Below is a sampling of some of our most Frequently Asked Questions. Don’t see your specific question? Contact us and we will provide an answer!
General:
Q: Is it customary to tip? If so, what is an appropriate amount of gratuity?
A: Your Boat Crew, Dive Guides and Instructors work in a service industry, so it is customary to leave gratuity. As for how much…whatever amount you feel comfortable with and however much you feel the service warranted. Some guests prefer to tip like you do in a restaurant: 10%,15%, 20%, etc. Others prefer a flat rate, like $10-20 per crew member, or more if they took a class. As always, tips are appreciated but not required.
Q: What can I do to prevent seasickness?
A: We recommend Bonine, which you can find at our store. If you are extremely prone to seasickness, contact your physician to discuss prescription options. Additionally, avoid greasy foods and hydrate before diving.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Cancellation within 48 hours of the Dive Charter, Class or Guided Dive will result in no refund. Of course, if Pura Vida Divers or the charter boat operators must cancel for any reason, there is no charge to you. Once a charter departs, no refunds will be issued for seasickness, weather, etc. Please note, cancellation policy may vary by the activity booked or over holidays. Check your confirmation email for cancellation policies specific to your booking.
Q: How do I finalize a reservation?
A: To book your dive, Pura Vida Divers requires the following information: diver name, certification information, rental tank and gear requirements, contact phone number, contact email address and credit card number. Any other dive-related activities to be conducted on the boat, such as instruction, must be noted at the time of booking to ensure that all necessary preparations are made.
Charters:
Q: How many divers go out on a boat?
A: At this time, charters are still operating at limited capacities. Capacity varies by vessel and may be adjusted due to other factors including weather. Additional capacity options may be available for Whole Boat Charters. Contact us for additional information.
Q: Is a Dive Guide provided on boat charters?
A: An in-water Dive Guide is provided on charters, excluding Technical Dives and Non-Guided Blue Heron Bridge dives. Dive Guides function to help divers navigate the briefed dive site, carry the float ball, and point out all of the amazing creatures we find on the reef. They do not function as dive buddies, and usually stay down until the last diver begins their ascent. If you’d like a designated buddy, hire a dive guide to accompany you on the dive and stick with you or your group.
Q: What amenities can I expect on charter boats?
A: The charter vessels Marin and Aurelia come fully stocked with filtered water, sodas, and snacks. Both vessels offer hot water showers, marine “heads” (bathrooms), and Christmas-tree style ladders for your comfort. You are more than welcome to bring your own “treats,” food, and/or drinks, but no alcohol please. Refillable water bottles are encouraged!
Q: Is hunting allowed onboard Marin or Aurelia?
A: Spear fishing is not allowed, however, Hawaiian slings shorter than five (5) feet may be used to spear the invasive Lionfish. Lobstering is permitted during lobster season, as long as participants carry the required Florida State Lobster licenses. Purchase your Lobster License from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission here.
Q: What gear is required to dive aboard Marin and Aurelia?
A: Each certified diver must have the following: mask, fins, snorkel, current BCD (no horse-collars, etc), regulator with alternate second stage, pressure gauge or computer, timing device (watch or computer), surface marker buoy (“safety sausage”) or lift bag. All gear must be maintained and functioning. Any diver arriving without the proper gear MUST rent or purchase missing pieces before being allowed aboard either vessel. Each charter vessel provides a set of spare gear on their boat available for rent in the event of a missing or faulty piece of dive equipment. For Technical Diving Trips, please contact us for a list of required gear.
Q: What is the diving like in Palm Beach and what are the trips like?
A: The charter vessels dive all of the famous wrecks and reefs in the area, and even some secret spots only their captains know about! West Palm Beach’s reef line stretches for several miles and is home to millions of creatures. The Gulf Stream, which most closely approaches Florida right here in West Palm Beach, brings tons of critters to local reefs, from tropical fish, to rays, eels, turtles, sharks, and even dolphins. You never know what you might see out there! Because the Gulf Stream comes so close, all of the offshore local diving is drift diving. This means that divers let the current drift them down the reef ledge. At the end of the dive, the boat is right there to pick them up. It’s the best diving in Florida! The whole trip lasts about four hours from departure to arrival back at the marina.
Q: Can I request a specific dive site?
A: Dive site requests made at the time of booking are welcome, however, the dive site choice cannot be assured. The charter boat Captains make every attempt to dive specific sites when a preference is noted, but the final decision is subject to the Captain’s discretion based on sea conditions and safety. Charter operators reserve the right to change the site if conditions are not conducive to safe diving at the planned location.
Q: Is proof of certification required to dive?
A: Yes. Divers must bring proof of certification by a nationally recognized agency with them at the time of check-in or they will not be allowed to dive. Additionally, divers wishing to use Enriched Air or Trimix must bring appropriate certification cards.
Blue Heron Bridge:
Q: Where can I find the high tide times for the Blue Heron Bridge?
A: Check out our Blue Heron Bridge page, which features lots of helpful information about the shore dive, as well as a site map. Click here to download the 2025 High Tide times and get started planning your dive!
Training:
Q: Its been years since my certification and I haven’t dove. What should I do?
A: If it has been more than a year since your last dive, we highly recommend hiring a Private Dive Guide. They will accompany you every step of the way from check in at the shop to helping navigate the beautiful reefs and wrecks offshore of the Palm Beaches.
For your safety, if more than 2 years have passed since your last dive, you will be required to complete a Refresher with one of our PVD pros. The refresher can be tailored to skills and concepts you would like to review. If it has been more than 5 years since your last dive, you will be required to complete a ReActivate. The ReActivate program includes online eLearning that divers will complete at their convenience before the in-person class portion begins.
Both the Refresher and ReActivate programs can be scheduled to include a guided tour of the Blue Heron Bridge. This is a great way to explore the world-renowned dive destination while brushing up on your scuba skills.
Snorkeling:
Q: Where can I go snorkeling?
A: There are several local options for snorkeling here. The Blue Heron Bridge is the most popular and easily-accessible snorkel site, followed by some excellent ocean sites. Stop by our shop for a complete site briefing, and to pick up a site map and tide chart. We also work with snorkeling catamarans to accommodate boat snorkeling excursions.
Q: Do you have a map that shows the location to the different snorkeling sites?
A: We carry a snorkeling and shore diving book that highlights all of the local sites with a complete map for each site.
