At DiveWithFrank, we understand that plans can change — but dive boats, instructors, and operators all have real costs whether we show up or not. These policies keep things fair for everyone and ensure we can continue offering great diving and training opportunities.
Local Trips (Day Trips, Charters, Weekend Events)
30+ days before the trip: Full refund, minus any non-refundable vendor fees or deposits.
15–29 days before the trip: 50% refund, or full credit toward another DWF trip within 12 months.
14 days or less: No refund unless we can fill your spot. If we do, you’ll receive a full credit.
Weather or Operator Cancellations: If the trip is called off due to unsafe conditions or operator decision, you’ll receive a full refund or credit — your choice.
Deposits: Non-refundable, but fully transferable to another qualified diver.
Note: Refunds for local trips are also subject to any charges assessed by the service provider for unfilled spots. These fees are outside of DiveWithFrank’s control and will be deducted from any eligible refund.
International Trips (Liveaboards, Resorts, Travel Packages)
Deposits: Non-refundable, but fully transferable to another qualified diver (certifications and experience must match trip requirements). Any operator transfer fees apply.
120+ days before the trip: Full refund of payments made, minus non-refundable vendor fees or deposits.
90–119 days before the trip: 50% refund of payments made.
60–89 days before the trip: 25% refund of payments made.
Less than 60 days before the trip: No refund unless we can fill your spot. If we can, you’ll receive a refund or credit (minus transfer fees).
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended — and sometimes required — to protect you if you need to cancel due to illness, family emergencies, flight disruptions, or other last-minute surprises.
Classes, Refreshers & Training Sessions
Dive education takes preparation, reserved pool space, and instructor commitment. When you book a class, you’re reserving a professional’s time and resources.
No-call / No-show: Will be charged $200 per person or the total cost of the instructor session(s), whichever is less.
Cancellations less than 12 hours before the scheduled start: Subject to a $100 per person late cancellation surcharge.
Cancellations with more than 12 hours’ notice: No penalty — we’ll simply reschedule you for another available session.
Weather or Instructor Cancellations: Will always be rescheduled or credited in full.
Preparedness: Students must be on time, medically fit, and ready to dive. Missed or incomplete sessions may require rescheduling at additional cost.
Deposits: Non-refundable, but fully transferable to another qualified student or course date (with appropriate notice).
Courses Utilizing PADI eLearning
Once a PADI eLearning code has been issued, that portion of your course deposit becomes non-refundable.
At that point, the eLearning materials have been purchased directly from PADI and activated under your name — there’s no way to reclaim or reassign them.
If you need to postpone or reschedule, the remainder of your course fees (excluding the eLearning portion) can still be applied to a future date or different program.
Substitutions & Transfers
Can’t make it? No problem — all spots are fully transferable to another qualified diver or student. Certifications and experience must match the trip or course requirements, and any operator or transfer fees are your responsibility.
Payment Methods & Processing Fees
Refunds will be returned to the original payment method. Credit card and online payment processor fees are not refundable once transactions are completed, as these are retained by the processing company.
Refund Timeline
Approved refunds are typically processed within 10 business days. Please allow additional time for your bank or credit card provider to post the funds.
Bottom Line
This policy keeps things balanced: divers get fairness and flexibility, instructors and operators get reliability, and adventures can run smoothly.
Best advice? Book early, commit fully, and protect your adventure with travel insurance — so nothing keeps you from getting back underwater where you belong.