Wondering how you can prepare for a boat cruise? Each of our tours looks similar, although the purpose may be different. You may choose a snorkeling, diving or whale watching tour. That’s why we’ve put together a quick guide on how to prepare for a boat cruise.
The ocean is beautiful and you have a unique opportunity to see it with your own eyes. At a PADI-accredited dive center, you can take not only diving courses, but also Uvita tours, which take place almost every day. However, you need to keep in mind a few rules that prevail in the ocean. First and foremost, we are just a guest there, and we must respect not only the rules of the national park, but also the laws of nature. Although we have good equipment and an experienced captain, we don’t deal the cards. We can’t make it stop raining or make the waves smaller. This may seem obvious, but it’s all the more reason to know how to prepare for a cruise.
Before you pack anything, remember that space on the boat is very limited. Therefore, it is a good idea to pack only the essentials. There is no need to bring your car or apartment keys, wallet with documents or all the clothes you own. Keep in mind that there is a possibility that everything will get wet, whether it is through rain or a larger wave that comes into the boat. Take with you only a small bag or backpack that will fit under the bench and is waterproof. You can find these types of bags in many stores. Also at our dive center.
It is important to know that we have a maximum allowable size of luggage that you can take with you on our boat tour. If it exceeds our standards, you will not be allowed to take it, no matter how important it is to you. But don’t worry, you will be able to deposit it at our office free of charge.
Don’t forget to bring your camera! During the boat tour, you’ll want to capture the moment you see the whales. Remember to keep an eye on your gear, though, as the ocean can be rough. The boat is moving fast and even bouncing off the waves, so make sure your camera doesn’t fall overboard. However, at this point, please note that we are not responsible for any damage or loss. Anything you take on board, you take at your own risk.
When choosing clothes, look for materials that dry quickly. Even if you don’t get in the water, you’ll probably still get a little wet. First, you’ll need to get on a boat that goes as close to the beach as possible. Then you can get wet from the waves while sitting on the boat. Shorts, a T-shirt and a rain jacket are the best choice. Costa Rica is warm, even in the rainy season, so you shouldn’t be cold. However, you should expect rain. In the rainy season, you never know how long it will rain. It could be a few minutes, or maybe half a day. Therefore, it is worth preparing for this eventuality as well.
The sun in Costa Rica is really strong and tans very quickly, so it’s a good idea to get a proven sunscreen. Choose a high sunscreen, at least 30, to avoid sunburn. After all, you don’t want to ruin your vacation by hiding in a hotel for the rest of your stay. Nowadays, there are organic sunscreen oils on sale, which we recommend instead of the usual ones. Such products are not harmful to marine animals. They work just as well, and we are confident that they will not harm fish or turtles. Ask for organic tanning oils in our store!
Snorkeling is a good idea for those who want to see what the waters of the Pacific are like, but don’t necessarily want to dive. Snorkeling gives you the opportunity to see marine life up close without having to bring a lot of equipment with you. All you will need is a mask, snorkel, fins and a buoyancy vest.
It is a good idea to take socks with you, because during intensive swimming your feet can get abrasions. A sock will further protect them, and in such socks you can also safely walk on the boat without fear of slipping. In our store we always have several pieces of neoprene socks for sale. If you are interested in them, please ask one of our staff.
At our center we provide all the equipment necessary for each participant. We will help you choose the right fins, tell you which mask will be the most comfortable and how to clean it while swimming. Additionally, for the entire duration of the trip, the group receives an experienced guide who enters the water with you. We want you to feel safe and know where to go to see as much as possible.
It’s also a good idea to take a camera on a snorkel trip. Any sports camera that can be easily attached to your wrist or head with accessories works well. However, you must remember that you are responsible for your equipment, so we advise that you practice swimming with such a camera in safe conditions beforehand.
If you’ve been wondering if you need a special course to swim with a tube, the answer is simple. Don’t. You do not need a course to go on this tour. Nevertheless, our guide will give you tips on how to behave on the boat, in the water and how to use the equipment you will be given. Remember that you will need to go ashore and board the boat. Sometimes the waves can make this difficult, so it is important to listen to your guide and follow his instructions.
If you wish to bring your snorkeling equipment, this is of course possible. Please inform our staff in advance and we will take this into account when making your reservation.
You can read more about snorkeling in Costa Rica here: the best places for snorkeling in Costa Rica.
Scuba diving is great, but you probably already guessed that. Our dive center will take you on a wonderful expedition to enjoy the underwater beauty of Costa Rica. Before you get on our boat, read some of the following tips.
To dive with us, you must have a current diving license or sign up for a trial dive with an instructor. There is no way you can dive alone, no matter how experienced you are. All trips are always accompanied by a guide. Dive groups are made up of clients who have signed up for the day. We try to adjust the level, but you must take into account that there may be people with less experience in the same dive group. If you are not comfortable with this, you can book a private boat. Dive sites are chosen by the guide after consultation with national park rangers. You have no influence on this decision.
Whether you have chosen a scuba diving course or a PADI Discover Scuba Diving, you are in for a great underwater adventure. Prior to your trip, you will receive training in the pool to familiarize yourself with the operation of your dive equipment.
In the package, along with the diving, we offer all the necessary equipment for diving. You will receive a mask with snorkel, wetsuit, fins, vest (BCD), regulator and other necessary equipment. If you have your own equipment, you can of course bring it with you. Please inform our staff about it and show it to them so that they can assess whether it is suitable for diving. If you are interested in purchasing equipment, our experienced instructors will be happy to help you choose something suitable.
When going on a scuba diving trip for the first time, don’t forget to bring the essentials. The most important is swimsuit, cap or hat and a towel. Regardless of the weather, sunglasses will also come in handy, and in the rainy season – a rain jacket.
As this is a pre-booked tour, there is no need to bring any documents with you. Documents, keys and valuables should be deposited in the office. Remember that any jewelry, such as earrings, chains, or rings, can easily be lost while operating snorkeling or diving equipment. We also advise you to deposit it in the office.
As part of the tour package, whether it is a course or a tour, each of our clients receives drinks and snacks. Therefore, there is no need to take anything with you. We only recommend that you eat a light breakfast in advance and take a seasickness pill if necessary.
We provide all of our services in a fully professional manner and we are a legitimate company with our clients’ best interests at heart. However, we must make it clear that we are moving into a higher risk area, which is undoubtedly the ocean. During the boat tour we can’t predict everything and prevent everything. Therefore, we are not responsible for any material loss resulting from the tour. Anything you take on board, you take at your own risk.
Going on a boat tour, especially for the first time, can be very exciting. However, to make sure everything goes in a smooth way, we need your help. You need to know the rules of the boat and prepare yourself according to our guidelines. Our staff will be happy to give you advice and answer all your doubts. You can call or write to us. Pura vida.
Do you have a good insurance?
Accidents can happen even in paradise and that sucks. That’s why it’s so important to have good insurance to keep you covered under and above the water.
