FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Ocean's Edge is committed to responsible travel on all of their expeditions.

Airfare

At this point, we do not book airfare for our clients, preferring to allow them the option of finding their own best way to our destinations. All of our trips are priced excluding airfare.

Cancellation Policies

Cancellation Policies vary from trip to trip depending on the amount of advance notice we require to book our trips. Please read the cancellation policies supplied for each individual trip on it's respective pages. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop us an e-mail and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Dive and Travel Insurance

We recommend all of our dive guests arrange for their own dive insurance and travel insurance. For dive insurance, we have links to DAN on our links page.

Travel insurance is optional and a choice.  Some travelers purchase it, in case, for some reason, you must cancel your visit at the last moment. In such a case, travel insurance would prevent the loss of your deposit. 

What travel documents do I need?

A valid passport is the most reliable documentation to travel with.  The passport must also be valid for 6 months beyond the completion of your trip.

How should I pack?

For most warm country travel, casual wear is fine! A cap or hat, sunglasses, shorts, tops, shirts, loose fitting pants, sundresses, swim suit and cover-up, sandals and good walking or hiking shoes are all good to have.  You will want a light jacket or sweater for evenings that can sometimes turn cool - especially if you've gotten too much sun!  You may want to bring light rain gear and you'll want to pack plenty of sunscreen and moisturizing lotion. 

You may want to consider "water shoes" depending on the water activities you'll be participating in, and don't forget to bring plenty of film! If you have prescriptions, pack those in your carry-on, and bring a refill prescription if you can.

You will also need bug repellant for the “no see-ums” that come out at dawn and dusk, as well as anti-itch medication.

What time of year is best to travel to the Caribbean?

• High Season: Mid-December through to the end of April.
• Peak Seasons: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and the Spring Break months of March and April, trips should be reserved in advance.
• Low Season: Mid-May through to August, however summer is still a great time to visit the destinations as rates are lower and the beaches and restaurants are not as crowded.
• Dry Season: Late November through April
• Hot, Humid Season: June through to July are very hot and humid, but most resorts have air conditioned rooms.
• Wet Season: August through to October can be exceptionally wet, however rain or clear skies can occur at any time during the year. Rainstorms often pass quickly and there is sunshine on most days during the year.
• Hurricane Season: May occur August through October, but historically,the most likely time is during early September.
• Average air temperatures in coastal areas range from 72º to 86º F. The warm coastal water temperatures stay between 68º and 74º F.

Do I need to take malaria pills or vaccinations?

Only in the event that you will be traveling in remote jungle areas, or in the rainforest, otherwise no medication or vaccinations are necessary. For anyone with health risks, hepatitis A & B vaccinations are recommended along with any other shots your doctor advises.

Can I drink the water?

Water quality in most Caribbean countries is excellent and can be consumed from the tap. If you’re not sure and prone to health issues, buy bottled water.

Should I bring money with an all-inclusive package?

We recommend that you do; you may want to pay for a taxi or dine in a local restaurant. Shopping at your resort or in the area may be of interest to you. If you run short on cash, many of the resorts will have a currency exchange office.

Do most islands charge a departure tax?

Yes. Departure taxes range from US $10.00 pp to over $20.00 pp - and some islands only accept cash. Many pre-paid packages include the departure taxes.  We've included the cost of departure taxes under our rates for each destination.

How much do I tip?

Some tips are included in the bill, but standard is around 15% of the total depending on the destination.  Tipping is optional and is based on the satisfaction of the services.

Do all places accept US currency?

Most Caribbean resorts accept US currency with the exchange being 1 US dollar equals 2 Caribbean dollars.  Depending where you are visiting, you may need to change your money for that particular country.

How do I confirm my reservations?

To confirm reservations, check each individual trip that is offered, as procedures change from one destination to another.  Generally, all resorts accept Visa or Master Card and a full deposit for a one week stay or less. 50% deposit is required for more than a one week stay; the (50%) balance would be due on the day of arrival. You can email, fax or telephone your credit card information to the office.  *Please refer the cancellation policy at the side menu.

What is the transportation on most islands?

Taxis, Car, Bus, Bicycle and/or walking.

SAILING EXCURSIONS Frequently Asked Questions 

Should I bring special medication?

Yes, you should bring any special medication that you require.  There are pharmacies on the islands but your particular prescription may be difficult to obtain. Most yachts do carry a basic medical kit.

Will I get sea sick?

Some clients do suffer from sea sickness. If you are susceptible to motion sickness we recommend you bring over the counter medication with you and once you get your ‘sea legs’ you will be fine.

What should I bring?

Bring soft luggage that can be stored in your stateroom.  Bring light, casual clothes, cotton pants, shorts, t-shirts, sun dress, swimsuit and cover up, a light jacket or sweater for the cool nights, rain gear and water socks, sneakers and tevas.  Bring a cap or hat and sunglasses.  Most of the yachts are "no shoes" boats, so please don't go buying some expensive pair of yachting shoes.  Remember that you will also go offshore at times to visit the local areas, so dress appropriately.

Bring plenty of film for your camera and maybe some spare batteries as well. Many guests bring their own video cameras and it's fun watching the footage at the end of the day!

You may want to bring an iPod with you, or reading material for those times you may want to “hang” by yourself.

What type of sunscreen should I bring?

Modern day sunscreens are very effective. You should come well stocked up. Please try to bring PABA free lotion as lotions that contain PABA stains the decks and so do oils.

Will there be telephone and/or internet access?

Most of the yachts have a phone and even internet access. So, if you need to keep in touch with your family or business, please let them know that you will call them on the first day and give them your personal number aboard the yacht.

What is the policy for tipping?

Yachts are not unlike a small hotel or restaurant and gratuities are very much appreciated. If you are pleased with their service, then the usual guideline for a tip is 15% to 20% of the charter fee, which is shared equally amongst your crew.  Please remember that they are your chef, bartender, waiter, and tour guide and boat keeper.  The best way to handle gratuity is to place the amount in an envelope addressed to the captain and either hand it directly to the captain or leave on the table on your departure.

If yu have any questions we have not answered here, contact us