FAQs about Florida Scuba Camp

Supervision

​What kind of supervision do you provide? We provide 24-hour, same gender adult supervision. All of our mentors stay on site with our campers. All campers and staff must follow our camp guidelines, which are reviewed during orientation on the first day.

Travel Considerations

What airport is best to fly into for your program, and do you provide a shuttle service?

• For this program, campers are required to arrive in Key West International Airport (EYW) between 11am-3pm for pick up. Campers will be picked up by a staff member wearing a red t-shirt to start your Florida Keys’ adventure. They will be taken to the airport for departure and our staff will stay until their flight is safely in the air. Flights must take off between 12-3pm.

What if I can’t get in by the set check in time?

• Please contact our Program Coordinator (info@CuriousMindsDiveFoundation.org) to discuss arrivals and departures outside of our preferred times. We will work with you to make appropriate accommodates for with your travel needs.

What if my luggage doesn’t make it?

• Occasionally the airlines will misplace luggage or your suitcases will miss connecting flights. We recommend keeping essentials, such as medications, toiletries, bathing suit, and extra change of clothes, in their carry-on luggage just in case. We also recommend purchasing trip insurance when you select your flight.

What do I need to bring?

• A complete packing list will be included with your informational registration packet, but here is a general list.
• Wide brimmed hat, 2 towels, polarized sunglasses, toiletry kit, biodegradable sunscreen, dive logbook and certification cards, 2 pairs of shorts: 1 swim trunks or swimsuit, female participants should have a one piece swimsuit, 1 land shorts, light pants, zip off trek pants recommended, 2 rash guards, bluff,  3 pairs of socks, recommends 1 pair of neoprene socks, 3 pairs of underwear, shoes or sandals, light rain jacket, copy of insurance card and prescription medication, dive watch,  2 Locks  (combination or key), personal scuba gear.

Lodging and Food

Where do we stay during camp?

• We will be staying in Summerland, Florida in dorm-style housing at the Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration. All linens and bath towels are provided.

Can I call home during camp?

• We have all campers check in with their parents upon arrival and in the evenings after our sessions are done for the day.  SCUBA Camp is a growing experience, and we find that young people do best and gain confidence through independence. Campers are NOT allowed to carry cell phones during the sessions at camp. Parents will be updated through emails and the many pictures we’ll be posting on Facebook throughout the trip! We will provide an after-hours number to reach the office in the event of an emergency.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

• We know how important it is to eat healthy meals when you are outside and in the sun all day long. We’ll ask you in a questionnaire what types of food, snacks, and drinks you prefer.

Dive Equipment

Do you provide any personal dive equipment?  

• Campers are required to provide their own mask, snorkel, fins, and boots and optionally bring their own full set of scuba gear (which can be used provided the staff deem it safe). Alternatively the scuba unit (BC and regulator) can be rented for the week at a cost of $100.00 and a limited amount of mask, snorkel, and fins are available for rent at a cost of $25.00 for the week.

What kind of dive equipment do you use?

• We have a variety of of equipment that campers can rent for the week, if they do not own their equipment.  We have Aqua Lung, Zeagle, Mares and Cressi.  Since each brand is a little different, we try to fit students with the size and brand that fits them the best or an enjoyable experience.

Payment, Cancellations and Refunds

What sort of payment do you accept?

• We accept checks, money orders, or VISA/MC/AMEX credit cards. All credit card payments are processed online using a secure server. There is a $50 service charge for all returned checks. With the exception of the trip deposit, a 4% credit card surcharge will be assessed to all payments made by credit card. Please review our cancellation policy. Deposits are not refundable after acceptance into a program.

What is your payment schedule and cancellation policy?

• A $500.00 deposit upon notification of acceptance to the camp, the balance is due 45 days prior to camp.
• Once your student has been accepted into the program, and final payments have been made, refunds are not able to be issued after 30 days prior to camp.
• This is because the program have incurred costs in the immediate months leading up to the camp, such as training, supplies, program planning, and developing curriculum incurred for camp, and many other expenses.

Do you have insurance?

• We carry a comprehensive insurance package, including general liability.  We also encourage that every camper have Divers Alter Network (DAN) Dive Accident and Travel Insurance.  

How much spending money should I bring?

• We recommend campers bring $75 to $125. This is for snacks, souvenirs or gifts you wish to purchase while at camp. Also, please keep in mind the first meal covered by SCUBA Camp is dinner the first day and the last meal covered is breakfast the last day- campers are responsible for any snacks or lunch in the airport. Please make sure they save enough to pay the baggage fee on the way home, if flying.

Weather Considerations

What happens if we cannot dive because of weather?

• Unfortunately high seas and weather can keep us from diving. On those days we have back up plans that may include visiting local museums such as the History of Diving museum, Pigeon Key and the Mel Fisher museum. Or we may opt for a hike, mangrove kayak trip or a pool day with skills and games.

What happens if a hurricane comes?  

• We monitor the weather all day everyday. The hurricane season typically doesn't heat up until the end of August, but in the rare case that it does, the Florida Keys will give us plenty of warning to evacuate if needed.