1,000 Islands
St. Lawrence River
Brockville, Ontario, Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the trip leader for this trip?
The trip leader for this trip is long-time shop instructor and dive leader Jim Vafeas. Jim has been a dive instructor with Tiedemann’s since 1996 and has been running trips to Canada since 1999. He has also organized trips to Bonaire, Roatan, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Maine, Florida, Bonne Terre Mine and Rhode Island. He is a thorough, organized and passionate trip leader determined to make your trip with us the best and most enjoyable that it can be. Joining Jim once again as a co-leader on this trip will be staff Instructor, Mary Davis.
What does the trip price include?
The Trip price includes:
Accommodations for 3 nights (Friday and Saturday night) at the Comfort Inn – Brockville
Complimentary hot buffet-style continental breakfast
A shore wreck dive on Friday
FREE AIR fill after our Friday dive
3 days of 2-tank AM boat dives
Full BBQ: including chips, cookies & drinks during our surface intervals on Saturday and Sunday
Nitrox incuded for our Sunday and Monday dives
All taxes and tips.
All prices are based on double occupancy.
What is not included in the price?
Transportation from NY to Brockville, Ontario Canada (although we help coordinate car pools of divers)
Dinners
Equipment rentals.
How do most people get to Brockville, Ontario?
Everyone drives up with their equipment. Most people commute. If planning to dive with us on the shore dive on Friday, plan on leaving Long Island before 6:00am. You should be at the Canadian customs by 1:00pm. We also put divers into contact with each other so that as many people drive up together as possible, cutting down on travel costs and vehicles on the trip – parking in some areas is limited.
I don't own all my own gear or a dive computer. Can I rent?
We offer tanks, BCs, regulators, octopus, gauges (pressure, depth and compass), wetsuits and dive computers (required) for rent. If we are sold out of tanks, you may rent Aluminum 80s in Canada which we can help coordinate for you. We do not rent mask, fins, snorkel or wet suit boots. Please call us at 516-796-6560 to discuss your needs, pricing and options.
Do I need any special certifications for this trip?
Yes, because the dives can be deep, are on fragile wrecks and in mild to moderate current, we currently require Nitrox certification, Wreck Diving and Deep Diving certifications (or similar experience). If coordinated in advance, Deep Diving certification may be completed on the trip.
What are the wrecks like?
The wrecks range from upright, intact wooden barges and sailing vessels to steel lake freighters down for over 100 years. All wrecks are protected and no artifacts can be removed.
Do I need lights for the trip?
Dive lights are recommended as there are lots of nooks and crannies to explore.
Any other equipment I need?
We recommend that diver have at least one dive reel, a lift bag, an audible and visible (safety sausage) surface signaling device. We also require proof of Dive Accident Insurance .
What about meals for the trip?
A hot buffet-style continental breakfast is included at the Comfort Inn. The Inn is located in the heart of Brockville and there are lots of dining options nearby as well as in downtown Brockville.
What will the weather be like?
Air temperatures in Brockville that time of year in the morning and evening can be cool (50°Fs) but get warm in the 70°Fs to low 80°Fs. It’s best to have layers and a light coat available.
It has been some time since I have been in the water, Can I get some pool time to practice?
If you wish to have a Scuba Update with a private instructor prior to the trip, arrangements can be made.
How much for my own room?
The cost for a single room adds an additional cost depending on how many nights – based on availability. Call Ed for exact pricing details.
Will we be doing anything on Long Island before the trip?
All coordination of the trip will be completed via email and phone calls if necessary.
Can a non-diver go on the trip?
Yes, non-divers are welcome as there are a lot of sightseeing opportunities. They can take a City of the 1,000 Islands Cruise or visit the historic Boldt and Singer Castles. There is the ever popular Brockville Rib Fest all weekend and the Poker Run on Saturday. A new outdoor Adventure park opened nearby and includes a Zipline Tour, Aerial Adventure Courses and a Treewalk Village . There are also lots of lighthouses to visit, or hit the mall in Brockville for some great deals due to the value of the American dollar.
I'm not yet certified. Will I be able to do my dives for Open Water Diver Certification?
No. Because of the fragile wrecks, depths and current, we only offer Deep Diving and Nitrox Certification dives along with various Technical courses during this trip.
What is the deposit required?
We need a $100 deposit per person ASAP to hold your spot. Remember space is limited to only 20 divers.
When is the balance due?
We need the balance paid by the weekend before the trip starts.
Should I purchase trip insurance?
We recommend trip insurance for all our diving trips. If you need to cancel and we are unable to fill your spot, certain costs of the trip are non-refundable.
Is there anything else I need?
Yes, all divers on our trips need to have a current physicians sign-off medical form on file with us. We can provide the form you need.