Frequently Asked Questions
Is it customary to tip? If so, what is an appropriate amount of gratuity?
Your boat crew, dive guides, and instructors work in the 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 they 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.
What can I do to prevent seasickness?
We recommend Bonine. If you are extremely prone to seasickness, contact your physician to discuss prescription options. Additionally, avoid greasy foods and hydrate before diving.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation within 48 hours of the Dive Charter, Class, or Guided Dive will result in no refund. Of course, if MXP 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, the cancellation policy may vary by the activity booked or over holidays. Check your confirmation email for cancellation policies specific to your booking.
How do I finalize a reservation?
To book your dive, Maritime Expeditions 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 (courses), must be noted at the time of booking to ensure that all necessary preparations are made.
Charters:
How many divers go out on a boat?
At this time, charters are open to a maximum of 6 passengers plus crew. Capacity may be adjusted due to other factors including weather. Additional capacity options may be available for Whole Boat Charters.
Is a Dive Guide provided on boat charters?
An in-water Dive Guide is provided on charters, excluding Technical Dives. Dive Guides help divers navigate the briefed dive site 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.
What amenities can I expect on the charter boat?
The charter vessel comes fully stocked with filtered water, sodas, and snacks. You are more than welcome to bring your own “treats,” food, and/or drinks, but no alcohol, please. Refillable water bottles are encouraged!
Is hunting allowed onboard Marin or Aurelia?
Spearfishing is not allowed on most dives; however, Hawaiian slings shorter than five (5) feet may be used to spear the invasive Lionfish. The Hawaiian sling must have a protective end covering the spear tips. The protective tips must be on at all times when not immediately being used to hunt. This means only taking off the protective cover when you are ready to spear a fish, and then immediately covering it again after you secure the fish from the spear. 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.
What gear is required to dive aboard the vessel?
Each certified diver must have the following: mask, fins, snorkel, current BCD (no horse-collars, etc.), regulator with an alternate second stage, pressure gauge or air integrated computer, individual dive 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. The charter vessel provides a set of spare gear available for rent in the event of a missing or faulty piece of dive equipment.
What is the diving like in Mexico Beach/Port St. Joe and what are the trips like?
The charter vessel dives all of the famous wrecks and artificial reefs in the area, and even some secret spots only their captains know about! We have everything from the smallest creatures like snails to tropical fish, rays, eels, turtles, sharks, Goliath groupers, and even dolphins. You never know what you might see out there!
The average two-tank trip lasts about four to five hours from departure to arrival back at the marina. The time may vary due to the location of the site and weather.
Can I request a specific dive site?
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 to 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.
Is proof of certification required to dive?
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.
Training:
It's been years since I did my certification and I haven’t dived. What should I do?
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 dive sites.
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 Maritime Expeditions pros. The refresher can be tailored to the skills and concepts you would like to review.
The refresher course can be scheduled to include a guided tour. This is a great way to explore the dive destinations while brushing up on your scuba skills.
