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Dive Review of Blackbeard's -- Sea Explorer in
Bahamas/Eleuthra, Exumas, Grand Provid

Blackbeard's -- Sea Explorer: "Cannot complain too much about a free trip..however....caveat emptor!", Oct, 2016,

by Laura Tesler, OR, US ( 1 report). Report 9222.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 2 stars Food 3 stars
Service and Attitude N/A Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 3 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 4 stars
Beginners 5 stars
Advanced 3 stars
Comments I won this trip in a photography contest and all I had to pay was airfare. I invited two other friends along as well (my own hand picked buddies). This boat is not luxurious, far from it. The bedding that was provided wasn't real clean and the berth that I was in was absolutely horrible set up, right by the head, under the anchor, and I also had to step on my buddies berth to get into my berth which was very narrow and closer to the ceiling. Another person on the boat was covered with bed bug bites, so beware. I have a big camera set up and the boat is really not set up for cameras as far as tables, etc. We had a rough crossing and stuff was flying everywhere the first two days. Free beer, rum punch, and rum, and the food is filling, not fancy, but good and plentiful. We also arrived right after Hurricane Matthew and viz was still compromised, I think 80 foot was the best and one day it was less than 25 feet... We saw very few fish, and the coral bleaching in some spots was extensive. The shark feed was interesting. I didn't think the diving was the best, it wasn't bad, but I have seen better. I did like the shallower dives as I was photographing blennies. The crew is amazing on this boat. Totally helpful and they work their butts off making things good. Having a tolerant attitude is best on this boat as the post dive partying coupled with lots of rum can be rowdy. Earplugs are a must. Also be prepared to not shower with fresh water for a while as fresh water is very limited. If you cannot live without a flush toilet this trip is not for you. Do not get the bunks in the bow- they are horrible, small and near the head. I did not like Nassau- completely overpriced, toursity, and overrun by Cruise ships, it is horrible. A place to fly into and then leave. If I did this trip again, I would probably look into renting the Cat Ppalu which is a little more expensive and has a better set up. I probably won't go again though as I feel there is better diving elsewhere.
Websites Blackbeard's -- Sea Explorer   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Cayman Brac, Little Cayman, Roatan, Red Sea, Oregon, Washington, Britsh Columbia, Florida, California, Bonaire
Closest Airport Nassau Getting There American or Alaska

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy, rainy, cloudy, dry Seas choppy
Water Temp 83-84°F / 28-29°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 20-80 Ft/ 6-24 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions hit the surface with 500 psi.
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? no

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles 1 or 2 Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics 1 stars

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

Subject Matter 3 stars Boat Facilities 1 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 2 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments If you have a big kit this is going to be a struggle for you. No tables really, storage is an issue, power is OK but also can be dicey, and the rinse tank is not a good set up. Subject matter is ok, good opportunities to do super macro with blennies. Not much wall/reef scenes as the reefs are not in the best shape.
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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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