Q: Is Scuba Fred a real person, or just a name?
A: There really is a Fred, he's really a scuba diver, and here he is:

Fred started diving at fourteen, getting certified in swimming pools and murky lakes.  Though he grew up in the mountains, he nurtured his love of diving with occasional family vacations to the Florida Keys or the Grand Caymans.  After college, he took a diving instructor job in Cancun and he's been there ever since--though now he's the boss. That's more than twenty-five years of experience, most of it in Cancun. 

Diving is a family affair for him: he learned to dive with his father, and today, his sons can often be seen on the docks or going out on the boat with him.

Q: Do I need to speak English/Spanish to dive with you?
A: We're multilingual, able to conduct lessons and dives in either English or Spanish, and sometimes in Dutch or German.

Q: I've never been diving before, or I only have limited experience. 
A: We have trips for ever level of experience, from simple snorkeling trips to wreck and night diving for the more advanced.  We'll never push you to do something you're not confident doing, and we'll work with you to find a trip that best suits you.

Q: I'm a very experienced diver with advanced certifications.  Do you have anything more challenging?
A: Drop us a line or give us a call and we'll see what we can set up. 

Q: Are your prices in dollars or pesos?
A: American dollars.

Q: How many pesos to the dollar?
A: You'll need to consult the current exchange rate, but as of August 2016, a good rule of thumb is roughly 19 pesos to the American dollar.  (This is subject to  daily variations in the local exchange rates, and where and how you change your money.)

Q: Do you take charge cards?
A: Yes, we do. We can take them through our online site or in our office.

Q: How do I pay you online?
A: At checkout, you'll be taken to a secure PayPal site where you can pay using VISA, Mastercard or PayPal. You do not need to have a PayPal account to use your credit or debit card! The company merely processes your charge card payments for us.

Q: Do I need to bring my own diving gear?
A: No, but you'll need to notify us in advance if you need rentals. Equipment rental is just $5.50, and tanks are included on all dives.

Q: Do you offer Nitrox diving?
A: Only for Cozumel trips; advanced notice is required.

Q: Tell me about your tanks.
A: We use standard 80 cubic foot tanks, but we do have 50 and 60 cubic foot tanks available if you prefer. We also have a limited supply of 80 cubic foot scuba tanks that are DIN compatible.

Q: What are the typical dive conditions?
A: Cancun's visibility is typically around 80 to 100 feet. Water temperature runs around 78 degrees F (25 C), and there tends to be a mild to moderate current.

Q: What kind of boat do you have?
A: The Little Bit More is 36 feet long with a covered top that comfortably seats 10 to 12 divers. There's no bathrooms, but there's shade and we keep purified drinking water on board.

Q: Cool logo! Can I get it on a t-shirt?
A: You sure can! Just talk to your handsome (or lovely) guide.

Q: A friend of mine came back from a dive with you and had it all recorded on DVD! Can I do that?
A: Yes! Just notify us in advance so we can book the cameraman. Additional charges will apply. We can also supply you with still photographs of your dive.

Q: What resort do you dive out of?
A: The Clipper Club in Cancun. You do not need to be staying there to dive with us.

Q: I'd like to celebrate a birthday/propose/get married/do something really special underwater. Can you help?
A: We'd love to! A hidden birthday gift, a ring hidden in a shell, a message waiting for someone--just contact us with what you want to do and we'll arrange it with you.

Q: What would cause my dive to be cancelled?
A: Scuba Fred's will cancel your dives only in the case of mechanical failure, dangerous travel or dive conditions, port closing, illness that leaves us without staff or in the case of acts of God (or Mother Nature). In those cases, you will be offered your choice of a full refund or another dive.

Q: What's your refund policy?
A: If Scuba Fred's cancels your dive, you will be offered your choice of a full refund or another dive. In all other cases, cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance will be given a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will have a 30% service fee applied, with the difference refunded. In the case of sudden illness or accidents, if confirmation can be provided, you'll be given the option of a partial refund or rescheduling. If you are taking dive lessons with us, your refund will depend on the percent of the class completed.

Q: Are there any taxes or other fees?
A: A 10% federal tax applies to all bookings, and will be added to your total at checkout. A $2 marine park fee may apply to some dives as well. Fees for cenote dives change often due to gas prices and land usage fees, but we'll be up front and as fair as possible.

Q: So, no hidden fees? You won't drive us to the dive site and then ask for another $50?
A: Never. We don't play games like that. Don't do business with anyone who does.

Q: What kind of certifications do I need?
A: For most dives, just basic certification. Some dives may require advanced certification; this will be noted on the listings. There are no certifications required for snorkeling or basic lessons.