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Dive Review of Aqua Cat Cruises in
Bahamas

Aqua Cat Cruises, Jul, 2011,

by Wellington Lee, DC, US (Sr. Reviewer Sr. Reviewer 7 reports with 1 Helpful vote). Report 6140.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 4 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling 4 stars
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 5 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments Well the lionfish invasion is very real, and it would appear to have had a negative impact on the reef fish. 1st time to the Exumas, but compared to Bimini, definitely less reef fish. Schools of creole wrasse for example are just small schools of little juves. Multiple large lionfish spotted on every dive, actively hunting. The lionfish are nice looking and good eating however.

That said there are lots and lots of reef sharks. Multiple shark feeding sites have been cultivated. The sharks are curious, even without a feed. I had several sessions of multiple reef sharks approaching, turning and passing by within arms reach. I got some of my best shark photos to date. Danger Reef/ Amberjack was perfect for this.

I saw a couple small turtles, a huge nurse shark, one spotted eagle, large groupers, puffers, the largest southern sting ray I've ever seen, a big feeding cuda and amberjack, and smallish schools of jacks. Several nudibranchs, many of which were new to me.

There were two beautiful coral drenched drift dives, and the "lost blue hole" around nassau had great life around it.

This boat does have plentiful land excursions and non-diver activities. There is a dedicated zodiac. There was a lengthy hike through the Exumas land and sea park island, a feeding of iguana, fishing, and a beach visit. My non-diver girlfriend was taken snorkeling everyday, and eventually did a Discover Dive which was perfect.

The 11 person crew has got it down pat. The boat still feels new enough and it's nice where it matters. Cabins spacious.

The boat docks a 10 min walk from Atlantis.
Websites Aqua Cat Cruises   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Sipadan, Cocos, Maldives, Coz, Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Spain, Hawaii, Florida Keys, VA, NC
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy Seas calm, choppy, currents
Water Temp 82-°F / 28-°C Wetsuit Thickness
Water Visibility 100-50 Ft/ 30-15 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Standard Rec Limits, Return with 500psi
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles 1 or 2 Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 2 stars
Small Critters 4 stars Large Fish 4 stars
Large Pelagics 2 stars

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

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 5 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 5 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Large Dive Table with pressurized air hose. Two Camera Rinse Tanks. Crew Properly handled cameras for entry and exit. Captain and several members of the crew were highly experienced Ikelite Nikon shooters with plenty of good advice. The captain even helped make a repair on my housing.

That said it's not rife with subjects like you might find in less ecologically beat down parts of the globe. However, there are reef sharks in your face for several days of trip.
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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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