Bahamas Liveaboards departing from Florida?

[mohave_steve]

Are there any Bahamas Liveaboards that depart from Florida?
Given the cost and logistics of the short flight from Miami to Freeport I would think that catching the boat in Florida and making the 70mile trip by boat sounds attractive.
I know that crossing the Gulf Stream can at times be a little exciting.
Any thoughts?
Thanks

Steve

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Your question got me curious so I goggled it:

Liveaboard Diving and Snorkeling in the Bahamas. Looked really cool, plus there was Blackbeards that leaves from Miami. (edit...Blackbeard no longer leaves out of Florida...go figure, I thought everything on the internet was true!...LOL)

Good question and I'm glad I did a search. Maybe we can get feedback from anyone who has done the cruises?

 

[Damselfish]

Blackbeard's has been leaving from Freeport for some time now, no longer from Florida.

 

[Scubakevdm]

There's a boat called the Juliette that departs Ft. Lauderdale that is very well thought of. I've never been on it but there are probably some trip reports posted here on the board if you poke around a bit.

 

[mrlipis]

There is a boat out of Palm Beach, I think it is the American Eagle. Actually saw this boat on the Discover channel the other night..mmmm maybe Mythebusters, but not sure. Dementia is a screwy deal. Not sure if they go to the Bahamas but the show was filmed in the Bahamas. I've seen the boat docked in Palm Beach and it looks to be in good shape.

Bruce

 

[dumpsterDiver]

It iis called the Gulfstream Eagle and they have been operating a good business for a LONG time.

Welcome to the Gulf Stream Eagle Liveaboard - Bahamas, CaySal, Bimini

 

[mermaid77]

I have been on Blackbeard's out of Miami and Grand Bahama and as exciting is the Gulfstream can be, I very much preferred starting my diving on day 1 and avoiding that gulfstream crossing. Sometimes it can be very very rough. There are now so many flights into Freeport and you could avoid S. Florida all together and connect in Atlanta. There is also the Discovery Cruiseline that leaves from Fort Lauderdale every day and go to Freeport, Grand Bahama. It is an old cruise ship turned ferry. And its large size is not affected by rougher seas. You get into Freeport around lunchtime and the ferry includes all your meals. check it out on Discovery Cruise Line - Bahamas Cruise - Official Site - The Best Deals to the Bahamas - Bahamas Party Cruise and Vacations

I loved my Blackbeard's Cruises--we saw so much of the Bahamas, awesome diving, food and crew and you couldnt beat the price. I hear they have an even better special this fall and winter.

Just my thoughts

 

[gwklein]

The Nekton offers several trips to the Bahamas leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale, including Cay Sal Banks, NW Bahamas, Cay Lobos, and Medio Reef.

Nekton Diving Cruises - Comfort, Stability, Worldclass Diving

 

[mike_s]

It iis called the Gulfstream Eagle and they have been operating a good business for a LONG time.

Welcome to the Gulf Stream Eagle Liveaboard - Bahamas, CaySal, Bimini

We had a "less than positive" experience with them.

This boat is also for sale. So if it sells, good luck getting your deposit back.

1979 Camcraft Dive Vessel Boat For Sale

 

[Damselfish]

I tried to contact the GS Eagle folks some years back to get more information and could never get anything from them.