Safe Diving
We’re part of the Dive Bequia team, working side by side with Cathy (the owner and backbone of the center), we want to share what makes this place so special—not only as divers, but as people who genuinely love the ocean and the community around it.
At Dive Bequia, we don’t just offer dives—we offer peace of mind, personal growth, and unforgettable underwater experiences. We (Tanja & Kalle) are proud to be part of a team that values safety, professionalism, and genuine care for every diver.
Come dive with us and experience the difference.
Written by Tanja & Kalle – proud members of the Dive Bequia team

Diving with Heart
As full-time travelers and passionate divers, we (Tanja & Kalle) have explored incredible dive sites across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Along the way, we’ve experienced all kinds of dive centers—from rustic beach shacks to sleek, high-end operations.
But when we landed in Bequia and joined Dive Bequia, something just felt different. There was heart here. There was care. And there was a strong sense that things are done right—not just by the book, but with real integrity.
Now that we’re part of the Dive Bequia team, working side by side with Cathy (the owner and backbone of the center), we want to share what makes this place so special—not only as divers, but as people who genuinely love the ocean and the community around it.
Meet Cathy – The Heartbeat of Dive Bequia
For over 40 years, Dive Bequia has been part of the island’s story. At the center of it all is Cathy Howard Sachs: an experienced instructor, conservationist, and warm soul who leads with passion and care.
Cathy isn’t just running a dive center—she’s built a trusted space where safety, sustainability, and community come first. She’s hands-on in every sense, whether she’s out planting coral, training new staff, or chatting with returning guests at the dock.
Her standards are high (and rightly so)—but what we love is that she leads with kindness. Every diver is welcomed like an old friend. Every piece of gear is checked with the same diligence. Every dive briefing is thoughtful, clear, and calming. And somehow, the place still feels relaxed, joyful, and refreshingly unpretentious.
Safe Diving, Always – Without Losing the Fun
We believe diving should be exciting, but never rushed or careless. At Dive Bequia, safety is never an afterthought—it’s part of the flow. Every member of our team is professionally trained, and we keep our group sizes small so we can offer genuine, personal attention.
Before each dive, we take the time to walk you through everything: dive plans, hand signals, buddy checks, and emergency protocols. We also carry emergency oxygen and ensure our staff are trained in first aid and rescue procedures.
The goal? To make you feel calm, confident, and fully able to enjoy your dive—with nothing to worry about except spotting that elusive frogfish or swimming through a school of jacks.
Diving with Respect – For the Reef, the Wildlife, and Each Other
The Caribbean Sea is stunning, but it’s also fragile. That’s why we follow responsible diving practices and encourage our guests to do the same. Here’s how we protect the underwater world we love:
No touching corals or marine life
Perfecting buoyancy to avoid damaging the reef
No feeding or disturbing sea creatures
Encouraging reef-safe sunscreen use
We also support local conservation projects and coral restoration efforts here on Bequia. We believe every dive is a chance to inspire curiosity and respect—not just for the ocean, but for all life within it.
Community-Focused and Fair – Local Roots, Global Values
Dive Bequia is more than a dive center—it’s a locally rooted business that supports the people and economy of Bequia. We collaborate with local service providers, treat every staff member with respect, and create an environment where guests and team members alike feel truly valued.
Many of our divers return year after year, not just for the beautiful dives, but because they know they’ll be welcomed like family. That sense of connection is something we hold dear.
Quality You Can Trust – With No Corners Cut
Dive Bequia is a PADI & SSI 5-Star Dive Center, fully licensed and insured. Our gear is regularly serviced and cleaned, our tanks are filled with pure, dry air, and our boats are fully equipped with oxygen, life jackets, and safety gear.
Everything we do—from the pre-dive briefings to the post-dive logs—is done with intention and care. We follow international diving standards, respect local marine regulations, and never take shortcuts.
If you’re training with us, know this: our instructors don’t just teach—they care. We work in small groups, focus on hands-on learning, and make sure you leave feeling capable and confident.
Our Promise – Real Diving, Real People, Real Respect
At Dive Bequia, we don’t believe in mass tourism or cookie-cutter dives. We believe in meaningful experiences, in creating space for learning and joy, and in keeping you safe every step of the way.
When you dive with us, you’re not just signing up for a trip—you’re joining a community that cares deeply about the sea, about safety, and about sharing the magic of diving in a truly personal way.
We’re proud to call this place our dive home—and we can’t wait to welcome you beneath the surface.
Come dive with us—and experience the difference!
Dive Smart – Our Checklist for Responsible Divers
Whether you’re diving with us or elsewhere in the world, we encourage every diver to ask questions and make informed decisions. Here’s what we recommend checking:
1. Equipment & Air Quality
• Are the tanks tested and filled with clean, dry air?
• Is the dive gear maintained and suitable for local conditions?
2. Certification & Licensing
• Is the dive center licensed and insured?
• Can you verify your instructor’s credentials online?
• Before booking dives or a course online or directly with a dive shop, check that the staff hold valid certifications and insurance, and that they are actually working for the company.
• Which diving organization do they represent? (PADI, SSI, SDI, NAUI, YMCA, ACUC, CMAS…)
• You can verify their status on the organization’s website—just ask for their Pro ID numbers.
• Ask to see their valid professional certification cards.
3. Boat Safety
• Are oxygen, fire extinguishers, and life jackets on board?
• Are emergency procedures explained before departure?
• Is the emergency oxygen accompanied by the correct masks?
• Are there proper first aid supplies and a working emergency phone?
• Are spare items available, such as an extra tank and fins?
4. Dive Briefings & Logs
• Is there a detailed dive plan before entering the water?
• Are your personal details, emergency contact, and dive certification collected and documented?
• Do you sign a registration form or waiver? Dive centers are required to keep these records for seven years.
• Do you log dives and discuss the experience afterward?
• Are you guided in logging your dives correctly with accurate data (time, site, depth)?
5. Emergency Preparedness
• Does the team have a clear rescue plan and training?
• Do you feel confident in their ability to act in an emergency?
• Has the entire team completed Stress & Rescue and React Right (or equivalent) training?
6. Instructor Quality
• Who will be teaching you—above and below the surface?
• Is the course structured, supportive, and worth your investment?
At Dive Bequia, we don’t just offer dives—we offer peace of mind, personal growth, and unforgettable underwater experiences. We (Tanja & Kalle) are proud to be part of a team that values safety, professionalism, and genuine care for every diver.
Come dive with us and experience the difference.