Joe's Scuba Shack

SCUBA DIVING GUIDE

Archives for November 2018

Best Scuba Diving Phuket Thailand Liveaboards

by 4 Comments

Andaman Sea - Phuket, Thailand Liveaboard Diving
Andaman Sea – Phuket, Thailand
Titan Triggerfish Phuket Thailand Liveaboard Diving
Titan Triggerfish – The Diver’s Friend

This is the thirtieth in a series which introduces and describes the various dive services and sites for worldwide liveaboard dive safaris.  This one will focus on the trips that embark from Phuket, Thailand and sail the southern Andaman Sea.

In addition to this series on liveaboards, the best worldwide dive resort locations and services are reviewed in their own series.  To check them out, or others in this series, click on Liveaboards/Resorts on the menu at the top and choose a title from the list.

Have you ever been diving in Phuket before?  If so, I’d love to know about your experience.  What dive shop or liveaboard did you use?  Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, sealife attractions, etc.?  Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.

Phuket Thailand Diving

Phuket is situated on the west coast of Thailand, centrally located on the shore of the Andaman Sea.  At 21 km (17 miles) wide and 48 km (30 miles) long, it is the largest island in Thailand, and though having a very developed tourist industry, still has many relatively unspoiled natural areas on land, as well as in the sea.  It is known for its beautiful beaches, scuba diving, water sports, resorts, Thai cuisine, ornate temples, and nightlife and is also well positioned as the port for liveaboards to the Similans and Burma Banks in the north and also the southern Andaman Sea, as well. The southern Andaman sites are usually thought of as day trip dives, but there are liveaboards that do an excellent job providing access to the best sites there without having to go back and forth to shore.

Twenty-six years ago I first went to Phuket and took part in several day trips to dive.  I was impressed with the rich coral reef and the variety of fish and macro creatures.  Some of the featured sites are Shark Point with its leopard sharks, Koh Doc Mai – walls covered with macro life, the King Cruiser Wreck, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang – seamounts, Anemone Reef, Racha Noi and Yai, Phi Phi Islands and Koh Ha. Highlighted wildlife includes whale sharks, mantas, schooling barracuda and jacks, snappers, grouper, moray and zebra eels, leopard sharks, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, red tooth, clown and titan triggerfish and schooling baitfish all on a bio-diverse coral reef.  Check out the videos for more.

Diving is possible year-round in the Andaman Sea.  The best time is between November and April when it is dry and less windy.  Tourists really flock there in December and January, so early booking is advisable.  The monsoon season is March to October with September and October the rainiest time. There can be more surface chop due to the wind during the monsoon season.

Air temperatures are highest in April with an average of 31°C (87°F) and coolest in December at 26°C (79°F).  Water temperatures reach 26°C (79°F) in January and February and 30°C (86°F) in May and June.  In March and April thermoclines may be encountered with downward decreases of 2°C (3.6°F).  A 3mm wetsuit is probably adequate for most divers.

Visibility is variable based on the area and season but ranges from 10 meters (35 feet) to 30 meters (100 feet).

The northern Andaman Sea embracing the Similans and Burma have liveaboards specifically for those areas.  To find out details of the available boats, services, and dive sites, please go to these two posts:

Thailand Dive Map
Thailand Dive Map

Liveaboard Dive Boats Thailand

Three boats are providing liveaboard dive safaris to the southern Andaman Sea departing from Phuket.

The Merdeka 3 promotes a relaxed atmosphere of up to two dives a day and a lot of island hopping and shoreside activities, all in the southern sector.

The MV Giamani runs two different cruises, one to the southern Andaman and another to the northern Andaman, back to back.  This allows divers to do one or both. This boat is more encouraging for advanced and tech divers.

The MV Gentle Giant, like the Merdeka 3 runs just a single cruise, but this one encompasses both the northern and southern Andaman Sea.

Merdeka 3 ($192/day)

Merdeka 3 Thailand Liveaboard Dive Boat
Merdeka 3
  • 3-5 day cruises in the Southern Andaman Sea for both divers and non-divers to explore Phi Phi, Koh Ha, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang in the Krabi province
  • 2 dives daily (usually in the morning) and afternoons spent exploring the islands, kayaking, snorkeling and relaxing
  • Aircon cabins, en-suite bathrooms, warm water showers, audio & video entertainment, daily housekeeping
  • Sun deck
  • Massage
  • Western, local and vegetarian food, outdoor dining
  • The crew speaks English, German, Thai, and French
  • Separate rinse for u/w camera, charging stations
  • Onboard kayaks
  • Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
  • Experience required: Open Water Certification and 10 minimum logged dives
  • Sidemount diving
  • Tenders for diving

Check it on Liveaboard.com

Merdika 3 Itinerary Map Thailand Liveaboard Diving
Merdeka 3 Itinerary Map

MV Giamani ($188/day)

Giamani Thailand Liveaboard Dive Boat
MV Giamani
  • 3-day cruises to Hin Deang, Hin Muang, Koh Haa, Phi Phi & Phuket followed by 5-day trips to the Similans, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin & Richelieu (divers can sign up for one or both legs)
  • Air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, indoor saloon, en-suite bathrooms, audio & video entertainment, library, daily housekeeping, warm water showers
  • Sun deck, leisure deck
  • Massage
  • Photography station, separate rinse for u/w camera, charging stations
  • Western, local and vegetarian food, outdoor dining
  • The crew speaks English, German, Thai, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian
  • Shaded diving deck
  • Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
  • Nitrox available, tech diving, rebreather support
  • Tender for diving – 1 x 3.80m 30HP
  • Emergency rafts

Check it on Liveaboard.com

MV Gentle Giant ($187/day)

MV Gentle Giant Thailand Liveaboard Dive Boat
MV Gentle Giant
  • December – April 6 day cruises to the Similans, Richelieu, Hin Daeng, and Hin Muang
  • Air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, en-suite bathrooms, indoor saloon, warm water showers, audio & video entertainment
  • Sun deck
  • Separate rinse for u/w camera
  • Charging stations
  • Western, local and vegetarian food
  • The crew speaks English and Thai
  • Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
  • Nitrox available
  • Dive deck
  • Emergency rafts

Check it on Liveaboard.com

MV Gentle Giant Itinerary Map Thailand Liveaboard Diving
MV Gentle Giant Itinerary Map

 Merdeka 3MV GiamaniMV Gentle Giant
Merdeka 3 Thailand Liveaboard Dive BoatGiamani Thailand Liveaboard Dive BoatMV Gentle Giant Thailand Liveaboard Dive Boat
Length
30 m24 m27 m
Guests
141020
Equipment
Includedthb800/daythb500/day
Nitrox
Nothb300/fillthb200/fill
Snorkel
Friendly		YesYesYes
Price/Day
$192$188$187

Phuket Photos

With the macro life, beautiful, diverse coral reef, megafauna, and lots of fish, there are many excellent photo opportunities.  For information and reviews of diving cameras, click here:

Dive Insurance

A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation.  I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and provide scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Phuket Dive Resorts and Hotels

Phuket has many dive shops and is world famous for its hotels and resorts of all levels.  Before and after your cruise you may want to spend some time taking advantage of the sun, beach and nightlife activities by hooking up with some local lodging.  This website is a good source for available options and can arrange a booking:

Feedback and Comments

I hope you found this post on Phuket scuba diving interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  I’d love to know of any experience you have diving there.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

 

Scuba Diving Western Australia Ningaloo Reef Liveaboard

by 6 Comments

Convict Surgeonfish - Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia Liveaboard Diving
Convict Surgeonfish – Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

This is the twenty-ninth in a series which introduces and describes the various dive services and sites for worldwide liveaboard dive safaris.  This one will focus on Ningaloo, Western Australia.

For liveaboard reviews of Australia diving in the Outer Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea, Neptune Islands great white shark dives, and Rowley Shoals, please click on this title:

In addition to this series on liveaboards, the best worldwide dive resort locations and services are reviewed in their own series.  To check them out, or others in this series, click on Liveaboards / Resorts on the menu at the top and choose a title from the list.

Have you ever been diving on Ningaloo Reef before?  If so, I’d love to know about your experience.  What dive shop or liveaboard did you use?  Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, sealife attractions, etc.?  Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.

Scuba Diving Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Reef is situated about mid-way between Broome and Perth in Western Australia.  It is reasonably remote but is accessible by air, bus or car.  Exmouth, the biggest town in the area is served by Learmonth Airport about 20 miles (37 km) away.

Without much nightlife, the main attractions are natural resources.  Ningaloo Reef is one of the few pristine reefs left and is part of the Ningaloo Marine Park.  Nearby is the wildlife-rich Cape Range National Park and, in addition to resorts, hotels and backpacker lodges, there are camping sites and caravan parks.  The seaside is also well known for snorkeling and surfing.

Scuba diving highlights are whale sharks, humpback whales, dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, stingrays, green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles, reef sharks and large groupers.

The diving depth range is 5-40 meters (16-130 feet), but most of the best diving on this rich and bio-diverse reef is at  21 meters (70 feet) or less, making it suitable for all diver levels.

Visibility ranges from 5-30 meters (16-100 feet) but is often from 10-20 meters (35-70 feet).  It is generally sunny year round with a wet season in May and June and a dry season from August to December.  Daily temperature highs range from 25-35°C (77-95°F) with the warmest in the southern hemisphere summer (December to March), and the coolest in winter (June to August).  The water temperature also varies based on the season, ranging from 19-28°C (66-82°F).

Seasonal attractions:

  • March-July: whale sharks
  • July-November: humpback whales, dolphins
  • November-January: hawksbill turtle nesting
  • January-March: hawksbill turtle hatching

Reef Summary

  • Depth: 5-40m
  • Visibility: 5-30m
  • Currents: usually gentle
  • Surface conditions: relatively calm
  • Air temperature: 25-35°C (77-95°F)
  • Water temperature:19-28°C (66-82°F)
  • Experience level: beginner-advanced
Ningaloo Dive Map Australia Liveaboard Diving
Ningaloo Reef Map

Australia Dive Map

Ningaloo Liveaboard Dive Boats

There is only the one liveaboard boat cruising Ningaloo Reef.  This is a family owned catamaran serving a maximum of 10 guests.  Though small, it has most of the comforts of much larger yachts, and the cozy camaraderie and excitement of a speedy sailboat.

Shore Thing ($309/day)

Shore Thing Australia Liveaboard Diving

Shore Thing Australia Liveaboard Diving

  • 3-9 night itineraries to Ningaloo Reef
  • Daily housekeeping, air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, en-suite bathrooms, indoor saloon, warm water showers
  • Western, local and vegetarian food, outdoor dining
  • Charging stations
  • Sun deck
  • Separate rinse for u/w camera
  • English speaking crew
  • Onboard kayaks
  • Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
  • Dive deck
  • Tenders for diving
  • Emergency rafts

Check it on Liveaboard.com

 Shore Thing
Shore Thing Australia Liveaboard Diving
Length
30 m
Guests
10
Equipment
BCD & Regs
$120/3 nights
$180/5 nights
$290/9 nights
Nitrox
No
Snorkel
Friendly		Yes
Price/Day
$309

Ningaloo Accommodation

The Exmouth/Ningaloo/Coral Bay area has several dive shops and quite a few hotels and resorts of varying levels.  The Shore Thing liveaboards take up to ten days but can be as short as three.  If your cruise is on the short end of the range or you would like to spend time on shore among the wildlife of the Cape Range National Park, hiking and exploring, or take in the sun and surf action of the beach, then hooking up with local accommodation might be suitable.  This website can introduce options and help arrange a booking:

Ningaloo Photo Opportunities

With the macro life, beautiful, diverse coral reef and lots of fish, there are many excellent photo opportunities.  For information and reviews of diving cameras, click here:

Scuba Diving Trip Insurance

A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation.  I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and provide scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

For liveaboard reviews of Australia diving in the Outer Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea, Neptune Islands great white shark dives, and Rowley Shoals, please click on this title:

Feedback and Comments

I hope you found this post on Ningaloo Reef scuba diving interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  I’d love to know of any experience you have diving there.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

Scuba Diving the Philippines Subic Bay Wrecks

by 8 Comments

Kyo Maru Anchor - 69 meters, Subic Bay Wrecks
Kyo Maru Anchor – 69 Meters
USS New York Subic Bay Philippines Wreck Diving
USS New York

Are you looking for your dream dive vacation? This is the sixth in a series of reviews of the best dive resort locations around the world.  In this post, the focus will be Subic Bay in the Philippines.

In addition to this series on dive resort locations, the best worldwide liveaboard dive locations and services are reviewed in their own series.  To check them out, or others in this series, click on Liveaboards/Resorts on the menu at the top and choose a title from the list.

Have you ever been diving in Subic Bay before?  If so, I’d love to know about your experience.  What dive shop or liveaboard did you use?  Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, sealife attractions, etc.?  Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.

Diving in Subic Bay

From June 12-16, 1991, Mt. Pinatubo erupted 4 times launching over 200 million tons of ash and debris into the sky which created a cloud that encircled the earth.  For the locals in Pampanga and Zambales about 2 feet of this ash landed on the buildings and roads causing massive damage to the infrastructure and economy.  It also caused enough of a disturbance to the US military bases at Clark Field and Olongapo, that, along with political pressure from the Filipino people and government, the bases were packed up and closed by the end of 1992.  The attitude of the US government seemed to be that the bases were such a mess, the timing looked right to go.  Shortly thereafter, with the blessing of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the first commercial scuba diving operation was opened in the new Freeport Zone.  Up to that point, there was little access by local people to the wrecks and dive sites on the old base.  This meant that they had not been salvaged and were largely intact.  The wrecks located in Subic Bay that were not included within the base boundaries were not so lucky.  There was the story of an LST that sat in 30-40 meters that was cut up with torches and completely recovered without a trace left by Filipino hookah divers.  Another story had a concrete barge that hookah divers chiseled into a mound of debris to salvage out the iron re-rod infrastructure. Far-fetched stories, but told to me by someone who would seem to know such things.

The dive shop there that opened in 1993, initially known as Subic Bay Aquasports, later morphing into Scuba Shack, was the only authorized dive shop at that time allowed to dive in the new government-controlled zone.  I arrived there in early 1994 to start work as a diving instructor.  The area got covered by about 2 feet of ash from the volcano and that included the wrecks in the bay.  The rich encrusting corals and sponges that were the foundation for other life that had developed on them starting upon their sinking in the 1940s, was mostly covered in ash.  Brian Homan, from the dive shop, actually undertook to remove ash from the New York wreck with a lifter he mounted on a small wooden barge.  It was slow work, but a substantial amount was removed.

It was several years before other dive operators were allowed in the zone. It took a special permit to bring your boat there and attempt any diving.  After a few years, other dive shops were allowed to open up outside the zone and have access to the sites.  In 1994, though, it was just us.  We were still “discovering” wrecks.  Although they were pretty easy to “find,” we were the first to take divers to the Japanese Patrol Boat, the LCU located in the vicinity of the end of the runway and the San Quentin.

Since that time with the development of technical diving and the ingenuity and exploration by the generation of divers that followed, many wrecks have been located and become part of the diving itinerary, albeit requiring advanced technical skill and ability to dive deep, in some cases.

Subic Bay is located about 100 km from Manila and is the smaller bay to the west of Manila Bay on the map.  It takes 3-4 hours to drive from Manila, but there is the former naval base airport there with a limited number of flights landing in the SBMA zone.

As a diving area, its claim to fame is the 20 or so wrecks mostly dating from the Japanese occupation during World War II.  There are reefs aside from the wrecks that make for interesting exploration, but without the wrecks, there would not be a large crowd of divers clamoring to dive them.  There is entertaining reef life, though, that includes schools of jacks, barracuda and tuna, blue-spotted stingrays, octopus, cuttlefish, puffers, rabbitfish, sweetlips, snappers, fusiliers, interesting macro critters, corals, sponges, and the occasional shark or turtle.

There are dive sites suitable for all levels of diver and it is an excellent location for introductory dives, courses, and snorkeling.  Deep and penetration opportunities for very advanced technical diving is also available, as well.  Many operations are running technical training, particularly on the New York wreck and others that are deep.  The Ocean Adventure people also run dives with dolphins and pilot whales.

There is little to no current on the sites inside the bay.  Visibility can be as good as 30 meters, but it is often much less, down to a few meters, particularly on the inner wrecks closest to Alava Pier, like the Oryuko Maru, the Seian Maru, and even the New York, slightly further out.  Water temperatures are from 27-29°C (80-84°C) and the best time to dive is from November to May.  When the rainy season starts in June, the surface can be rough and visibility reduced significantly.

Subic Bay also offers jet skiing, windsurfing, water toys, and other beach activities.  There are casinos, restaurants and a lot of bar and club activity available.  In the economic zone, the near virgin forests have wild monkeys and the Zoobic tiger safari that allows you to ride through uncaged tigers.

Major Subic Bay Wrecks

  • New York (ACR-2) – Depth: 16-30 m (55-100 ft)
  • El Capitan (USS Majaba) – Depth: 4-22 m (13-73 ft)
  • “Nikko Maro” – Banshu Maru No. 52 – Depth: 56 m (180 ft)
  • San Quentin  – Depth: 12-16 m (39-52.5 ft)
  • Landing Craft Utility (LCU) – Depth: 9-22 m (30-73 ft)
  • Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM) – Depth: 41 m (135 ft)
  • Upside Down LCU – Depth: 36 m (120 ft)
  • Kyo Maru  – Depth: 69 m (226 ft)
  • USS Lanikai – Depth: 34-36 m (112-120 ft)
  • Seian Maru – Depth: 16-27 m (53-89 ft)
  • Japanese Patrol Boat – Depth: 18-24 m (60-80 ft)
  • SS Oryoku Maru ‘The Hellship’ – Depth: 17-25 m (56-82 ft)
  • Landing Ship Tank (LST) – Depth: 26-32 m (85-105 ft)
  • Arizona House Wreck – Depth: 18-21 m (59-69 ft)
  • Douglas Skyraider  – Depth: 36 m (118 ft)
  • L2D “Tabby” (Japanese DC-3/C-47) – Depth: 42-44 m (138-145 ft)
  • McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom 2 – Depth: 40 m (131 ft)
  • Savage A2 (AJ-2) Bomber – Depth: 70 m (230 ft)
  • Bailey Bridges – Depth: 26-32 m (85-105 ft)
  • Beer Barrels – Depth: 25-30 m (82-98 ft)
  • M3 Half-Tracks – Depth: 37 m (121 ft)
  • Barges – Depth: 4-34 m (13-11.5 ft)
  • Cage and Barrel – Depth: 37 m (121 ft)

For a detailed description of these sites with photos and a map, go to this website:  click here


Subic Bay Beach Resorts

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) zone is a higher end more organized area with attractive hotels, restaurants, dive shops and beaches that is much more comfortable logistically if you have a car.  A good many of the businesses cater to Koreans, along with those that aim at a generalized community of locals and internationals.

Out in Barrio Barretto and Baloy Beach, a few miles west of SBMA, it is more of a hodgepodge of businesses, hotels and dive shops with an emphasis on an easygoing beach lifestyle and nightlife.  I lived in Barretto in the 90s and I can say that now it is more raucous than ever, though with more services and better quality, as well.

For accommodations in Subic Bay, this website is a good reference that can help with booking:

For other posts about Philippine diving, check these:

To check out liveaboard diving opportunities, click here: Philippines liveaboard diving

Subic Bay Photos

With the historic wrecks, macro life, coral reef, and lots of fish, there are many excellent photo opportunities.  For information and reviews of diving cameras, click here:

Scuba Diving Trip Insurance

A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation.  I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and provide scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Feedback and Comments

I hope you found this post on Subic Bay scuba diving interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  I’d love to know of any experience you have diving there.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

Scuba Diving the British Virgin Islands Liveaboards

by 4 Comments

British Virgin Islands Liveaboard Diving
British Virgin Islands Diving

This is the twenty-eighth in a series which introduces and describes the various dive services and sites for worldwide liveaboard dive safaris.  This one will focus on Virgin Islands liveaboards.

In addition to this series on liveaboards, the best worldwide dive resort locations and services are reviewed in their own series.  To check them out, or others in this series, click on Liveaboards/Resorts on the menu at the top and choose a title from the list.

Have you ever been diving in the British Virgin Islands?  If so, I’d love to know about your experience.  What dive shop or liveaboard did you use?  Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, sealife attractions, etc.?  Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.

Scuba Diving the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are a British overseas protectorate of 60 islands with a population of 28,000 full-time residents located a little east of Puerto Rico.  23,500 live in Tortola and the rest are spread around 14 other islands. The remaining islands are uninhabited.

The diving is suitable for all levels of diver with most sites at relatively shallow depths. although some sites do have significant current.  There are several famous shipwrecks amid seamounts, coral gardens, and sandy bottoms.  Local dive shops operate on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, and Cooper Island, but have limited range and are able to cover only relatively nearby dive sites.  A liveaboard provides the opportunity to visit more than 100 dive sites of great variety and differences in difficulty in an environment of convenience and comfort.

Notable wrecks include the RMS Rhone, a Royal Mail Steamship, sunk in a hurricane in 1867.  It sits in two pieces in 10-80 feet (3-24 meters) of water off of Salt Island. Penetration is possible and lots of artifacts remain.  Another is the Chikuzan, a Korean refrigerator vessel, that was scuttled in 1981 in a crazy episode where after being damaged in a hurricane was set on fire.  It drifted dangerously out of control toward Marina Cay until captured and towed a distance before breaking loose and coming to rest on the sea bottom in a very unplanned location about 7 miles to the northwest of Tortola.  Today it sits in 40-75 feet (12-23 meters) of water far from any reef.  It has its own resident fish, attracts lots of pelagics and provides good penetration opportunities.

This Chikuzan wreck is considered a more advanced dive, as is the diving at  Virgin Gorda and The Invisibles (underwater pinnacles), which has a strong current.

The BVI has a rich Caribbean coral reef and a great variety of small and large sea life.  Highlights are nurse sharks, southern stingrays, eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, barracuda, goliath groupers, tarpon, spiny lobster and a variety of macro critters.

Temperatures are in a tight range between 80- 90°F (27-32°C) and diving is possible year round.  Water temps are from 78- 83°F (25-28°C) with visibility from 60-100 feet (18-30 meters).

Caribbean Map

Caribbean Map

Cuan Law BVI Sailing Route
BVI Sailing Route – Cuan Law Liveaboard

 Virgin Islands Liveaboard Dive Boats

The only liveaboard vessel serving the British Virgin Islands is the 30-meter trimaran, the Cuan Law.  Its mast is also 30 meters high and when under sail the boat can travel at a speed of 8-10 knots.  Under power, it zips along up to 14 knots.  The skipper has an itinerary that covers most of the major dive sites and is flexible enough to make adjustments based on the abilities and interests of the divers and conditions at sea.  Stops are made at locations like Virgin Gorda, where there is excellent snorkeling and Jost Van Dyke and it’s beautiful sandy beaches affording kayaking and sailing a Hobie cat.

Cuan Law ($419/day)

Cuan Law - British Virgin Islands Liveaboard Dive Boat
Cuan Law
  • 7-day cruises from Tortola around the British Virgin Islands
  • Potential itinerary (not locked in): Cooper Island, Salt Island, RMS Rhone Wreck, Ginger Island, Long Bay, Virgin Gorda Island, Chikuzen Wreck, Muskmelon Bay, Guana Island, Atlantic Site,  Dog Islands, The Baths, Round Rock, The Blinders, Peter Island
  • Air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, indoor saloon, warm water showers, audio & video entertainment, library, en-suite bathrooms
  • Free internet
  • Sun deck, leisure deck
  • Western and local food, outdoor dining
  • Photography station, separate rinse for u/w camera
  • English speaking crew
  • Onboard kayaks, non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
  • Nitrox available
  • Dive deck
  • Tenders for diving: 2 x 21-foot 115-hp tenders
  • Emergency rafts

Check it at Liveaboard.com


 Cuan Law
Cuan Law British Virgin Islands Liveaboard Dive Boat
Length
30 m
Guests
20
Equipment
$15/day
Nitrox
$10/day
Snorkel
Friendly		Yes
Price/Day
$419

If you are interested in other Caribbean location diving reviews, please click on these links:

British Virgin Islands Photo Opportunities

With the macro life, beautiful, diverse coral reef and lots of fish, there are many excellent photo opportunities.  For information and reviews of diving cameras, click here:  Best Underwater Cameras Compared and Reviewed

Scuba Diving Trip Insurance

A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation.  I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and provide scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Feedback and Comments

I hope you found this post on British Virgin Islands scuba diving interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  I’d love to know of any experience you have diving there.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

Best Scuba Diving Bahamas Liveaboards

by 4 Comments

Caribbean Reef Sharks - The Bahamas Liveaboard Diving
Caribbean Reef Sharks – The Bahamas

This is the twenty-seventh in a series which introduces and describes the various dive services and sites for worldwide liveaboard dive safaris.  This one will focus on Bahamas liveaboards.

In addition to this series on liveaboards, the best worldwide dive resort locations and services are reviewed in their own series.  To check them out, or others in this series, click on Liveaboards/Resorts on the menu at the top and choose a title from the list.

Have you ever been diving in the Bahamas?  If so, I’d love to know about your experience.  What dive shop or liveaboard did you use?  Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, sealife attractions, etc.?  Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.

Best Scuba Diving Bahamas

Consisting of around 700 islands just to the east of Florida, the Bahamas have a full range of diving available from shallow to deep with wrecks, caves, walls and dramatic drift.  Among the many great dive sites in the Bahamas is the Lost Blue Hole, near Nassau.  In the sandy area around the hole itself are numerous coral heads, schools of fish, stingrays and lots of fascinating small fish for the macro photographer like Seminole gobies.  The area is rich in other Caribbean reef fish and a few nurse sharks.  In the spring schools of blacknose sharks can be found at the bottom of the hole.  In the Exuma Islands, you can look forward to seeing reef sharks and quite a few big groupers, not to mention a rich coral reef and garden eels.  Large schools of big eye trevallies are also prevalent.  In addition, other dive sites of note are Periwinkle Reef, Amberjack Reef, the Austin Smith Wreck, Blacktip Wall, Cathedral, Pillar Wall, the Washing Machine, Wax Cut Drift, Cave Rock, and Empress Pinnacles.

A list of some of the Bahamas reef wildlife highlights includes hammerhead, nurse, lemon, tiger, bull, black nose and Caribbean reef sharks, eagle rays, stingrays, dolphins,  grouper, turtles, octopus, lobster, garden and moray eels, jawfish, angelfish, blennies.

It is warm all the time in the Bahamas.  Temperatures range from 25 to 32°C (77 to 90°F) with water temps hitting lows of 22°C (71.6°F) in January and highs of 28°C (82.4°F) in August.  A 3mm wetsuit will provide suitable protection much of the time, and 5mm for some divers when it is coolest.

Most of the diving is appropriate for open water level divers.  A few of the drift dives may not be suitable for beginners, so divers should consult with boat staff to determine if the conditions are right.

For reviews of diving in other Caribbean locations, please check out these posts:

Bahamas Map - Liveaboard Diving
Bahamas Island Map

Dive Boats – Bahamas Liveaboards

There is a good variety in this fleet of liveaboard dive boats serving the Bahamas, in terms of size, number of guest spaces, services, facilities, and pricing.  In some cases, the itineraries are similar or identical, as in the situation of the Blackbeard twosome.  Others offer something a little different with special locations and onshore activities.

Top Value – Bahamas Aggressor

Bahamas Aggressor (Carib Dancer) Liveaboard Dive Boat
Bahamas Aggressor (Carib Dancer)
  • 8-day trips from Nassau through the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
  • Itinerary: Lost Blue Hole, Periwinkle Reef, Amberjack Reef, Austin Smith Wreck, Blacktip Wall, Cathedral, Pillar Wall, The Washing Machine, Wax Cut Drift, Cave Rock, and Empress Pinnacles
  • Multiple opportunities to go ashore for swimming, snorkeling and beachcombing
  • Air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, en-suite bathrooms, TV in cabins, audio & video entertainment, library, warm water showers
  • Local, western, vegetarian cuisine, outdoor dining, indoor saloon
  • Sun deck, hot tub on the sun deck, leisure deck
  • Camera station, station, separate rinse for u/w camera, camera room with table and charging point
  • Charging stations
  • English speaking crew
  • Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
  • Shaded diving deck
  • Nitrox available

Check it on Liveaboard.com

Check it on Dive the World by clicking the banner in the right sidebar

Small Catamaran Excitement – Phoenix

Phoenix - Bahamas Liveaboard Dive Boat
Phoenix
  • 7-day trips to Exuma & Eleuthera Reefs
  • 250 dive sites, walls, drift, wrecks, caves, and blue holes
  • Visit to Pig Beach to see the swimming wild pigs (weather dependent)
  • Air-conditioned indoor saloon, en-suite bathrooms, daily housekeeping, audio & video entertainment, warm water showers
  • Western, local and vegetarian food, outdoor dining
  • Sun deck
  • Camera room with table and charging point
  • Charging stations
  • English and Spanish speaking crew
  • Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
  • Tenders for diving – spacious skiffs
  • Emergency rafts

Check it on Liveaboard.com

Speedy Big Catamaran – Aqua Cat

Aqua Cat - Bahamas Liveaboard Dive Boat
Aqua Cat
  • 8-day trips to “the Best of the Bahamas”
  • Potential itinerary: Lost Blue Hole, Periwinkle Reef, Amberjack Reef, Austin Smith Wreck, Cathedral, Jeep Reef, Pillar Wall, The Washing Machine, Whale Tail Wall
  • Great variety of dive sites including shark feeding dives, walls, high-speed drift dives, blue holes and patch reefs with large schools of fish
  • Daily housekeeping, air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, en-suite bathrooms, audio & video entertainment, library, warm water showers
  • Leisure deck, sun deck
  • Indoor Saloon
  • Outdoor dining, western, local and vegetarian food
  • Photography station, separate rinse for u/w camera, camera room with table and charging point
  • Charging stations
  • The crew speaks English, French, and Portuguese
  • Onboard kayaks, non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
  • Shaded diving deck
  • Nitrox available, sidemount diving
  • Tenders for diving

Check it on Liveaboard.com

Budget Twin – Blackbeard’s Morning Star

Blackbeard's Morning Star - Bahamas Liveaboard Dive Boat
Blackbeard’s Morning Star
  • 8-day trips to “the Best of the Bahamas”
  • Potential Itinerary: Lost Blue Hole, Periwinkle Reef, Amberjack Reef, Austin Smith Wreck, Cathedral, Jeep Reef, Pillar Wall, The Washing Machine, Whale Tail Wall
  • Great variety of dive sites including shark feeding dives, walls, high-speed drift dives, blue holes and patch reefs with large schools of fish
  • Air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, warm water showers
  • Indoor saloon, leisure deck
  • Separate rinse for u/w camera
  • Western, local and vegetarian food
  • The crew speaks English and Spanish
  • Shaded diving deck
  • Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly

Check it on Liveaboard.com

Budget Twin – Blackbeard’s Sea Explorer

Blackbeard's Sea Explorer - Bahamas Liveaboard Dive Boat
Blackbeard’s Sea Explorer
  • 8-day trips to “the Best of the Bahamas”
  • Potential Itinerary: Lost Blue Hole, Periwinkle Reef, Amberjack Reef, Austin Smith Wreck, Cathedral, Jeep Reef, Pillar Wall, The Washing Machine, Whale Tail Wall
  • Great variety of dive sites including shark feeding dives, walls, high-speed drift dives, blue holes and patch reefs with large schools of fish
  • Air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, warm water showers
  • Indoor saloon, leisure deck
  • Separate rinse for u/w camera
  • Western, local and vegetarian food
  • The crew speaks English and Spanish
  • Shaded diving deck
  • Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly

Check it on Liveaboard.com

Luxury Choice – Bahamas Master

Bahamas Master - Bahamas Liveaboard Dive Boat
Bahamas Master
  • 8 and 11-day trips to “Hammerhead and Tiger Shark Experience” to the west end of Grand Bahama Island and Bimini Islands
  • Highlights: lots of sharks including hammerheads, nurse sharks, lemon sharks, tiger sharks, and  bull sharks, as well as dolphins, rays, grouper, turtles, and octopus
  • Air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, warm water showers, en-suite bathrooms, audio & video entertainment, library
  • Sun deck, leisure deck
  • Indoor saloon
  • Outdoor dining, western and vegetarian foods
  • Camera station
  • The crew speaks English
  • Shaded diving deck
  • Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
  • Nitrox available, rebreather support
  • Tenders for diving

Check it on Liveaboard.com

 Bahamas AggressorPhoenixAqua CatBlackbeard's
Morning Star		Blackbeard's
Sea Explorer
Bahamas
Master
Bahamas Aggressor (Carib Dancer) Liveaboard Dive BoatPhoenix - Bahamas Liveaboard Dive BoatAqua Cat - Bahamas Liveaboard Dive BoatBlackbeard's Morning Star - Bahamas Liveaboard Dive BoatBlackbeard's Sea Explorer - Bahamas Liveaboard Dive BoatBahamas Master - Bahamas Liveaboard Dive Boat
Length
30 m14 m30 m 20 m20 m35 m
Guests
14830222216
Equipment
$175/week
$260/0 nights		$175/tripRental by the pieceRental by the pieceRental by the piece$100/7 days
Nitrox
$100/week
$150/10 nights		No$150/weekNoNo$100/7 days
Snorkel
Friendly		YesYesYesYesYesYes
Price/Day
$253$213$211$141$141$314

Bahamas Photo Opportunities

With the macro life, beautiful, diverse coral reef and lots of fish, there are many excellent photo opportunities.  For information and reviews of diving cameras, click here:  Best Underwater Cameras Compared and Reviewed

Scuba Diving Trip Insurance

A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation.  I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and provide scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Feedback and Comments

I hope you found this post on Bahamas scuba diving interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  I’d love to know of any experience you have diving there.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<