Question 1

What kinds of non-diving adventure trips do you run?

Accepted Answer

African safaris (Tanzania, Botswana, Kenya), European cycling cruises (Croatia, Greece), gorilla trekking in Rwanda, cultural trips, and custom itineraries we design from scratch. We pair adventure with the same small-group, properly-vetted approach we use for dive trips.

Question 2

Can I combine a dive trip with a safari?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — this is one of the best ways to use long-haul flights. Common combos: Maldives + Sri Lankan safari, Indonesia + Komodo, South Africa + sardine run + safari, Tanzania safari + Zanzibar diving. We will help you sequence the trips so jet lag works in your favor.

Question 3

How physically demanding are your safaris and adventure trips?

Accepted Answer

Most are moderate — game drives, short hikes, easy paddling. Gorilla trekking and some Himalayan trips are more demanding (steep terrain, altitude). We will tell you honestly what fitness level a trip requires, and we will not put someone on an itinerary they will not enjoy.

Question 4

Do you do family-friendly trips?

Accepted Answer

Yes — safaris in particular are excellent for families with kids 8+. Cycling cruises work for active families. For diving family trips we usually recommend land-based destinations (Bonaire, Cozumel, Roatan) where non-divers and junior divers have plenty to do.

Question 5

How do I book a trip with SXT Adventures?

Accepted Answer

Reach out through the contact form or email niki@scubaxtravel.com with the trip and approximate dates you have in mind. Niki personally responds to confirm availability, walk through the itinerary, and answer any questions before you commit. Once you are ready, we send a booking link with a deposit so your spot is held.

Question 6

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

For popular liveaboards (Galapagos, Raja Ampat, Socorro) plan 9-18 months out — the best boats and cabins routinely sell out a year in advance. Land-based dive trips and small-group safaris usually need 4-8 months. Last-minute spots do open, especially when an existing guest cancels, so it never hurts to ask.

Question 7

Can I book a custom or private trip just for my group?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is a big part of what we do. Bring a group of friends, a dive club, or a family and we will design the itinerary, pick the operators, handle the logistics, and (when you want it) travel with you. Most of our private charters are 6-16 guests.

Question 8

Do you book the flights too?

Accepted Answer

We do not sell airline tickets directly, but we will tell you exactly which flights you need, where to connect, and how much buffer to leave on either end of the trip. For complex itineraries we can refer you to a partner travel agent who specializes in award tickets and multi-stop routings.

Question 9

Can I bring a non-diving partner?

Accepted Answer

Almost always yes. On liveaboards non-divers usually pay a discounted rate and can snorkel, kayak, or relax on board. On land-based trips we can build in spa days, hiking, cooking classes, or alternate excursions for the non-diver while the rest of the group is underwater.

Question 10

Do you accept SSI, PADI, NAUI, and other certs?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all major training agencies are recognized worldwide. You just need a current cert card (or digital cert in the agency app) and a recently signed dive log if you are doing advanced dives. We are not loyal to any one agency.

Question 11

Can I get certified on one of your trips?

Accepted Answer

On land-based dive trips, yes — many of our partner dive centers offer Open Water courses you can complete in 3-4 days at the start of the trip. We do NOT recommend doing your initial cert on a liveaboard; you want easy, controlled conditions for your first dives.

Question 12

I am AOW certified but only have 20 dives — should I do Galapagos?

Accepted Answer

Probably not yet. Galapagos has strong currents and surge that can intimidate even experienced divers. We usually recommend building up to it — Cozumel, Bonaire, Indonesia (more relaxed sites) — and getting closer to 50+ logged dives first. We will give you the honest answer rather than just sell you the trip.

Question 13

Should I take Nitrox certification before a liveaboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it is one of the best investments you can make. Most of our liveaboards include nitrox or offer it cheaply, and the longer no-decompression times mean longer dives and shorter surface intervals. It is a half-day class at your local shop.

Question 14

What level of diver do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the destination. Open Water with ~20-30 logged dives is enough for places like Cozumel, Bonaire, and parts of Indonesia. Advanced Open Water with 50+ dives is recommended for Galapagos, Socorro, and Cocos because of currents and surge. We are honest about fit — if a trip is too advanced for where you are right now, we will tell you and suggest a better starting point.

Question 15

How many dives do you typically do per day?

Accepted Answer

On most liveaboards 3-4 dives per day plus a night dive when conditions allow. Land-based dive trips usually run 2-3 boat dives per day, with the option to skip and have a surface interval if you want a break. We never pressure anyone to dive every dive.

Question 16

Do I need to bring my own dive gear?

Accepted Answer

Bring what you trust — at minimum your mask, computer, and exposure suit if you have them. Rental BCDs, regs, and fins are available on every trip we run, and many of the boats have free or low-cost rental nitrox tanks. If you are flying long haul we are happy to advise on what is worth the bag weight.

Question 17

Is nitrox included?

Accepted Answer

On most of our liveaboards nitrox is free or included in the package. On land-based trips it is usually $10-15 per tank. If nitrox is important to you, mention it when you book and we will confirm pricing for the specific dive center.

Question 18

What if I have not dived in a few years?

Accepted Answer

You are not alone — a lot of our guests come back to diving after kids, jobs, or COVID gaps. We recommend a refresher (or "ReActivate" with PADI / "Refresher" with SSI) at your local dive shop in the 2-3 months before the trip. On the trip itself the first dive is almost always an easy check-out dive so you can reset.

Question 19

What dive gear should I bring vs. rent?

Accepted Answer

Bring: mask (well-fitted is worth its weight), computer, exposure suit (rentals are often rough), and your fins if you have a favorite pair. Rent on-site to save bag space: BCD, regulator, tanks, weights. If you are going somewhere cold or doing technical diving, bring your own regs.

Question 20

How much luggage allowance do I get?

Accepted Answer

Depends entirely on the airline. International long-haul economy typically gives you 1-2 checked bags of 23kg/50lb. Regional flights in Indonesia, Caribbean, or East Africa often have stricter limits (15-20kg) and charge for excess. We tell you exactly what you have to work with for your specific routing.

Question 21

What is the weather like / what clothing should I pack?

Accepted Answer

For tropical trips: light synthetic layers, rash guards, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, water shoes, and one warmer layer for the boat at night. For safaris: neutral-color long sleeves and pants (no bright colors, no blue/black due to tsetse flies), broken-in walking shoes, and a fleece for morning game drives.

Question 22

Should I buy a dive computer before my first liveaboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes — strongly recommended. Renting computers is a hassle and rentals often have inconsistent setups. A solid entry-level computer (Suunto Zoop Novo, Cressi Leonardo, Mares Puck Pro) runs $200-300 and lasts years. It is the single most important piece of personal dive gear.

Question 23

Do you have a packing list I can use?

Accepted Answer

Yes — once you book a trip we send a destination-specific packing list with what to bring, what to skip, and what we recommend buying versus renting. Generic packing lists are not very useful; what you need for Galapagos is very different from what you need for Bonaire.

Question 24

Do I need dive insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and we will not let you on a trip without it. DAN (Divers Alert Network) and DiveAssure are the two standards. A basic DAN membership runs about $40-60 per year and covers hyperbaric chamber treatment, emergency evacuation, and lost gear. It is the single best money you will spend on diving.

Question 25

What about regular travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Strongly recommended — separate from dive insurance. Travel insurance covers cancellation, lost baggage, missed connections, and medical issues unrelated to diving. We can recommend providers (Travelex, World Nomads, Allianz) who handle dive-related medical claims fairly.

Question 26

What if I have a medical condition?

Accepted Answer

Many conditions (controlled diabetes, well-managed thyroid, mild asthma) are dive-compatible with proper clearance. We ask all guests to fill out the standard RSTC medical questionnaire. If anything flags, we ask you to get a dive medical clearance from a hyperbaric or diving physician. We have referrals if you do not have one.

Question 27

Are there required vaccinations?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the destination. Yellow fever is required for entry to several African and South American countries. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine boosters are recommended for most tropical destinations. We point you at the CDC traveler page for the specific country once you book.

Question 28

What if I get sick or injured on the trip?

Accepted Answer

Every dive boat has a first-aid kit, oxygen, and a trained DMO/divemaster on board. Most destinations have hyperbaric chambers within evacuation range. With proper dive insurance, evacuation is coordinated by your insurer — you do not pay out of pocket. We monitor every trip and step in immediately if anything goes wrong.

Question 29

What exactly is a liveaboard trip?

Accepted Answer

A liveaboard is a multi-day dive trip where you live on the boat — you eat, sleep, and dive from the same vessel for 6-12 nights. It is the most efficient way to reach remote dive sites (Galapagos, Raja Ampat, Cocos, Socorro) because the boat moves while you sleep. Most days you do 3-4 dives without ever stepping back on land.

Question 30

How do cabins work on a liveaboard?

Accepted Answer

Most boats offer cabins from twin/bunk style up to suites with private balconies. Pricing varies significantly by cabin tier — sometimes 2-3x between the cheapest and most expensive cabin on the same trip. We will walk you through deck plans so you understand exactly what you are paying for before committing.

Question 31

Do I have to share a cabin?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. You can book the whole cabin as a single (called the "single supplement") for a surcharge, share with a partner, or be matched with another solo diver of the same gender on most boats. We will tell you upfront which option saves money and which is worth paying for.

Question 32

Will I get seasick?

Accepted Answer

Most of our liveaboards run in calm seas with stabilized boats, but ocean crossings (Galapagos to Wolf/Darwin, Cocos transit) can be rough. If you are prone to motion sickness we recommend Scopolamine patches — talk to your doctor before the trip. Once you are in the water and diving, seasickness almost always disappears.

Question 33

Is Wi-Fi available on the boat?

Accepted Answer

Starlink has changed this dramatically in the last two years. Most newer liveaboards now offer decent Wi-Fi included or for a small fee. Older boats may only have weak signal in port. If staying connected matters for work, ask before booking — we know which boats deliver and which do not.

Question 34

What is included in a liveaboard price?

Accepted Answer

Generally: cabin, all meals, snacks, soft drinks, dives, tanks, weights, and guides. Usually NOT included: nitrox (sometimes), park fees, fuel surcharges, tips for crew (~10% is standard), alcohol, and equipment rental. We send you a full line-item breakdown for every trip so there are no surprises.

Question 35

How much is the deposit and when is the balance due?

Accepted Answer

Standard for liveaboards: 25% deposit at booking, balance 90-120 days before departure. Some operators require a larger deposit for peak-season sailings. Cancellation policies vary by operator — we walk you through the exact terms for your specific trip before you put money down.

Question 36

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), bank transfer, and Zelle. Most operators we work with accept credit cards directly — meaning you have the consumer protections that come with cards if anything goes wrong with the operator.

Question 37

What if I have to cancel?

Accepted Answer

If you have travel insurance with "cancel for any reason" coverage, you can usually recover most of your deposit. Without it, recovery depends on how far out you cancel — at 120+ days most deposits are fully refundable, at 60-90 days a portion, and inside 30 days usually nothing. This is exactly why we push travel insurance hard.

Question 38

What if SXT or the operator cancels the trip?

Accepted Answer

You get a full refund or you can roll the deposit to a future trip. This is rare but it has happened (mechanical issues, weather, geopolitical events). We work with operators that have a track record of treating guests fairly when things go sideways.

Question 39

Do I need a passport with extra blank pages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most countries require at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your travel dates, and many liveaboard destinations stamp generously — bring at least 4 blank pages. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before booking long-haul.

Question 40

Do I need a visa?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your nationality and destination. Common ones we deal with: Indonesia (visa on arrival or e-VOA), Egypt (e-visa), Tanzania (e-visa), Mexico (no visa for US/EU), Galapagos (just a tourist card on arrival). We send specific visa instructions for every booked trip — you do not have to figure this out alone.

Question 41

How early should I arrive at the destination?

Accepted Answer

For liveaboards, arrive at least one full day before departure — flights get delayed and the boat will not wait. For land-based dive trips arriving the day of is usually fine if your flight is early enough. For safaris we strongly recommend at least one buffer night, especially with international flights.

Question 42

Are there flying-after-diving rules I need to plan around?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Standard guidance is to wait at least 18 hours after a single dive and 24 hours after multiple dives or multiple days of diving before flying. We always build a no-dive day at the end of liveaboards before the flight home, and we never schedule flights too tight.

Question 43

Can you help with airport transfers and hotel stays on either end?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most of our trip packages either include or coordinate the airport transfers and pre/post hotel nights. If you want to extend either side of the trip we can recommend hotels we have personally vetted at the trip city.

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