frequently asked questions

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the activities that we offer. If there is something that you want an answer to but can't find the information, then please contact us and we will do our best to answer you.

04-05-2010 - IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT TRAVELLING IN THAILAND

I am sure that you have all heard the many stories about the unrest in Thailand at the moment. I would like to make clear that in my opinion the news is somewhat exaggerated. There has been trouble in Bangkok but in specific areas and certainly not targeted against tourists.

The areas of Thailand such as Samui are totally unaffected and transfering through Bangkok airport to Samui is perfectly safe. If you would like any advice on travelling to Thailand then please feel free to contact us for the latest news on the ground so to speak.

Arrival Questions

Q. I have looked at the start dates for the camps and can only get a flight that arrives before the camp start date. Is this ok?

A. Don't worry about arriving early. We encourage you to arrive a few days early to settle in and meet the teams of people who will be looking after you. We can always arrange activities for you if you arrive well in advance of the your camp start date.

Q. Do I have to get a taxi to my hotel when I arrive in Koh Samui?

A. Of course not! We personally greet every guest at the airport and deliver you to your hotel.

Travelling around Koh Samui

Q. What's the best way to get around the island?

A. The best way to travel around Samui is using a car or minibus. Motorcycles are available for little money but the accident rate is horendous so we strongly advise against anything with 2 wheels!

Q. Can you arrange car hire? I've heard nightmare stories about hire car safety; are rental cars in Samui safe?

A. We can arrange car hire if required for you. Car hire is not expensive in Thailand compared with European prices for example. A new 5 door saloon car with air con will cost you around 1500 BHT per day inclusive opf insurance and all taxes. Cheaper 4x4 Suzuki jeeps are also available at around 800 BHT per day. There are a number of car rental companies that rent unsafe vehicles but we only source cars from proven, reputable rental companies. All cars come with full insurance.

We will provide minibuses to transport people to and from diving and other activities during the week. The minibuses will have regular pickups at the designated hotels and will have a number of different drop-off points. Parents are welcome to use the minibuses if going in the desired direction.

Diving Related questions

Q. What is Kids Scuba Camp?

The kids scuba camp is an activity based holiday for children aged 8-18 although as you will see on our website we can take 4+ kids snorkelling in the sea. The camp incorporates diving activities along with other non-diving activities such as sailing, kite-boarding and many more.

Q. What makes Kids Scuba Camp different from any other Camp or Ocean Oriented program?

A. Kids Scuba Camp is not just a camp. It's a family vacation, for mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunts and uncles. Kids Scuba Camp is an event that is hosted and personalized for your children. Kids Scuba Camp is different because it incorporates education of marine life, our environment, and our planet. Kids Scuba Camp is a PADI event and incorporates PADI programs in every week, such as SASY, SEAL TEAM and Jr. Certification. Kids Scuba Camp is sponsored by PADI Diving Society and is hosted at a PADI facility. Kids Scuba Camp offers a variety of activities for children ages 4-15 and provides time together and time apart for families. Kids Scuba Camp is not daycare or a kidsitting service. It is a full-scale marine adventure for your kids.

Q. What is "Project Aware" all about?

A. Click here to visit projectaware.org.

Q. What is Seal Team?

A. Scuba Diving in a shallow enclosed body of water for kids age 8 and up.

Q. What is the SASY program all about?

A. Snorkeling with scuba for kids age 4 and up. We take the nippers to explore the coral reefs from above.

Q. How many days is the camp?

A. 7 nights 6 days. Arrival is on Saturday. The first day of camp is Sunday and the last day of camp is the following Friday with departure on Saturday.

Q. What's included?

A. All diving equipment such as tank, weights and belts for adult divers. Airport Transfers.

Q. What's not included?

A. Departure tax, dive staff or camp staff tips, evening meals, rental gear on adult dive packages and airfare.

Q. Do I need to buy or rent a wetsuit and fins for my child? Can I rent equipment at Kids Scuba Camp?

A. All the kids gear is included. You don't have to bring anything.
Rentals are available, but not necessary.

Q. Can I stay at another property and have my child attend the camp?

A. Yes, this is possible. Most participants stay at the host resort that we use here in Samui. This provides a safe, easy, fun and secure vacation for your child. However if you wish to stay at accommodation of your choice then we can collect children in the morning for diving activities. Please let us know if you wish to do this to enable us to plan logistics.

Q. Are passports required?

A. Passports are required when entering Thailand. Thai customs will automatically stamp your passport with a four week tourist visa.

Q. Our teen is booked as a teen diver as you recommended. I just wanted to make sure its okay for him/her to dive with the adults. My teen is pretty sure he wants to dive with us rather than the teen boat. He may also want to participate in some of the other teen activities however when not diving. Is this okay?

A. Yes, your teen can dive as he wishes. We want all the kids to be happy. They do not have to attend each day or go on separate boats. This is only as they wish.

Q. Should I get trip insurance?

A. Absolutely, I recommend this! We would recommend that all diving participants have insurance that covers them for diving. If you have any questions regarding this then please ask us for advice. We can arrange full cover if required.

Q. What does my child need to bring?

A. We provide all gear for the kids, so you should plan on bringing sun block, bathing suits, and hats. Please let us know if there is a birthday happening so we can make a special event of it.

Q. Is there other aftercare or kid sitting available if parents need it?

A. Yes. The kids get to know the camp staff and feel very comfortable. They will make themselves available at a fee for extra hours. (if asked nicely!)

Q. What form of payment do you accept?

A. All Major credit cards, cash or bank transfers. We do charge a 3% surcharge on credit card payments.

Q. Our family tries to eat a lean healthy diet. Do you know if soy milk/tofu and other health foods are available on the island?

A. Yes these things are available to you.

Q. Can I book Kids Sea Camp through my travel agent or dive shop also?

A. No. At present we arrange scuba camps using the Internet and specific targeted marketing. We plan to market the camps using agents soon.

Q. What is PADI Seal Team?

A. Seal Team is a PADI program that introduces kids to diving by taking them underwater in pools, maximum depth is 4 meters. Each meeting is called a Seal Team Mission, and they will learn the skills of the first confined session of the open water course, along with some underwater activities. The main emphasis is on having fun!