faq
common questions & answers about diving in the bahamas
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about diving with Only Blue Diving in San Salvador, Bahamas
Location & Hours
Where is Only Blue Diving located?
The diving center is located at the dock level at Club Med Columbus Isle, San Salvador Island, Bahamas, directly under the restaurant La Pinta.
What are your opening hours?
Our office is open daily from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. For diving bookings, our team is also available at the main bar on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:45 PM to 7:30 PM.
How do I get to the dive sites?
Depending on weather conditions, we depart either by boat directly from the Club Med dock, or by bus to the Government Marina (5 minutes away) and then by boat to the dive sites.
Booking & Registration
How do I book dives or courses?
Visit us at the diving office during our opening hours (8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) the day before you want to dive to register. If necessary, you can also schedule an appointment with the dive doctor at this time.
What if I didn't register before 5:00 PM?
No problem! You can still book for the next day by visiting us at the main bar on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:45 PM to 7:30 PM.
When is the dive doctor available?
The dive doctor's schedule is posted at the dive office. Please check there for current availability. It is free of charge.
Scuba Diving
What certifications do you offer?
We offer PADI and IANTD courses, from beginner to advanced levels, including:
- PADI Open Water Diver
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
- Peak Performance Buoyancy
- Technical diving courses (up to 60 meters with decompression)
We also offer specialized conservation courses:
- PADI Coral Reef Conservation
- PADI Sea Turtle Awareness
- PADI AWARE Shark Conservation
- PADI Dive Against Debris
Can I start my course before I arrive?
Yes! You can begin your PADI eLearning online at your own pace before you arrive. This allows you to complete the theoretical portion at home and maximize your water time with us.
Can I try diving before committing to a course?
Absolutely! We offer free diving initiations every day between 2:45 PM and 4:00 PM at the Club Med pool. Come try it "just to see" if diving is for you!
What kind of diving does San Salvador offer?
San Salvador Island features an open lagoon with a magnificent coral plateau, followed by a vertical wall down to 35 meters and a steep slope extending beyond 100 meters. You'll find caves, faults, chimneys, and tunnels creating exceptional underwater variety. We offer both dives with return to the boat and drift dives along the sheltered western side of the island.
Do you offer technical diving?
Yes! Our technical diving program allows experienced divers to dive with two tanks and decompression to depths of 55 meters.
Snorkeling
Do you offer snorkeling trips?
Yes! We take guests daily by boat to admire beautiful coral reefs and a shipwreck. We provide all equipment (fins, mask, and snorkel) for 30 minutes sessions in the turquoise waters. Visit the Dive Center for more details and to book. It is included in your package. In case, you would like a private tour, come to the office for special request.
What are the snorkeling sites and schedule?
We visit different sites throughout the week (subject to weather conditions):
Afternoon (PM) Sites:
- Monday: Staghorn
- Tuesday: Hamlet Holes
- Wednesday: Natural Bridges
- Thursday: Hamlet Holes
- Friday: Natural Bridges
- Saturday: Hamlet Holes
- Sunday: Split-reef
Safety & Facilities
Is there a hyperbaric chamber on the island?
Yes, San Salvador has an on-site hyperbaric chamber for diver safety. Operators and technicians are well trained to make sure everyone feels safe.
What makes Only Blue unique?
We are the only dive operator on San Salvador Island, which means you'll never compete with multiple boats for dive sites. Our remote location keeps the reefs pristine, with visibility regularly reaching 200 feet. We dive in a protected marine reserve where the underwater environment remains as spectacular as it was decades ago.
Conservation & Sustainability
Is Only Blue involved in marine conservation?
Yes, we're deeply committed to ocean conservation! We partner with the Perry Institute for Marine Science and participate in the Compete Caribbean program. We maintain several coral farms and are actively involved in coral restoration. We also operate zero-plastic boats and offer numerous conservation-focused specialty courses to educate divers about protecting marine ecosystems.
Contact Information
How can I reach Only Blue Diving?
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.onlyblue-diving.com
Location: Club Med Columbus Isle, San Salvador Island, Bahamas
Address: C/o Club Med Columbus Isle, Cockburn Town, Bahamas
How do I get to San Salvador Island?
Most visitors fly into Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport, then connect to San Salvador via a short domestic flight. While it requires an extra connection, this helps keep San Salvador pristine and uncrowded.
Planning Your Trip
When is the best time to dive in the Bahamas?
San Salvador offers excellent diving year-round! However:
- Mid-November through April: Best visibility, great marine life encounters, and pleasant weather
- December through March: Peak season for shark encounters, including hammerheads
- May, June, and late October: Fewer crowds while still maintaining good conditions
Note that hurricane season runs from June to November, with peak risk in August and September. Winter water temperatures can dip to 22-24°C (72-75°F), so pack an appropriate wetsuit.
Why choose San Salvador over other Bahamas islands?
As the only dive operator on the island, you'll experience uncrowded dive sites, pristine reefs in a protected marine reserve, and exceptional visibility. The extra travel time to reach this remote location is worth it for the untouched underwater paradise that awaits.
Additional Information
Can I combine diving with accommodation?
Yes! Club Med Columbus Isle offers all-inclusive packages that combine accommodation, meals, and diving for a seamless vacation experience.
Do you welcome reviews?
Absolutely! Your feedback helps us and future divers. Please leave us a review on TripAdvisor and Google after your visit.
Ready to Explore the Underwater Wonders of the Bahamas?
Visit us at the dive center or contact us to start planning your perfect diving adventure!
Contact Us Today