Dive Review of
Nekton Rorqual in
Bahamas

Hawaii, Fiji, California Channel Islands, Florida Keys, Sea of Cortez
(Mexico)

Dive Conditions

130' max depth, back on boat with 500 psi  

Dedicated camera table and rinse tanks, on board E-6 processing, light
tables, photo contest at end of week with digital images now permitted
(Sept. ‘02).  

Overall Rating

Very stable boat, part of the reason we chose to dive with Nekton.  This
was our second trip, first trip was two years ago on the Pilot.  Nearly
identical boat, but this one can accommodate 34 divers instead of the
Pilot's 32.  Speed is a little faster and some other improvements to air
conditioning pipes keep water from dripping in the cabins (a problem on the
Pilot).  Hydraulic dive deck lowers in to position when in use. Deck is
very roomy with ample storage for personal dive gear.  Tanks are Steel 95's
and remained hooked up with your BCD and reg. for entire trip.  Nitrox not
currently available.  Fresh water rinse tanks available for gear and hot
showers for post-dive rinse off.

Staterooms are reasonably spacious with good storage shelves and ample
space under the bed.  Good A/C controls and good-sized private bathroom
with toilet and shower.  Sink is in the cabin area outside of bathroom. 
Rooms may have a foul, musty odor–helps to leave A/C on and ask crew to
spray with deodorant if necessary.  Damp-rid bags are placed in each room
customarily to help reduce mildew.

Very spacious salon area for dining and lounging.  Good selection of
videos, books, magazines, and games.  Usually two TV’s and video players. 
All meals are tasty and well-prepared.  Cook will try to meet special
dietary needs.  The highlight for us of each day was the fresh-baked,
hot-out-of-the-oven cookies served around 10:30 a.m.  No alcohol or
carbonated beverages served, bring your own.  Beverages provided are
lemonade, gatorade, ice tea, juices, coffee, tea, etc.  

First dive briefing held each morning at 8:00am up on the spacious Sundeck
(top level).  Good details provided on each dive site throughout the day,
including current, visibility, critters, reef layout and more.  Lots of
storage for dry items on Sundeck plus hangers to quickly wind-dry your
wetsuit or dive skin.  Two morning dives at the first site, boat is moved
during lunch to second dive site for two afternoon dives, followed with a
night dive after dinner.

Many outstanding dive sites to enjoy on the “Bahamas Adventure” itinerary. 
Our favorites were Scoto’s Reef (prolific fish life and we swam with a pod
of wild Atlantic Spotted Dolphins here!!), Sugar Wreck (best night dive),
Theo’s Wreck (best wreck), Shark Junction (what else, best shark
sightings), Wreck of the Hesperus (best huge Loggerhead turtles seen on
night dive), The Strip (best fish behavior viewing and abundance of life),
Victory Reef (excellent swim-throughs).

Crew was very new, but managed to do a good job of attending to our needs. 
Crew members are happy to join you on dives if you need a buddy.  All crew
members are Dive Instructors.  All seemed to be very knowledgeable about
diving and safety standards.  We are looking forward to our next Nekton
trip and plan to try the Southern Bahamas or Belize itinerary. 

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