the day you arrive so you can dive next day without issues) ask if there's a night dive planned. They'll bill your room for the $80 per diver.

One other quick note, take an ACTUAL credit card, nota debit card. The debit card will help you track your expenses better, but it's a bit of a PITA to have to use the card every time. If you present a credit card, they'll put a hold for $100 or $200 against it and debit actual charges from that hold. You can, however, ask them to charge an actual amount and apply it as room credit so you get the same functionality off of your debit card (which involves a not very water proof ID issued at check in).

Have fun!

[rnhockey]

Thank you again for the advice!! I will let all know how the trip went when we return! Thanks again.

[freeski4ever]

I think I'll go ahead and cross Sandals off my list of places to dive. Thanks for the great write up tho!!

[Joe L]

My wife and I are planning a trip to Sandals Montego Bay and I really appreciate the info also.
My wife does not dive so, this will be a vaca, not a dive vaca like mentioned above. So I am just looking for one dive just to experience it during our week.
Now, I just have to get down how much of my OWN equip I should bring and is it time to purchase a 3 mil shorty?

This will be our first Caribbean Vacation so I want it to go right. Thanks, JOe

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by Joe L

My wife and I are planning a trip to Sandals Montego Bay and I really appreciate the info also.
My wife does not dive so, this will be a vaca, not a dive vaca like mentioned above. So I am just looking for one dive just to experience it during our week.
Now, I just have to get down how much of my OWN equip I should bring and is it time to purchase a 3 mil shorty?

This will be our first Caribbean Vacation so I want it to go right. Thanks, JOe

Assuming you're a normal size, renting a shorty should be "no problem" (har-har) (wetsuit is the one thing that's not "included"). I'd definitely bring your own mask, since fit is paramount. They'll provide everything to you, however... just show up with a swimsuit. Not the greatest or newest equipment, but it'll get the job done. For 2007, I brought my own computer and regs (and mask and fins), but used their BC (and wetsuit).

From 2006, I used all their gear (except my prescription mask):


Ask if you can dive Airport Reef, that was my favorite from my 2006 and 2007 trips:

YouTube - Jamaican Reef

As I said in my prior post, days that you're diving, she's going to be on her own, because dive schedules and everything else don't mesh well. You'll have to wolf down breakfast to make the boat on time, then you get back and have to leave again... just before lunch. You won't get back in time to go on any of the off-site tours on those days.

Still a great time. Go to the piano bar and ask Dean for a "Cool Runnin'" Great drink!

[Joe L]

Thanks CD, this is the type of info I am looking for. Again, This has to be as much a vacation for her as I. Its tough when you are planning a Caribbean trip knowing NOTHING about the area at all. JOe

PS. great Vids.

[rnhockey]

Yeah! Thanks for the vid link CD! That was very helpful. We are planning on bringing our own masks. We have several plane changes during the ride down so we are going to carry all of our luggage on the plane (no check). As long as the equipment gets the job done we will be happy!

[CompuDude]

Have a great time, I'm jealous!