Instant Reader Report
on AquaCat / [same] in
Bahamas / Exumas on
2003/03
by
Anne and Michael Montgomery , MD, USA
Report Number 030426102731104

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 Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman, Bonaire several times, Tortolla,
North Carolina, Cozumel, Key West  

Dive Conditions

Rec. dive limits observed, dive own profile within computer limits.  

Great big dedicated camera table on deck.  Recharging station and
pressurized air hose.  Plenty of help in and out of water with cameras. 
Two camera only rinse tanks.  E6 Processing aboard with free mounting,
slide film $10 per.  Two large lit tables in salon w/ mannifiers for slide
viewing.  Slide show and contest at trip end with nice prizes.  

Overall Rating

This boat was designed for divers.  Rooms have more storage space than one
could ask for, indiv. controlled a/c, large windows, good reading lights,
mini fridge and descent size ensuite shower.  Staff incredibly
professional while remaining friendly, approachable and humorous.  Dive
deck set up is great.  Dedicated spot during trip for each diver, choice
of tank size (80 or 100) plus Nitrox available.  Refilled tanks after @
dive with you having to remove BCD from tank, refills almost always 3000
psi and excellent safety system comprised of notification board with Dan
tags for tracking where each passenger was (on Aquacat, On Sea Dog, In
Water).  DM Simon great with helping me out with use of new dive computer
and photographers Josh and Sophia always there with advice on shooting
tips and camera settings.  Briefing before every dive with detailed talk
and drawn diagrams.  Dive site names and times posted each morning.  Five
dives per day; 2 after bfast, 2 after lunch and one night dive.  If you're
a real "dive monkey" you can get 26 dives in during the week. 
Corals: Sea Fans, some Staghorn and Elkhorn, Plate, Brain and Black. Fish
life: Reef Sharks, Groupers, Queen Triggers, all varieties of Angelfish,
Basslets, Hamlets, Parrotfish, Bermuda Chub, Snappers, Channel and Arrow
Crabs, Scorpionfish, Lettuce Leaf Sea Slugs, Jaw Fish, Puffers. At night
there were Octopus, schooling silver sides, lobster, shrimp and morays. 
Shark feed was a complete thrill!!!  Saw more sharks on this trips than
ever anywhere!!  They have boat called the Biscuit to fetch diver
surfacing far away from the boat.  Also have jet boat, Sea Dog, with Capt.
Howard to take you on daily excursions if willing to miss a dive or two. 
Well worth it; went hiking, fed iguanas, snorkeled with Lemon sharks. 
Only one dive towel allotted per day so if you need more, bring your own
and dry each evening in the wind.  Meals great, good variety with a nice
green salad always at lunch and dinner.  Staff caught a Tuna and served us
sashimi in addition to Capt. Mark (great guy!) free diving for lobster so
we could enjoy lobster Alfredo (yummy!)  Drinks and snacks available on
self service basis at all hours (Amy's cookies are to die for!). Beer and
wine included and always available along with hard liquor but your first
drink of the day is your last dive of the day; strictly enforced and for
good reason. Public area spacious and comfortable; salon has plenty of
room for dining plus several roomy couches for watching video's or taking
a midday nap.  Open feel, lots of natural light.  Great UWP books aboard
long with Reef ID Set for those of us who have to know "what that
was".  Photographers and DM's on every dive, follow or not per your
preference.  Great slide shots taken of passenger by staff available for
purchase at $5 each, high quality.  Trip video shot and edited by Liz is
best by far we have ever seen or purchased, especially musical choices for
background.  If your arrange with AquaCat ahead of time, they provide free
airport transfers (take advantage of it because cab fair's a killer). 
Can't board until 6pm Sat so good idea to fly in fairly late (boat doesn't
depart until about 5 am next morning) or fly in a day early and out a day
late to enjoy the Island and have a place to crash out of the heat.  They
do allow you to drop you bags at the boat and even let me take a cool
shower on the deck (enclosed).  Last night they throw a nice cocktail
party w/ Captain and crew in attendance and you are responsible for dinner
ashore, we recommend East Villa.  Marina office always willing to help by
calling for cab or reservations, as long as they’re open. We
definitely intend to return to the AquaCat because of the fantastic
customer service, conformable & spacious quarters and the varied
diving.  We would choose summer next time to avoid those springtime winds. 

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