Club Med Columbus Isle

Can anyone help me with these two questions:

- Do we need to reserve in advance for our dives ?

- Do they rent underwater camera at the dive shop ?

Thanks !

Sim

Hello Sim,

If you have booked through Club Med you may purchase your dive package at that time. Otherwise, when you arrive at the Club, go to the Lounge next to the main bar at 7 PM and the SCUBA team will be there to help you. You can pay for your dive package and get all the information as to when/where/what...then. Once you arrive and get settled, be sure and stop by Reception to leave a Credit Card imprint so you can receive a Club Med "White" Card that you use in the Village to charge, (diving/Boutique/Photos, etc.). You will need that card to pay for the diving and you will save yourself and the SCUBA Team time if you get it before meeting with the Team at 7. You may also get more information when you attend the orientation meeting after your arrival. If you are certified, you should bring evidence of your certification, (your card) with you as well as your logbook. If you have a North American Passport, (Canada/U.S.), you would not need a medical statement; however, if you take any medications or have any medical issues, you should bring an RSTC, (Recreational SCUBA Training Council) Medical form that has been filled out and signed off by your physician. This is likely the same form you filled out when you first started learning to dive. It is good for one year. If you find you need to bring this form, go ahead and also bring a copy so you can give it to the SCUBA Team. Again, you will save them time and steps in having this ready.

Years ago Club Med used to have a few Sea-n-Sea MX 35mm underwater cameras, but I don't believe they have them anymore or available for rental. I believe they do have disposable snorkling type, (up to 5 meter) cameras in the boutique...but your best bet is to bring your own. There are single focus disposable 35mm cameras available that are good to 100 ft./32M.

Have fun and Dive Safe!

Dad

Thanks Dad (lol) for your responses.

I will get a cam before I get there.

Simon

Simon,

Your camera question is interesting because I've just been discussing this on another website for scuba divers. I see you're asking about renting a camera. But have you used a camera underwater before? How many dives do you have? How's your buoyancy? It seems like there's a big problem these days with new divers trying to use cameras when they haven't been trained and still haven't gotten control of their buoyancy skills. If you haven't yet done so, I urge you to sign up for the photography course while you're there. You'll learn so much (about protecting marine life AND taking good photos) and you'll be very pleased with the results!

Trish

Dive now; work later!

Hi Trish,

Your point is SO true, because even though I am AOW (Advanced Open Water) certified, isn't the buyoancy always an issue

I always wanted to show what I saw after I came back on earth ... This is the reason why I wanted to take a camera under water.

As for your idea of the Photography course it's a great idea !!! I will see if I can get it done while down there.

Thanks for your point,

Simon

Great point as always Trish. I might add:

The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Course is a fun course that allows folks to practice their skills after periods of diving inactivity as well as to challenge them to accomplish neutral buoyancy in a number of positions. It's also a great course to take when you get new equipment in order to practice using it. The course can be done at home prior to a trip so you can spend your time enjoying your dives.

There are two photography courses that would be available. The Underwater Photography course and the Digital Underwater Photography course. Both courses focus, (pun intended) on buoyancy as well as the operation of cameras and underwater lighting, etc. You really need to understand one thing. I've seen divers with wonderful buoyancy skills that fall apart after they stick a viewfinder in their eye. They forget about buddies and diving in general. True story....I once saw a diver with a video camera eyepiece in his face the entire 40 minute dive....while a torpedo ray, (electric ray), hovered over his shoulder following him for over 20 minutes. the guy never saw him. Moral of the story....when you task load...don't ever forget...DIVE FIRST...all the rest of the stuff let happen later. Ohh yeah..don't forget your buddy.

Have fun, dive safe, don't boink the coral.

Dad