Operators make it a family affair

Family diving by Matt Bond

Operators make it a family affair

New dive packages for children cater for junior market

Skiing has long been regarded as the holiday activity that can involve the whole family.

But dive operators are hoping that with the introduction of new learn-to-dive courses, designed with the family market in mind, diving may soon be just as popular.

The courses, introduced by the Professional Association of Dive Instructors specifically for children, have helped to open up the underwater world to the family market.

SASY or Supplied Air Snorkelling for Youth lets children experience the underwater world with scuba equipment instead of a snorkel.

ASASY unit comprises a personal flotation device with a scuba tank and regulator attached. It allows children to float on the surface keeping their heads underwater. Prices are usually about £10 .

The PADIbubblemaker programme for eight to 12-year-olds uses specialised kids’ equipment and is conducted in the safety of a swimming pool or sheltered sea. Prices vary but are usually £10-£20.

The PADI junior open-water programme for 10 to 15-year-olds involves the same training as the adult open-water programme, but children cannot dive without adult supervision until they are 15. The course costs around £250.

Regal Holidays marketing director Maggie Telford said: “A diving holiday can be enjoyed by the whole family as a result of the range of diving products now available.”

Mark Warner has joined forces with In Depth, a specialist PADIcertified diving company, which operates a children’s programme. This includes a snorkelling course for children aged 10 and above where they can learn snorkel and fin techniques within the safe confines of a swimming pool.

Marketing manager Nigel Ragg commented: “Last summer, about 4,500 of our guests participated in the diving programmes and we have already seen a substantial increase in this figure for this season.”

Operators have reported that the programmes are not yet available in every dive resort and suggest that agents ask specific questions when booking a family dive holiday. It is also important for agents to check there are adequate baby-sitting or children’s club facilities.

Goldenjoy Holidays dive manager Marco Castellana confirmed that family dive holidays were on the increase with families sticking to familiar resorts in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Caribbean. Last year, Goldenjoy sent 6,000 divers abroad. Approximately 10% were family bookings.

It features the Riviera apartments in Eilat on a room-only basis for £365 for seven nights, including flights.

Children up to 12 are entitled to a 30% discount.

The apartments sleep two adults and two children.

Going up: family dive holidays are increasing

Take the plunge: participating in learn-to-dive courses gives novices a good introduction to the sport

five favourite resorts

Kuoni’s diving product manager Daniel Lemerle suggests five favourite resorts for a family diving holiday.

Eilat, Israel is ideal for families of all ages. Diving and snorkelling with dolphins is the big attraction while shore diving allowsfamilies time together. There are also camel rides and the underwater observatory. Facilities are of a high standard, while day time and evening child care is available.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands offer safety and convenience so families can really enjoy Grand Cayman. Children as young as eight can try diving, while there’s also Sting Ray City and the Turtle Farm to amuse the whole family. Child care isavailable. British Airways’ direct flight is an added bonus.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt suitsfamilies with older children. It offerssheltered snorkelling, jeep safaris and horse riding. Diving is available for children from eight years and full learn-to-dive courses for juniors from 10 years. The direct flight from the UK and the good accommodation makes it a popular choice.

Ari Beach, Maldives has direct flights from Gatwick or Manchester that provide easy access to Ari Beach which offers family rooms. Dive boats return to the island between dives allowing families to meet up for lunch or divers to choose between a morning, afternoon or whole day’s diving.

Phuket, Thailand has a Kuoni dive centre in Patong which offers diving forchildren from eight years old. Families can mix diving with elephant rides or excursions. Hotels are of a high standard and there is day care and baby-sitting available.

&#42 All the above resorts can be booked through Kuoni on 01306 747 006.