Participants in Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ PADI diving programme has increased by 28% in quarter three of 2020 across all open resorts, with nearly 1,000 dive courses being completed from July to September compared to the same period in 2019.
Ranked by PADI as a Top 5 Dive Operation in the Western Hemisphere, Sandals and Beaches Resorts has seen this significant uptake across all diving certifications completed during quarter three of 2020.
With many taking advantage of PADI’s online e-learning programme, guests have been able to complete the classroom element of their entry-level PADI® certification before arriving at resort to take their practical exam and completing their qualification.
Guests completing the entry-level PADI certification course upon arrival at Sandals and Beaches resorts in September 2020 was up by 57% in September vs. September 2019.
The entry-level PADI certification, once completed, allows guests to enjoy up to two free dives per day as part of their Sandals or Beaches holiday and subsequent stays as well as being able to dive anywhere in the world.
Participants in the ‘Continued Education’ PADI course also increased by 125% in September 2020 vs the same month in 2019.
As part of Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness programme, all dive equipment is put through a rigorous cleaning protocol, including frequent sanitisation of the dive pool decks as well as dive apparel after each use. Sandals and Beaches Resorts fleet of dive boats are also running at a reduced capacity onboard to ensure that guests remain socially distant.
Those wanting to try their hand at scuba diving during their stay with Sandals and Beaches Resorts before committing to a certification course can choose to do the PADI Discover Scuba Diving (‘DSD’) resort experience. The three-hour programme is an introduction to dive and taught by the Sandals and Beaches’ PADI certified professionals, available for a nominal fee of $120 USD per person, and in most cases allows guests to enjoy one open water dive during their stay.
Throughout the pandemic, Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ dedicated Aqua Centre dive staff have received further training from PADI, ensuring that they are aligned with the necessary safety and security protocols required to keep guests safe throughout their stay, and exceeding dive industry standards in doing so.
As part of the Sandals and Beaches Resorts Luxury Included offering, guests can take advantage of daily scuba diving included for certified divers – including up to two one-tank dives or one two-tank dive per day except day before departure – to explore some of the best dive sites in the world, including everything from spectacular reefs and shipwrecks to drop-offs and underwater caves.
