Grand Cayman - Know Before You Go

Week 1: July 9-16, 2011-  Week 2: July 16-23, 2011

KIDS SEA CAMP CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kids Sea Camp, Inc. Corporate Office
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Saturday/Sunday: Closed
(Office hours are Eastern Standard Time)

Address:
P.O. Box 291030
Columbia, SC 29229
USA

Phone: (803) 419-2556
Fax: (803) 699-8776
Email Kids Sea Camp!

COBALT COAST CONTACT INFORMATION:
(The Resort)

Address:
18 Sea Fan Drive
Grand Cayman, KY1-1401
Cayman Islands

Phone: (345) 946-5656
Fax: (345) 946-5657
Email the resort
www.cobaltcoast.com

DIVETECH CONTACT INFORMATION:
(The Dive Operator)

www.divetech.com
Phone: (345) 946-5658
Email Divetech


COMMUNICATIONS IN GRAND CAYMAN
We are so excited that you have decided to join Kids Sea Camp for this amazing family dive adventure. Grand Cayman is home to some of the best diving on the planet! As you prepare for you next family dive adventure, we extend you our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks! The enclosed information will assist you with planning your next Kids Sea Camp family vacation.

You can contact Kids Sea Camp Family Dive Adventure by email, phone or fax with any questions or concerns about this trip. We also hope to hear from you after the trip as well so that you can let us know what you family liked about the trip and also to let us know ways that we can make the trip better! Also be sure to sign up on our Facebook page so we can stay in touch.

While you are in Grand Cayman, your family and friends may contact you at the numbers listed above. If you need to stay connected, be sure to bring your laptop computer with a wireless card so you can access the FREE high speed Wi-Fi service.

It is important to notify Cobalt Coast directly of last minute changes concerning your airline arrival and departure times or any changes in your address and telephone numbers. Don’t forget to use your Kids Sea Camp luggage tags to help identify your luggage. If you are delayed getting to Grand Cayman, airport transfers can be arraged to get you to the resort (additional fees may apply).

If possible we recommend packing your dive computer, extra set of clothes, bathing suit, C-card, medication and toiletries (less than 3 oz.) in your carry-on, so that you are prepared with everything you may need for one day. Having these few items with you can make an unexpected luggage delay more bearable. Also, if you are taking camera equipment, we suggest you hand-carry it onto the plane to prevent any damage. 

PASSPORTS & DOCUMENTATION:
All Americans traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to exit or re-enter the United States.

All children are required to have a valid passport

All those entering the Cayman Islands who require a passport should ensure that the passport is valid for six months after date of return.

All Non-U.S. citizens should check with their consulate for up to date passport & visa requirements.

C-CARDS (proof of certification from your certifying agency):
Please bring your C-card or proof of certification. The Dive Master requires proof of certification before the first dive or any specialty dive. If you are a Nitrox certified diver (Enriched Air) be sure to bring that    C-card as well. 

WAIVERS & APPLICATION:
Each family will need to complete a family application form & terms and conditions form in order to confirm their booking. Any credit card payments must be sent in with a completed credit card authorization form. Please note that Family Dive Adventures cannot accept any credit card payments without this form completed. We do not accept American Express cards.

Each diver will also need to complete and remit liability forms and waivers prior to departing for your trip. These forms will need to be faxed or mailed back to us by no later than 60 days prior to travel. Forms can be found on the forms page of our website. Each participant will need to complete the PADI Waivers for their specific course or program along with the Divetech Waiver form.

Be sure to keep a copy of all forms for your records. We do our best to ensure that all documents and waivers reach the destination prior to your arrival, however we highly recommend bringing your copies with you in order to prevent any delays. If you have any questions about the forms, please call or email us and we will do our best to help.

Please note that a PADI Medical Statement and doctor’s signature is required for all courses.

INSURANCE:
Every effort is made to ensure that you have a safe trip. However, unforeseen circumstances can and do happen. We highly recommend that you have Dive Injury Insurance and we recommend that all customers purchase good travel insurance prior to departure. All payments to Kids Sea Camp are nonrefundable and travel insurance can save you a lot of money should you need to cancel. We recommend DAN Diver and DAN Trip Cancellation Insurance. Our referral number is 275458.

HEALTHCARE:
Grand Cayman has an excellent health care system and services. U.S. health insurance is not accepted. You will need to pay up front for any services received.

There are two hospitals on Grand Cayman and also one on Cayman Brac. There is a 24 hour ambulance service available by calling 911 or 555. There are also pharmacies and dental clinics available.

Before arriving, be sure to complete your PADI medical statement. If you (or your kids) answer “yes” to any of the questions, you will need to provide a physician’s note prior to participating in a program, which addresses that particular issue as well as their overall approval. This is extremely important and will help eliminate any unnecessary delays due to PADI standards concerning diving activities.

Parents must also complete an Emergency Treatment Release Form for all kids participating in Kids Sea Camp PADI programs. This will greatly assist us in getting your kids the help they need in case of a medical emergency.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE:
When you arrive on Grand Cayman, you will pass through Immigration. Once you are through, you will collect your luggage and pass through Customs.

Rental cars are available and can be arranged by Kids Sea Camp. If you have reserved a rental car with us for the week, your rental car is just across the street from the airport at Coconuts Car Rental. One family member should go collect the car and then come back to pick up the rest of the family and luggage. Just remember that driving is on the left in Grand Cayman. Driving Directions are included on the Travel Planner page for your reference.

If you are not renting a car, there will be a bus waiting for you at the airport. The bus driver will have your name on the list and on a piece of paper that he’ll be holding up for you to find him. Verify that you are coming to Cobalt Coast and attending Kids Sea Camp. He will bring you to the resort to start your fantatic family dive vacation!

Your pickup time to return to the airport is 3 hours before your plane departs. Your pick up time has been set based on the flight details you have given us. Dora will confirm your flight information with you at check in just to be sure everything is correct.

Please reconfirm your flight times 24-48 hours prior to departure and let us know immediately if there are any changes. Should you experience any unforseen delays or cancellations, you can call Kids Sea Camp or the resort directly and we’ll do our best to assist you.
 

THE RESORT:

Cobalt Coast Dive Resort in Grand Cayman is located on the NW shore of Boatswains Bay, just a few miles north of bustling Seven Mile Beach, near the Turtle Farm and in a secluded tranquil setting, with a spectacular view overlooking the inviting waters of the Caribbean.

Built in the style of a Caribbean Great House, the Resort has established a reputation for simple, clean, & laid back comfort. Cobalt Coast is a 2-3 star dive resort with accommodations that range from one and two bedroom suites to charming garden villas, and ocean view guest rooms. Each room includes Cable TV, Coffeemaker, direct-dial telephone with data port. One & Two bedroom and bathroom suites have separate living rooms with a Queen-size sleeper sofa. Garden villas are available with a fully equipped kitchen. All units feature a full bath with hairdryers.

On-site amenities includes a swimming pool, great shore diving, on-site dive shop and more! For more information, please visit the Resort section on our website.

DIVE OPERATOR:
Divetech is Grand Cayman’s full service resort for world-class diving, offering the best quality training available, both recreational and technical. Located on-site Divetech offers boat dives and unlimited shore diving throughout the week.

They also have 2 great shore diving locations, with reefs teaming with marine life - perfect dives to compliment your boat package and enjoy the marine world. Their shops at Turtle Reef and at Cobalt Coast have house reefs in the 30 - 60 feet range that are abundant with sponges and corals, fish and offer excellent night dives right off shore. Plus the deep wall, only 10 minutes offshore, offers a natural multi-level dive for those more adventurous.

Your package includes 2 boat dives daily. This will give you the chance to find out why Grand Cayman is known as the scuba diving capitol of the world. The entire family will get the chance to visit Stingray City on Friday. Kids of all ages love to play with the Sting rays at this great, shallow dive site - 12 feet of critters and fun!

Divetech offers courses from learn-to-dive through Advanced trimix, including many specialties. Over 30 courses available with many training agencies. Open circuit and closed circuit rebreather divers are welcomed, with a full range of support including knowledgeable Instructors on staff, equipment and all those little extras that you might need during the week. For more information, please visit the dive operator section of our website.

MEALS:
There are 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, & 5 dinners included in your Kids Sea Camp package. Each morning breakfast will be served buffet-style from 6:45 am to 8:30 am. Included: scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, fresh fuit, pancakes, french toast, cereals, coffee, juices and special orders are welcomed. Lunch and dinners are also served buffet-style. Lunch; 12:00 noon to 2:00pm. (always plenty of “kid friendly” food available. Dinner: 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Special orders are available. Please let us know if there are special dietery requirements and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Friday night dinner is not included in your package.

BEVERAGES:
Water, juices and coffee are included as part of your Kids Sea Camp package and will be available throughout the day. Sodas, smoothies and alcoholic beverages can be charged to your room throughout the week, but are not included.

GRATUITY:
We believe that tipping should be based on the service received and is completely optional. However, if you feel that the dive staff and hotel staff have done a great job taking care of you and your family throughout your stay, here are a few guidelines. You can pay this per day or all at the end of the week.

Dive Staff- $10-$20 per day per person
Bus Drivers- $5-$20 per way (usually based on the # of bags)
Hotel Staff- $5 -$20 per day per person

Again, this is completely up to you! We have always been extremely pleased with the service and know you will too!

DIVE GEAR:
Rental gear is included with all kid’s packages. This includes their BCD, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel, tanks and weights. If your kids need to rent a wetsuit, you can do that through Divetech at a minor additional cost. Adult rental gear is not included, but you can rent gear for the week if you’d like. Please fill out the Equipment Rental Request Form and send it back to us to request sizing. If you would like to request Nitrox, please indicate that on the form. You will be asked to show proof of certification if you wish to use Nitrox throughout the week.

The water temperature is such that a 3mm wet suit should be enough. Here is an example of the cost of the rental gear. This could vary slightly but should give you a general idea of the cost for the week. This will be paid to the dive shop directly once you arrive in Grand Cayman. Please note that these prices are subject to change and you should check Divetech’s website prior to traveling to get up to date pricing information.

BCD- $12 US per day
Regulator- $12 US per day
Wetsuit- $10 US per day
Fins- $3.75 US per day
Mask- $3.75 US per day

ENTERTAINMENT:
The week you spend in the Cayman Islands with Kids Sea Camp/Family Dive Adventures is chalked full of fun and surpises. There’s a “Pirate Night” with a DJ playing music. You are visited by a group of Pirates that play games and tell stories. There’s a bonfire, crab races and a “tug-of-war” that is always exciting and hilarious. Also one night during the week someone always gets out the guitar and everyone sings along. There’s marine painting for kids and adults. Digital photograghy, a visit to the Turtle farm, a night dive, and scooter dive, You will be talking about this week for years to come! All itineraries, schedules & package inclusions are subject to change.

SEALIFE CAMERAS:
The Cayman Island destination is sponsored by SeaLife Camera as our main event. SeaLife Rep and SCUBA Instructor, Fraser Purdon, will host photo clinics, slide shows and provide us with free use of top-of-the-line digital underwater cameras all week. He will also teach kids to edit and download pictures for the best possible results. SeaLife Cameras are included in the Seal Team program, Advanced Open Water and Digital Photography/Scooter programs. Adults- polish up your poetry skills for a chance to win a brand new SeaLfife Camera at the end of the week.


CHECK-OUT:
After a week of sun and fun we suggest that you start a “pre-checkout” friday night. Asking for an up-to-date bar and food tab from the week will allow you enough time to look it over, confer with family members and make sure it is correct. If any changes need to be made, this will allow plenty of time. Be sure to check under beds, in closets, and drawers for items that might have been stowed during the week. Saturday monings can be hectic but with a little planning you can enjoy a wonderful breakfast and take your time saying goodbye to all your old and new friends…… “can’t wait until next year”!



 

REMINDER: ALL US PASSPORTS MUST BE VALID FOR UP 6 SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO EXPIRATION DATE TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY. AIRLINES ARE ENFORCING THIS

All schedules, itineraries and package inclusions are subject to change.