At Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts, we’ve welcomed thousands of divers across destinations from the Philippines to Palau and Indonesia. Over the years, one pattern has become clear: the smoothest, most enjoyable trips aren’t about who offers the lowest price — they come from asking the right questions before you book.
Time and again, we’ve seen how small details — transfer timings, equipment needs, even simple clarity on what’s included — can make the difference between a seamless experience and a stressful one. The checklist below isn’t theory; it’s drawn from the very questions our guests ask us most often, the gaps we see in bookings, and the situations that can trip travellers up when reserving through agents or third-party sites.
An experienced team, like our staff at Solitude, will always walk you through these details and make sure nothing is overlooked. But if you’re booking with anyone else, this is the kind of checklist you’ll want to keep in your pocket — and more importantly, it’s the kind of clarity you should expect from whoever you book with.
Whether you’re planning your first liveaboard or your tenth resort getaway, these are the essentials every diver should clarify before confirming a booking.
1. What’s Included in the Price — and What’s Not?
A headline price can be misleading if you don’t know what it covers. Some operators include everything from airport transfers to nitrox, while others keep the base rate low and add charges later. Park fees, fuel surcharges, rental gear, and even meals can vary.
At Solitude, we’ve found this is one of the most common areas where guests get caught out, particularly when booking through third-party platforms. Always ask for a breakdown so you know exactly what you’re paying for — and what you’ll need to budget on top.
2. How Is Diving Organised on Site?
Not every dive operation runs the same way. How many dives are scheduled each day? What is the typical group size? Are dive guides included or only available at an extra cost? These details can affect not only your safety but also your enjoyment.
Our guests often tell us they appreciate small groups and flexible dive plans — but not every operator guarantees this. Clarify the structure before you book so your expectations match the reality.
3. What Are the Transfer & Travel Logistics?
A dive holiday can unravel quickly if transfers aren’t coordinated. Domestic flights, baggage allowances for heavy dive gear, and boat schedules all need to line up with your arrival.
We’ve seen guests book third-party deals that looked appealing online, only to discover arrival times made them miss embarkation or lose a full day of diving. Always ask about transfer logistics in advance and confirm that your chosen flights or transport match the operator’s schedule.
4. What Safety Standards Are in Place?
Diving is adventurous, but safety should never be uncertain. Before you book, check whether operators carry medical oxygen, how often their equipment is serviced, and whether they require dive insurance. Also, ask about the ratio of dive staff to guests and what emergency plans are in place.
At Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts, safety is woven into every part of our operations, but this isn’t universal across the industry. A trustworthy operator should answer these questions without hesitation.
5. What’s the Policy on Cancellations & Changes?
Travel plans shift — and in today’s world, flexibility matters. Some third-party booking platforms have strict refund policies or penalties for changes, while booking direct often gives you more room to reschedule.
Ask for written details of cancellation terms before you confirm. A transparent operator won’t shy away from spelling out the process.
6. Is the Trip Suited to My Dive Level?
Not every destination is beginner-friendly, and not every diver is ready for strong currents, deep walls, or night dives. Clarify certification requirements, typical depths, and conditions.
We regularly guide divers who are unsure if a trip matches their level, and it’s far better to discuss this in advance than discover mid-holiday that a site is beyond your comfort zone.
7. What Support Is Offered Pre-Trip?
The lead-up to a dive holiday can raise dozens of questions: dietary needs, camera gear charging, rental requests, or even the best local SIM card to buy. Direct communication with the operator is the best way to make sure nothing is missed.
When guests book directly with us, our team makes it a point to cover these details long before arrival. If you’re booking through someone else, make sure that same level of support is available — and don’t be afraid to chase answers.
Final Thoughts
Booking a dive holiday is more than just securing a cabin or a room — it’s about ensuring every piece of the journey is set up for success. Asking the right questions before you book not only saves you from hidden costs and logistical headaches, it gives you the confidence that your trip will be the seamless, joy-filled experience you’ve been dreaming of.
At Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts, our team takes pride in guiding guests through these details, so there are no surprises once you arrive. But whether you’re travelling with us or exploring elsewhere, keep this checklist close. It’s your best safeguard against the unknown — and your key to a dive trip you’ll always remember for the right reasons.
Keep this checklist handy — screenshot it before your next dive holiday to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Dive Traveller’s Pocket Checklist
Before you book, always ask:
- What’s included in the price?
- Park fees, nitrox, transfers, rental gear, surcharges.
- How is diving organised?
- Dives per day, group sizes, flexibility, guide included or not.
- What are the transfer logistics?
- Flights, boat schedules, baggage allowances, timing.
- What safety standards are in place?
- Medical oxygen, insurance, equipment servicing, staff ratios.
- What’s the cancellation policy?
- Refund timelines, rebooking options, direct vs third-party rules.
- Is the trip right for my dive level?
- Currents, depths, certification requirements, suitability.
- What support is offered pre-trip?
- Gear, dietary requests, special needs, direct contact with operator.
- What payment method is available?
- Wire Transfer, Credit Card