Scuba Diving FAQ
Everything you need to know before your Bali scuba diving adventure from certification requirements and equipment to safety, dive sites, and what to expect on your trip.
What dive sites do you visit?
At Slack Tides Divers, we explore some of Bali's most stunning dive sites, including Nusa Penida, Tulamben, and Amed. Each location offers unique underwater experiences, from vibrant coral reefs to historical shipwrecks. Join us for an unforgettable adventure!
Do I need to be a certified diver?
Yes, our trips are designed for certified divers. If you're not certified yet, we recommend taking a course with us or another reputable agency before joining our dives to ensure safety and enjoyment.
What is included in the dive package?
Our dive packages include transportation from your hotel, rental equipment, refreshments, and the expertise of our experienced guides. We take care of all the details so you can focus on enjoying your diving adventure.
How many divers per group?
We prioritize quality over quantity. Our groups are kept small, typically with a maximum of 4 divers per guide, ensuring a personalized and safe diving experience for everyone.
AGREEMENT & CERTIFICATION
FOREWORD
At Slack Tides Divers, we are committed to making your booking experience smooth, professional, and hassle-free. Our goal is to deliver exceptional service and create safe, memorable, and enjoyable diving experiences throughout Bali.
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While we strive to ensure every trip runs according to plan, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise. To provide transparency and protect both our Guests and our team, we have outlined the following Terms & Conditions of Sale (T&Cs).
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By booking any activity, course, or dive trip with Slack Tides Divers, hereafter referred to as the "Guest(s)," you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and unconditionally agree to these Terms & Conditions of Sale. Furthermore, all Guests accept and endorse the following statements without reservation.
PROOF OF CERTIFICATIONS
All certified divers must present a valid scuba diving certification card (physical or digital) during check-in at Slack Tides Divers before participating in any certified diving activity.
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Failure to provide proof of certification may prevent you from joining the booked dive program and does not constitute grounds for a refund.
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To participate in certified scuba diving activities, Guests must hold a valid certification issued by a recognized training agency, including but not limited to PADI, SSI, RAID, CMAS, BSAC, or an equivalent internationally recognized organization. If you are unsure whether your certification is accepted, please contact Slack Tides Divers prior to booking.
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It is the Guest's responsibility to ensure they possess the appropriate certification level for the planned dives and to provide proof of certification before participating in any scuba diving activity.
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These requirements do not apply to entry-level training programs, such as Open Water Diver Courses, where participants are learning to dive under instructor supervision, or to introductory experiences specifically designed for non-certified participants, such as Basic Diver or Discover Scuba Diving programs.
GUEST AGREEMENT AND CERTIFICATIONS
I hereby certify and acknowledge that I understand my participation in any scuba diving and/or snorkelling activity organised and conducted by Slack Tides Divers is conditional upon my confirmation that I am physically fit to participate in these activities. I further confirm that I have received, or will receive, the appropriate training required for snorkelling and/or scuba diving, that I fully understand the inherent risks associated with these activities, including travel by boat and the unpredictable forces of nature, and that I voluntarily accept and assume all such risks.
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As a condition of participating in activities provided by Slack Tides Divers, I release and discharge Slack Tides Divers, its owners, directors, employees, instructors, divemasters, boat crew, agents, affiliates, and representatives from any and all liability for injury, illness, death, loss, damage, or expense arising from or related to my participation in diving, snorkelling, boat travel, or the use of diving equipment, vessels, vehicles, or any other facilities, except where such liability cannot legally be excluded.
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I understand that the remote nature of certain dive destinations in Bali, local customs, sea conditions, weather, tides, or unforeseen operational circumstances may require modifications to planned itineraries or activities. Slack Tides Divers reserves the right to alter, postpone, substitute, or cancel any dive, snorkelling trip, or related activity at any time when necessary for safety, operational, or technical reasons.
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I also agree to reimburse Slack Tides Divers for the full current replacement value of any equipment or property that is lost or damaged as a result of my negligence, misuse, or intentional misconduct, excluding reasonable wear and tear resulting from normal use.
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Furthermore, I agree to follow all safety procedures, dive briefings, instructions, and reasonable regulations provided by Slack Tides Divers and its staff throughout the duration of my activities. I understand that failure to comply with these instructions may result in my participation being suspended or terminated without refund if my behaviour is considered unsafe to myself or others.
By participating in any activity with Slack Tides Divers, I confirm that I have carefully read, fully understood, and voluntarily accepted this Agreement & Certification, together with the accompanying Terms & Conditions of Sale.
TERM AND CONDITIONS
PAYMENT POLICY
IN PERSON BOOKING
Full payment, by cash or card, is required before participating in any activity. Bookings are considered confirmed and seats are reserved only after full payment has been received.
ONLINE BOOKING
To secure your booking and reserve your seat(s), full payment must be received no later than 48 hours before the scheduled start of your activity.
If payment is not received within the required timeframe, Slack Tides Divers reserves the right to cancel the reservation and release the reserved spaces without prior notice.
Slack Tides Divers also reserves the right to postpone, reschedule, suspend, or cancel any dive trip, course, or service, and to withhold certification until all outstanding payments have been received in full.
DIVING COURSES
For Diving Courses, a 30% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm enrollment. The remaining balance must be paid before the course begins unless otherwise agreed in writing.
ADVANCE SAVER BOOKING
Bookings paid in full 60 days or more before the activity date qualify for an additional 5% Early Bird Discount.
DISCOUNT POLICY
Unless otherwise stated, promotional discounts may be combined up to a maximum of 20% off the standard published price.
REFUND POLICY
All cancellation requests must be submitted during office hours through one of the following methods:
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By email.
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Via the official Slack Tides Divers WhatsApp number.
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In person at the Slack Tides Divers office.
Cancellation requests submitted through other channels will not be considered valid. All cancellations remain subject to approval by Slack Tides Divers.
Special cancellation conditions apply to Early Bird and Group Bookings.
STANDARD BOOKING
(Standard bookings are bookings that do not qualify as Advance Booking or Group bookings.)
MORE THAN 36 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE
Guests may request either:
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Rescheduling of their booking (subject to availability), or
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A refund.
Where approved, rescheduled activities must be completed within 30 days of the original booking date unless otherwise agreed.
Approved refunds will be issued after deducting:
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Any non-refundable third-party fees (including, but not limited to, certification agency fees).
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An administration fee of IDR 250,000.
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Any applicable bank transfer or payment processing charges.
LESS THAN 36 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE
Cancellations received within 36 hours of the scheduled activity are non-refundable.
ADVANCE SAVER BOOKING
An Advance Saver Booking is any booking paid in full 60 days or more before the activity date and receiving the applicable Advance Saver discount.
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More than 30 days before departure
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Eligible for a refund less:
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Third-party non-refundable fees.
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IDR 500,000 administration fee.
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Bank transfer and payment processing fees.
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Between 30 days and 36 hours before departure
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Guests are eligible for a 50% refund of the total booking value, less:​
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Third-party non-refundable fees.
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Applicable bank transfer and payment processing fees.
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Less than 36 hours before departure
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No refund will be issued.
GROUP BOOKINGS
A Group Booking consists of four (4) or more Guests participating in the "same activity" and qualifying for the applicable Group Discount.
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More than 7 days before departure
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Eligible for a refund less:
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Third-party non-refundable fees.
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IDR 500,000 administration fee.
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Bank transfer and payment processing fees.
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Between 7 days and 36 hours before departure
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Guests are eligible for a 50% refund of the total booking value, less:
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Third-party non-refundable fees.
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Applicable bank transfer and payment processing fees.
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Less than 36 hours before departure
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No refund will be issued.
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If a booking qualifies for both Advance Saver and Group discounts, the Advance Saver Cancellation Policy will apply.
REFUND PROCESSING
Cash payments may be refunded in cash where applicable.
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Payments made by credit card, bank transfer, or other electronic payment methods will be refunded via bank transfer or the original payment method where possible. Refunds are generally processed within 30 days after the cancellation has been approved by Slack Tides Divers.
UNUSED SERVICES AND NO SHOWS
No refunds or credits will be issued for:
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Failure to arrive at the scheduled meeting time.
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Failure to attend a booked activity.
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Activities voluntarily abandoned after commencement.
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Any unused portion of a booked package.
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Guests who do not complete a dive course due to illness, insufficient performance, personal choice, or any circumstance within their control may incur additional fees to complete the remaining course requirements at a later date.
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Additional charges may include, but are not limited to:
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Instructor or Divemaster fees
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Boat and dive fees
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Equipment rental
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Certification processing fees
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Transportation costs
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Training materials
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Administrative costs
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If a Guest chooses not to complete the course immediately, Slack Tides Divers may issue a referral document (where permitted by the training agency). Referral documents are generally valid for six (6) months from the date of the last completed training session, subject to the standards and policies of the applicable certification agency.
INSURANCE AND LIABILITY
Insurance Requirements
Slack Tides Divers strongly recommends that all Guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, accidents, personal liability, baggage, trip cancellation, and travel interruptions.
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All certified divers must have valid scuba diving insurance that covers recreational scuba diving activities for the duration of their trip.
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Guests are solely responsible for arranging adequate insurance before participating in any activity. Failure to obtain appropriate insurance does not make Slack Tides Divers liable for any financial loss, injury, property damage, or other claims arising from participation in our activities.
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We recommend Dive Alert Network (DAN) or another reputable dive insurance provider.
Liability
Scuba diving, snorkeling, and boat travel involve inherent risks. By participating in activities with Slack Tides Divers, Guests acknowledge and voluntarily accept these risks.
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To the fullest extent permitted by law, Slack Tides Divers, its owners, employees, instructors, divemasters, boat crew, and partners shall not be held liable for personal injury, illness, death, loss, damage to personal belongings, delays, or additional expenses arising from participation in our activities, except where liability cannot legally be excluded.
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Guests are responsible for the care of their personal belongings, including cameras, dive computers, mobile phones, passports, and other valuables.
Medical & Fitness
Guests must complete a medical questionnaire before participating in any diving activity.
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If you have a medical condition, recent illness, injury, surgery, or are taking medication that may affect your ability to dive safely, you must inform Slack Tides Divers before your activity. We may require written medical clearance from a qualified diving physician before allowing participation.
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Slack Tides Divers reserves the right to refuse participation if a Guest's medical condition may compromise their own safety or the safety of others.
Force Majeure
The safety of our Guests and crew is our highest priority.
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Slack Tides Divers reserves the right to postpone, modify, or cancel any activity due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to adverse weather, rough sea conditions, natural disasters, government restrictions, mechanical failures, or other unforeseen events.
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Refunds for cancellations caused by Force Majeure will be handled in accordance with our Cancellation Policy.
Service Modifications
Slack Tides Divers may modify dive sites, itineraries, schedules, departure times, or activities without prior notice when required for safety, weather, operational, or environmental reasons.
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Guests who fail to follow dive safety procedures, marine park regulations, staff instructions, or who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be refused participation without refund.
Responsibility
Slack Tides Divers may use trusted third-party providers for transportation, accommodation, or other services. While we carefully select our partners, we are not responsible for services provided by third parties.
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Any complaints regarding services provided directly by Slack Tides Divers must be submitted in writing within 7 days of the activity date to allow us the opportunity to investigate and resolve the matter promptly.
COMPLAINTS AND OTHER TERMS
Complaints
At Slack Tides Divers, we are committed to providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable diving experiences. If you enjoyed your trip, we'd love for you to share your experience. If you are dissatisfied in any way, please let us know first so we have the opportunity to resolve the issue.
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We value all feedback and view complaints as an opportunity to improve our services.
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If you experience a problem during your activity, please:
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Inform your instructor, divemaster, boat crew, or trip leader immediately.
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Clearly explain the issue so our team can resolve it as quickly as possible.
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If the matter cannot be resolved on-site, please ask to speak with a member of our management team.
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If you remain dissatisfied, please submit your complaint in writing within 7 days of the activity, including relevant details such as dates, booking reference, and a description of the issue. We will investigate your concerns fairly and respond as soon as reasonably possible.
Other Terms & Conditions
Slack Tides Divers guarantees the number of dives included in your booking. However, dive sites, departure times, schedules, boat assignments, and marine life sightings are subject to weather, sea conditions, safety considerations, and operational requirements. Marine life encounters, including manta rays, mola mola, turtles, reef sharks, whale sharks, and other species, can never be guaranteed.
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Guests are responsible for ensuring that all personal information and booking details provided are accurate. Any changes should be communicated to Slack Tides Divers as soon as possible. We are not responsible for issues arising from incorrect information or failure to follow booking instructions.
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All published prices include applicable taxes unless otherwise stated. Prices may change without prior notice and are only guaranteed once full payment has been received and the booking has been confirmed.
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Guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all prerequisites for the activities they book, including certification requirements, medical fitness, and recommended no-fly intervals after diving. Slack Tides Divers cannot accept responsibility for bookings made that do not meet these requirements.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information published on our website and promotional materials, occasional errors may occur. If a pricing or booking error is identified, we reserve the right to correct the information or, where necessary, cancel the booking and provide a full refund of any payments received.
