FAQs

Who is this program designed for?

This program is designed for participants who are looking for a dive-intensive adventure and an incredible combination of culture, history and exploration. In just three weeks, participants do around 28 dives in the South Pacific, home to some of the world's most spectacular diving. You can expect to see sharks, WWII wrecks, vibrant corals and tons of fish.

What activities will we be doing?

In addition to lots of incredible diving, you'll attend a traditional Fijian meke, experience traditional Kava ceremonies with village chiefs, jump into waterfalls, hang out on pristine white sand beaches, try paddling traditional wooden canoes, explore the jungle with a bush expert, play soccer with village school kids, participate in customs and learn to speak a little bit of Fijian and pijian English.

Will I need to bring my own scuba gear?

Most participants who own gear choose to bring it because they are more comfortable using their own equipment. If you don't own scuba equipment, Broadreach will provide everything you need for a small rental fee.

Where will I sleep?

We stay in a range of accommodations on this trip – from small backpacker hotels to village homes to thatched huts on the beach.

What will we eat?

Get ready to be full! In Fiji we feast on traditional local dishes including pumpkin soup, delicious stir-frys fresh fish cooked in coconut, steamed taro leafs, pineapple, fried sweet potato and freshly made cakes and donuts. The coconut cream pie is out of this world! We also get to sample the local Indian cuisine. In the Solomon islands we eat simple breakfasts (toast, fruit, pancakes, etc), sandwiches for lunch and tasty BBQ fish, chicken or stir-fried rice for dinner. The most common food you will encounter on the trip is fresh, locally caught fish cooked in a variety of ways. Be prepared to eat lots of delicious fish!

Do I need a visa to travel to South Pacific?

No, a current passport will work fine in the South Pacific.

Do I need to take any special health precautions for this program?

Yes. Although Fiji is malaria-free, the female mosquito that harbors the malaria parasite has been found in the Solomon Islands. Although not prevalent in the areas in which we travel, malaria medication is recommended by Broadreach for all participants of this program.

I know it's winter down there during our summer. Is it cold?

Actually the weather is quite warm, although sometimes rainy. Roughly the equivalent distance to the equator as Hawaii, Fiji has warm days and cooler nights. Sometimes it can get cool during a surface interval if it's cloudy. A pair of lightweight pants and a summer jacket or fleece will be sufficient. Days in the Solomon Islands are usually warm or even hot.

What if I've never been diving before?

No problem. Many of our diving programs are designed for those with little or no diving experience. Your instructor will teach you one step at a time, at your own pace. Diving is easy and fun! If you are an experienced diver, you can select one of our advanced diving programs.

How much diving will I do? What if I want to do fewer or more dives?

Every program offers a different diving schedule, ranging from 10 - 30+ dives. If you'd like to do fewer dives, that's ok, because there are often several dives that are optional. On the other hand, if you and your group are really into diving, you may be able to fit in even more dives, depending on the program.

Other then diving, what activities will I do?

It wouldn't be Broadreach without a diversity of experiences! Examples of other activities include snorkeling, waterskiing, wake boarding, knee boarding, rainforest hiking, community service, visiting historical and cultural points of interest, learning about important conservation issues at marine reserves, and exploring local villages and markets.

How deep will I dive?

Most of our dives will be shallow, between 35 and 55 feet, because that's where we'll find the right combination of best dive sites, plentiful marine life and brightest light. You will do a few supervised deeper dives to around 85 to 100 feet when you are ready for students 15 and older. For students under 15, your maximum depth will be 70ft.

How do your programs compare with other teen educational travel programs?

Put simply, no other program can boast the same combination of small groups, diverse cultural experiences, life-long skill building, hands-on education and outdoor adventure. Unlike teen tours with set schedules and activities, Broadreach programs are flexible and involve you in all aspects of the experience. You are asked to take responsibility and few things are done for you. We have specific goals, but how the adventure unfolds depends on you and your group. We need everyone's participation, cooperation and leadership to make it happen.

Do I need trip, travel or medical insurance ?

All participants on Broadreach programs are required medical insurance including coverage for international medical care. Since many personal medical policies do not cover international medical care and evacuations or have exclusions for certain sports, we have partnered with Trip Mate to offer a choice of travel insurance plans for our participants.
The minimum required policy includes coverage for medical care, emergency evacuation, lost or damaged luggage, travel delay, etc.
Most families also take advantage of our recommended tuition protection coverage , which offers 75% tuition refund FOR ANY REASON up to 72 hours before your trip departure and 100% tuition refund if you cancel for a covered reason.

Can I call home while I am on a Broadreach program?

Of course! Depending on the itinerary of the program, most participants have the opportunity to call home about once a week. Most families also follow our online trip updates which are short blog entries written by program participants or staff during the trip.

Do you have any family discounts?

We do. We will give a 5% discount on the second (and any subsequent) enrollment in one summer. This offer is available to an individual student, or siblings. The 5% discount will be applied to the program of lesser cost, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Can you give me the names of other families in my area that have done Broadreach?

Absolutely. Just call the office and we can put you in touch with past participants who have done the trips that interest you. Broadreachers past and present are part of a strong community that’s always there for one another. No need to be shy either, people will be glad to hear from you.

Do most participants come alone or with friends?

Most participants come alone, so there is no need to be concerned if you don't know anyone else on your program. It's normal to be apprehensive about not knowing anyone, but within a day of starting your program you'll be laughing and sharing exciting adventures with new friends.

I've never done this type of trip before. Is any experience required?

Don't worry! Many of our participants are 'first-timers' who have never been scuba diving or slept in the wilderness for more than a weekend. All we ask is that you come with an open mind, a desire to try new things and be ready to have lots of fun.

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Please feel free to call the Broadreach office if you have any questions or would like to discuss our adventures. We’d love to talk to you! You can also email us at questions@gobroadreach.com

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