NAUI and PADI are the two largest diving certification agencies, and consequently are recognized at diving centers around the world. Each agency teaches the same principles, but in different ways. PADI is geared more toward recreational diving (during initial instruction). NAUI goes more in depth in technical matters related to diving and specialty.

What is a "universal referral letter"?

The universal referral letter is a document stating that a certification candidate has completes all reading, classwork, and pool sessions related to obtaining a particular certification. If a diver chooses to take his or her open water dives from a diving center other than Diving World (for example, while on vacation in Belize), a universal referral letter will be given to the student in lieu of the open water instructional dives.

What can I do with my PADI or NAUI certifications?

What does SCUBA stand for?

Self-contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

How old do I have to be obtain diving certification?

Why is mask fit so important?

What would you rather see when you dive? All the fish and coral you came to explore, or the inside of your eyelids while you clear your mask? Any mask will fit you with the "sniff test." Make sure you have a mask that allows maximum comfort and minimal leakage. You have enough to worry about with checking your gauges, controlling buoyancy, equalizing, and watching your surroundings. Don't burden yourself with the extra task of vision maintenance.

What is the difference between full-foot fins and pocket fins?

Full-foot fins are useful when diving in warm waters and snorkeling. They are convenient because you don't need booties with them, nor do you have to worry about losing mask straps. However, if you're going to dive in cooler waters or do beach-entry diving, you should get pocket fins. In cooler waters you need the extra thermal protection of booties, which you cannot wear with full-foot fins. In beach-entry diving, you need the protection booties offer the bottoms of your feet. One last thing to consider: most high-performance fins come with a pocket design, so usually you'll end up getting those anyway.

What's the deal with the split fin?

When using traditional fins you kick from the hips and make broad strokes, moving the water below or above the fin. The split fin is designed to push the water out behind you using a propeller-like design, giving you more energy per kick. Because of the way the split fin is used, lower leg muscles are used instead of abdomen and upper leg muscles. This gives you longer bottom times (because you conserve air), and allows you to use smaller kick motions letting you dive in constricted spaces (like caves and wrecks).

What's the difference between an exposure suit and a skin?

A skin is a full-body suit that offers no thermal protection. It is a layer of fabric that protects you from sunburn, jellyfish, and fire coral. Exposure suits offer the same protection, plus a warming element. Exposure suits come in a range of 0.5mm to 7.0mm, depending on the temperature of water you will be diving and your susceptibility to cold temperatures. Exposure suits also come in a wide range of styles to cover your whole body or only parts of it; they can be layered for flexibility.

What kind of suit do I need?

Again, the type of suit and thickness will depend on water temperatures and your ability to withstand cooler conditions. The chart below serves as a general guideline:

What should I bring with me on a trip?

Dive Gear (see our GEAR CHECKLIST), First Aid Kit, owels for Dives, Boat Snacks, Water, Clothes, etc.

What amenities are provided on the trip?

Usually (unless otherwise indicated) Hotel, Tank Air, Entrance/Boat Fees, Weights / Weightbelt. See the details for each trip to see what is included.

May I rent gear for the trip?

Yes, we have gear for most sizes and dive conditions. We carry rental gear ranging from BC's and regulators to hoods and gloves. We do not rent masks, snorkels, fins, or booties.

Do I have to be an expert diver to go on the trips?

Not for most trips – in fact many of our weekend trips are planned for open water check-out dives. However, we welcome divers of all skills to join us on the trips. If a trip requires a certain skill level it will be indicated on the calendar.

What is not included in the cost of the trip?

With the exception of "major" trips (i.e. Bonaire), transportation and meals are not provided. See descriptions of major trips to see exactly what is provided with each trip.

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