Requirements vary depending on the destination, but the following guidelines apply: General requirements: You must hold at least an Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) and have logged a minimum of 30 dives. Advanced destinations: For our expeditions to Indonesia, Maldives, Mexico, Antarctica, and Costa Rica, all divers are required to be Advanced Open Water certified (or equivalent). Antarctica specific: For trips to Antarctica, you must also hold a drysuit certification. Tonga (special note): For our trips to Tonga, it is not mandatory to be a certified diver. However, you must be comfortable in the water, even in rough sea conditions, and have snorkeling experience. Freediving experience is a plus but not required. Nitrox recommendation: We strongly recommend being a certified Nitrox Diver to extend bottom times and increase safety. You can also complete your Nitrox certification during our expeditions—we’re happy to advise you!

Sure, of course! In fact, many solo travelers from different countries join us. Carlu Travel will always find a suitable diving buddy for you! Most likely, after taking part in our trips, you will make a lot of new friends who share the same passion for the sea and travel as you!

It is definitely an advantage to have your own equipment. However, on all our expeditions it is possible to rent equipment (at an additional cost). *Sidemount rental equipment is only available (at an additional cost) in Egypt.

No, flights are not included in the price. When you book a diving expedition with CarluTravel, you become part of a WhatsApp group where, among other things, we share flight references and details so that we all fly more or less on the same days.

Which expedition is best for you depends on your diving experience, budget and certification. But there are a few other factors that determine which expedition is best for you. Fill out this form and we will advise you free of charge.

Yes—having the right insurance is essential before joining a trip with Carlu Travel. We strongly recommend that you arrange the following: Dive Injury Insurance Covers costs related to diving accidents, including hyperbaric chamber treatment, emergency evacuation, and damage or loss of equipment. Medical Evacuation Insurance Covers emergency transport to the nearest suitable medical facility, whether for diving or non-diving incidents. Comprehensive Travel Insurance Covers trip cancellations, travel changes, lost or damaged luggage, and other unexpected events before or during your trip. Important: It is a condition of booking that you have appropriate dive and travel insurance andbring proof of it with youto show your guides upon arrival. Please make sure your insurance: Covers all diving and water activities you plan to do Includes medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation Covers cancellations and changes to your trip Includes any pre-existing medical conditions, if applicable If you do not arrange diving insurance in advance, it can be organized on arrival through our partner Dive Assure (pricing available on our website). Traveling without adequate insurance is at your own risk. Carlu Travel cannot be held responsible for any costs or losses that would otherwise have been covered by insurance.

PADI recommends 12 hours before flying after 1 dive, 18 hours if you have done multiple dives over multiple days. Carlu Travel recommends you to have 24 hours clear before flying.

Diving Guidelines & Safety At Carlu Travel, we care deeply about marine conservation and safe diving practices. To ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone, please follow these guidelines: Protect the marine environment: Do not touch, ride, feed, catch, or harass marine life. We also ask you to avoid wearing gloves unless specifically required, to minimize contact with the reef. Air management: Plan your dive so that you return to the boat with at least 50 bar in your tank. 30 bar is the absolute minimum and reserved for emergency situations only. Divers returning with less than 50 bar may be subject to service fees. If you frequently run low on air, we may require you to switch from a 12L tank to a larger tank for your safety and comfort. Safe diving practices: Avoid ascending or descending too close to the reef, and do not use the mooring line for ascent or descent unless instructed. Always stay aware of your surroundings. General rules: No solo diving and no decompression diving are permitted. Maintain good buoyancy control at all times, especially when using cameras. Standards: All dives must follow generally accepted diving practices as defined by major training organizations (e.g., PADI, SSI) as well as the instructions of the local dive operator. Following these guidelines helps protect the ocean and ensures a safe, relaxed, and enjoyable dive experience for everyone.

Depends what level you are, how many dives you’ve got and when you last dived. If you are novice with not very many dives and not dived for a year, you would need to talk to your local dive school about taking part in a scuba review or PADI Reactivate programme. This should be completed prior to your arrival on board, signed by an instructor and shown to your Carlu guide before you start diving. If you are more experienced, maybe you are PADI Advanced or Rescue (or equivalent) with 50-60 dives, you haven’t dived for maybe 18 months we may suggest a check dive, which is part of the daily diving activity but you just refresh 4 basic skills. Takes about ten minutes, that’s all. Every diver, regardless of their qualification or experience will be required to participate in a check-dive, normally the first dive and prior to commencing normal diving activities. This dive allows you to orientate yourself in your diving environment and acquaint yourself with your equipment. In the interests of safety, Carlu Travel reserves the right to restrict diving activities if the instructor has any concerns regarding diver safety.

All guests are required to sign a self-declaration medical on check in and before any activity such as, but not limited to, diving, snorkelling, swimming, etc. If you are taking part in a PADI course, you are required to a sign a Diver Medical prior to starting the course. In both cases, if you have, or think you have, any of the medical conditions listed you will need signed clearance from a doctor valid within 12 months of your planned liveaboard or diving holiday. Where doctor’s clearance is needed, we ask you to arrange this before arrival where possible and to bring it with you to avoid any delays, additional costs or even missing the trip. For students under the age of 18, all paperwork needs to be signed by a parent or guardian.

If you are a PADI or SSI diver, don’t worry, we can check their computer database online.

Your maximum diving depth will be dependent on your level of training and experience. It is your responsibility to check what depths your insurance policy covers you for before your arrival. The maximum depth for our diving expeditions is 30 meters with an equally qualified buddy.

Not always – this depends on the destination: Tonga (whale swimming): You do not need to be a certified scuba diver. However, you should be comfortable in the open ocean and have snorkeling experience. Freediving experience is a plus, but not required. Antarctica: You do not need to be a scuba diver to join this expedition. You are welcome to participate in all boat and land-based activities and simply skip diving. This option is typically offered at a reduced price. All other destinations: You must be a certified scuba diver to participate. If you’re not certified yet but would like to learn, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to advise you for free and help you get started.