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Dive Review of Blackbeard's Cruises in
Bahamas

Blackbeard's Cruises, Jun, 2004,

by Eric Frick, IL, USA (Top Contributor Top Contributor 30 reports with 24 Helpful votes). Report 1075.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 2 stars Food 3 stars
Service and Attitude 4 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 3 stars Shore Diving 3 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 3 stars
Advanced 3 stars
Comments Know what you are getting into here & you won't be disappointed. "Camping at sea" is an apt description. Jolly shipmates, good weather and a good crew will all add up to a good or even great experience. The 65' boats accomodate up to 23 divers plus 6 crew but conditions are crowded & privacy is non-existant. Our trip departed Miami @ 3:00 p.m. on Sat. & we disembarked the following Fri. @ 9:00 a.m. On our crossing to Bimini, we encountered a school of dolphin which made for a good photo op. After clearing customs in Bimini, we headed south for their first trip to Cay Sal of the year. It was a long trip under motor and sail but diving the Big Blue Hole and the Red Hole down there was worth it. Calm winds at this time of the year meant that we raised the sail to add another knot or so to our speed but there was not enough wind to simply sail with no motor. Food was plentyful but uninspired. Diving (18 dives, including 2 night dives) was good but not outstanding. The crew was very nice and did all they could to make the trip a success. Capt. Earnie did an outstanding job. Engineer Clay kept systems running on the Morning Star. Every boat has its quirks and persistent problems and these well-used boats are no exception. Bring small clamps purchased at your local home center instead of clothes pins for hanging items out to dry. Consider foam earplugs for a more peaceful night's sleep, especially if you are berthed in the salon area where everyone eats.

Stack the odds in your favor: Go when warmer water reduces your need for thermal protection. Go when warmer weather and calmer seas mean a smoother crossing from Miami and reduced need for clothing. Bring along plenty of buddies for a friendly atmosphere and a solid voting block to influence any decisions offered up for a vote by the captain.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 101-250 dives
Where else diving Great Lakes, Hawaii, Florida Keys, various Caribbean
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy, rainy Seas calm, surge
Water Temp 83-87°F / 28-31°C Wetsuit Thickness 2
Water Visibility 30-75 Ft/ 9-23 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Return to the boat with 500 p.s.i. or more.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas None
Dolphins Schools Whale Sharks None
Turtles 1 or 2 Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters 3 stars Large Fish 3 stars
Large Pelagics 2 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 3 stars Boat Facilities 2 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 3 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Dedicated camera rinse tank. No dedicated work area for cameras.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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