PROGRAM EXPENSES
When applying to a Dive Mentor adventure or vocational program, it’s critically important to fully understand all of the potential costs involved. Our programs are inclusive of instruction, accommodation, on-trip meals, and activities from the time you arrive in country. Any additional expenses outside the program’s tuition are outlined below. Please click on any of the provided toggles.
Round-trip airfare to one of Dive Mentor’s program destinations is not included in the price of tuition. Nor do we cover taxis, buses, ferry rides, or any additional transportation required for you to arrive to the destination. Some programs will require internal flights, so please keep that in mind when you book your trip. Contact us if you require further information or assistance with your travel plans.
All program participants are required to have their own travel and dive insurance. We also strongly suggest you consider purchasing a plan that will also protect your tuition investment in case of cancelation or unforeseen events. We have excellent relationships with leading providers of insurance that can be provided to you at the time of your enrollment. For dive Insurance, we recommend becoming a DAN member. You may use referral code 2714283 at the time of purchase.
Due to the nature of the activities in Dive Mentor’s adventure programs, there may be gear you already own that you can bring with you. While this is not an extensive list, please keep these items in mind when budget for your program of choice.
For personal gear, we suggest the following:
- Hiking boots/ shoes
- Rain gear
- Shorts / Appropriate bathing suit
- Quick dry clothing / Active Wear
- Sun Hat / Sun protective clothing
- Sun glasses
- Jacket
- Sleeping Bag
- Overnight Bag & Toiletries
- Backpack
For all scuba programs, you will need a total dive system. This includes:
- Wetsuit appropriate to the diving location and your personal needs
- Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
- Weight Belt if your BDC is not integrated
- Mask, Snorkel, and Fins
- Signaling devices to include a Delayed Surface Marker Buoy and Whistle
- Line Knife
- Full regulator (first stage, primary, octopus, along with depth and pressure gauge in bar or PSI)
- Dive Compass
- Dive Computer (optional)
If you do not have your own total diving system, you may rent from us or purchase gear from one of our partners at a discount.
Additionally, you may need to purchase more program specific gear or items such as textbooks, science kits, et cetera.
Dive Mentor does not require students to have any specific vaccinations for travel. We do suggest getting in touch with your personal physician to discuss your program, a travel clinic, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for advice on any health precautions related to overseas travel. The CDC can be reached at +1-800-232-4636, or you can visit the CDC website for a complete list of health guidelines and recommendations.
This is a personal choice, but we suggest bringing $150-$300 USD in spending money for personal items, souvenirs, and other incidental expenses. We also recommend that you put aside an additional $50-$100 USD for travel expenses that may come up on your way to and from our program location (ie., baggage fees, taxes, visa stamps or customs fees, food while at the airport, et cetera).
All students must have a passport to travel on any Dive Mentor program. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the end date of your program, or you could be refused entry. US and Canadian citizens are able to get a visa for most of the countries we operate our programs in without any problem. If you are from a different country, or EU citizen, or if you have any questions about Visas, please reach out to the nearest Embassy or Consulate for the Country your Adventure Program takes place in. Additionally, to avoid having to pay additional fees, you should apply for your passport or visas early if required.
For all of our diving programs, Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver are included in the tuition cost. If you elect to take any other certifications during your program, additional fees may apply. Please contact us if you have any questions.
All of our programs are academic in nature, and you will be expected to complete many assignments. All diving courses may be eligible for credit, depending on the college or university you will be attending. The cost of the official transcript however, is not included in the tuition. If you require a transcript, an additional fee is required for this service. Contact us if you have questions about this process.