Dive Trips

Every year DAD makes adaptive dive trips. These trips give divers in our program the chance to complete their certification dives, gain more diving experience, and make new friends. Our trips are lots of fun!

Destinations

Destinations for our trip are in the Caribbean Sea, and include Cayman Brac, Roatán Honduras, Bonaire, and Curaçao. These destinations are chosen for their easy access from Denver, and for their adaptive diver friendly resorts. You can learn more about each destination with our travel map.

Duration

Dive trips last a week.

Cost

DAD covers most of the trip cost for divers and dive buddies in our program. The only part you’ll pay for is air travel. We split the cost this way so that everyone has some financial interest in the trip. Airfare generally runs $800-$1000 per person.

Travel

Depending on the trip, there may be anywhere from 20 to 80 people traveling. The people are a mix of adaptive divers, friends and family, dive instructors, dive buddies, and professional caregivers. Adaptive divers are generally 25-30% of the people on the trip.

Most people travel as a group from Denver International Airport, though we’ll help make different arrangements if needed. Flights are direct when possible, and last 5-7 hours depending on the destination.

All the shuttle services we use are equipped with wheelchair lifts.

Diving

During the week, there are usually three dives available for the each of the first six days. On the last day there is no diving to allow a 24 hour period between diving and flying. Sometimes bad weather reduces the total number of dives.

We hope you’ll do many of the dives offered during the trip, but making every dive is not expected. It’s always better to sit dives out if you’re not feeling well, are too tired, or are having medical issues.

All the dives on our trips are boat dives. Most are no deeper than 60′ of water with minimal current.  Boat docks are located right at the resort. Storage lockers for your gear are located near the dock.

During the week, you’ll dive with a team that includes your instructor, one or more certified dive buddies, and any friends or family that are training with you. Your instructor will work with you to complete the dive skills required for certification.

You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy the underwater world. You’ll definitely encounter basic marine life like fish, corals, sea sponges, shrimp and anemones. You may also see rays, skates, crabs, octopus, squid, and (friendly) sharks.

Food

Meals at the resort are buffet style, and the food is excellent.

Breakfast options include eggs, omelettes, fresh fruit, pancakes or french toast, potatoes, toast and cereal. There’s also plenty of coffee and juice available.

Lunch options often include salads, sandwiches or burgers, soup, pasta, rice, beans, other meat and vegetables, and dessert.

Dinner usually steps it up with fancier meal options. These may include fish, chicken, beef, and pasta dishes, along with vegetables, rice, beans, salad and dessert.

A Typical Day

A typical day on a dive trip goes something like this. Times are approximations.

7:00 am – Breakfast

8:00 am – Morning Dives

Meet at your boat for the first two dives. Boat rides to dive sites are usually 15 to 30 minutes. Once you’re at the site, a dive guide will give you a briefing about the dive and what to expect. Then you’ll get ready and enter the water with your team.

Each dive lasts 40-60 minutes. There’s a recovery period of about an hour between dives, and the boat crew will have a snack of some kind for you during this break.

The second dive is usually at a different dive site.

12:30 pm – Lunch

2:00 pm – Afternoon dive

A third afternoon dive is usually available.

4:00 pm – Return from afternoon dive

Many people opt for a nap once diving is finished for the day.

6:30 pm – Dinner

After a fully day of diving, many people turn in early. You may be surprised at how well you sleep!