Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All scuba dive trips require a valid open water certification (PADI, NAUI, SSI, or equivalent). For advanced or deep trips, an Advanced Open Water certification is required. Certification cards may be checked at the dock. Not yet certified? Check out our Open Water course.

Absolutely. We offer beginner-friendly dives every Saturday at Grand Isle (max 50 ft) that are perfect for newly certified divers. A divemaster escort is always included and gear rental is available. Chat with us if you have questions about whether a trip is right for your experience level.

Yes! We offer full gear packages and individual item rentals. Everything from BCDs and regulators to dive computers, wetsuits, and underwater cameras. See our full rental page for pricing and availability. All gear is cleaned, inspected, and serviced between rentals.

For boat trips, advance reservation is strongly recommended — boats fill up fast, especially in summer. You can reserve via our secure chat system at any time. Walk-in gear rentals are usually available, though calling ahead guarantees the sizes and items you need.

Safety is our first priority. If sea conditions, wind, or lightning make diving unsafe, we will cancel and notify all registered divers as early as possible — typically the morning of the trip. You will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to the next available date. We do not run trips in unsafe conditions, period.

Cancellations made 7 or more days before the trip date receive a full refund. Cancellations 3–6 days prior receive a 50% refund or full transfer credit. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable but may be transferred once. No-shows forfeit full payment. Weather cancellations by Cajun Diving are always fully refunded. Chat with us if you have special circumstances.

No — and this is a serious safety issue. PADI/DAN guidelines recommend waiting at least 12 hours after a single dive and 18–24 hours after multiple or decompression dives before flying. This reduces the risk of decompression sickness. Plan your travel accordingly. We are happy to discuss your travel schedule when booking a trip.

Yes. Private instruction is available for all certification levels at all pool and open water stages. Private lessons are especially popular for nervous beginners or divers who need to complete missed skills. Pricing varies by course level and instructor. Chat with us to schedule and get a quote.

Yes. We fill and rent Nitrox (Enriched Air) tanks at 32% oxygen blend. Nitrox certification is required to rent Nitrox tanks — see our Enriched Air Nitrox course which can be completed in a single day. A gas analyzer is available in the shop for personal verification.

Yes — we encourage it! We also rent GoPro setups at $35/day if you don't own one. We only ask that camera use not interfere with buoyancy or awareness of other divers, and that you do not touch or chase marine life for photos. Our instructors offer tips for great underwater shots.

Bring your certification card (physical or digital), photo ID, personal dive gear or rental confirmation, sunscreen (reef-safe only on our boats), water, snacks, a towel, and a change of clothes. For overnight or liveaboard trips, a detailed packing list is emailed after booking. Motion sickness medication is recommended if you're prone to seasickness.

The fastest way to reach us is our secure chat system — available 24/7 with staff responding during business hours (7am–7pm daily). You can also call us at (504) 555-0142 or email dive@cajundiving.com. Our shop at 1842 Magazine Street, New Orleans is open seven days a week.