Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I enter the water from a boat while wearing my dive equipment?
A: After donning your dive equipment from the conveniently located gear boxes, you sit on a bench to put on your tank and BC. From there, you walk to the edge for a six foot (2m) jump into the water or descend a short ladder to the dive platform on the back of the boat from which any standard pool-side water entry is easy.

Q: Does the Sea Dragon visit only the northern Exuma Cays?
A: Visits to Conception Island are also available, with boardings and departures at Georgetown. Conception Island is a remote, isolated area in the southern Bahamas that affords spectacular walls with tunnels and undercuts, with lots of larger fish and far fewer shallow reef dives. It is visited infrequently and thus remains extremely unspoiled. Contact the boat to choose whether to fly to Georgetown or to Nassau.

Q: What entertainment options are available on the boat?
A: The salon features a library with fiction and a load of fish identification books. Additionally, a VCR and television can be used to view movies (bring them!), and two different stereos play music from the collection of hundreds of CDs on the boat.

Q: When should I arrive in the Bahamas?
A: You should board the boat around 8 pm but you can drop off your gear earlier. Please arrive before midnight unless prior arrangements have been made.

Q: How rough is riding on the ocean?
A: The Sea Dragon pioneered the use of "flopper stoppers", a stabilizing system that provides a remarkably smooth ride. Most guests experience little, if any, seasickness, and then only the three hour crossing from Nassau to the cays (and return crossing).

Q: Where does the Sea Dragon dock?
A: The boat docks at the Nassau Harbor Club.

Q: What is the water temperature? Will I need a wet suit?
A: Here is a chart of the average water temperatures:

Month	Temp Range
April	74F-75F   23C
May	75F-77F   24C
June	78F-80F   26C
July	80F-82F   27C
August	81F-83F   28C
September	80F-82F   27C
October	78F-80F   26C
November	77F-79F   26C

Quarter inch (6mm) wetsuits are too thick for most people in the warmer waters (above 79F, 26C). During April and May, consider a single piece 3/16 (5mm) full body suit. During June through october, most people wear a "shorty" 3/16 (5mm) - the Polartec style is very popular. Wetsuits mostly keep you from getting scratched. Hoods and gloves are not required.

Q: What is the best time of year for diving?
A: We only go during the best times

Q: What type of dives can I expect to see in the Bay Islands?
A: Wall dives to 130 feet (40m), shallow reef dives (30-60 feet, 9-18M), and drift dives.

Q: Is there dinghy diving?
A: No

Q: Is there night diving?
A: Yes, outstanding night diving is available almost every night.

Q: What facilities are available for underwater photographers?
A: Dip tanks and plenty of room for film loading are are available. No E-6 or other photo processing is available on the boat.

Q: When is check-out time on the vessel?
A: Check-out is between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. last day of trip. Proceed at a leisurely pace after the supplied breakfast.

Q: Where is the nearest recompression chamber?
A: The nearest chamber is in Nassau; you can be in the chamber within an hour. From Conception Island, the chamber is two hours away.

Q: What are the payment terms?
A: Payment is due before boarding. Reservation fee is nonrefundable but reassignable if cancelled 60 days in advance. All other moneys are 50% refundable. Rates are subject to change without notice.

Q: How many people have dived from the Sea Dragon?
A: We have hosted 6,000 divers over 30 years.

Q: Will there be a shark feed?
A: Often, shark feeds will be performed on request with six weeks advance notice.

Q: Is fishing available?
A: Optional deep sea fishing with hook and line is available between dive sites on the ocean side of the cays, particularly in spring.

Q: What is the weather outlook for my trip?
A: By April, most winter cold fronts are gone. The entire dive season features mostly calm seas and blue skies. The air is warm enough that most guests wear shorts and t-shirt throughout trip. August and september are peak of hurricane season. One hurricane every five years comes close enough to disrupt diving for a few days.

Q: Will you make a video of my trip?
A: Video trip reports are available on request for an additional fee ($65).

Q: Does the Sea Dragon sell souvenirs?
A: A small store on the boat sells T-shirts.

Q: How much luggage do I need to bring?
A: Plan to travel light. Use soft luggage such as duffle bags for easy stowage. Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable, and of course, remember to pack your bathing suits. Bring a sweater or light jacket during early spring or late fall.
The dress code onboard is extremely casual. Remember to pack items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or visor, and as a precaution, motion sickness medication if you are susceptible to motion sickness. Don't forget any medications you might need!
Here's a tip: Pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, bathing suit, a change of clothes and essential items in your carry-on bag. This will come in handy in the event that your luggage is delayed. Nassau luggage is reliable as such things go; Georgetown is not as reliable.

Q: Do I sign a release?
A: A standard liability release and waiver form is required before the boat leaves the dock. Don't forget to bring your diving certification card, too!

Q: I have a slight medical condition; can I dive?
A: If you have any medical problems, remember to bring a physician's statement authorizing that you are medically able to dive.

Q: How does one contact the boat in an emergency?
A: In the event of emergency, you may be contacted at +1 242-359-2058.

Q: What if something goes wrong on the trip?
A: The crew is trained in first aid and diving accident management. The boat is equipped with a complete first aid kit and a demand oxygen system. Emergency transportation and treatment cost is the responsibility of each guest. We strongly recommend that special divers insurance, such as DAN or PADI, is obtained.

Q: Are there special diving rules or limitations?
A: Divers are responsible for their own profiles. Captain Dan recommends a 3-5 minute "safety stop" stop at 15 feet (5m) and provides a "hang line" for such a purpose. Ascent rates should not exceed 30 feet (10m) per minute, especially in the last 30 feet (10m) of the dive. Diving is limited to standard sport diving rules and limits.

Q: What if an unforeseeable circumstance causes me to cancel at the last moment?
A: This is the very purpose of trip insurance. Usually running 8-12% of the total vacation cost, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for such emergencies; Out Island Oceanics can not. See your local yellow pages for vacation insurance agents or check out Travelex and Dive Assure. You might also double-check that your luggage is insured.

Q: Is Nassau fun to visit for a day or two before and/or after my dive trip?
A: Nassau has long been a vacation paradise. Ample hotel rooms (US$100 and up) are available. Paradise Island features a casino, a diverse set of shopping, and a fabulous free aquarium (in the Atlantis complex). Downtown with its straw market is a ten minute walk or short taxi ride from the Harbour club.

Q: Will I be able to recharge batteries?
A: Yes, the boat features 110 V, 60 cycle standard north american electrical outlets

Q: Can I come on a trip without a buddy?
A: By all means, yes. There will always be a diving buddy for you. Many of our passengers come aboard as singles. Contact the boat reservation service to arrange for a convenient trip.

Q: What if my regulator/BC/etc. breaks?
A: Some replacement gear is kept on the boat. Simple repairs can also be made.

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