I was just on the Nekton Roraqual QUOTE]
My absolute, far and away favorite, as well.
The Nekton offers not only a stable vessel (evidenced by the lack of roll-rails on the tables and the electronic media gear resting unsecured) but it has an exemplary crew and personnel system.
I would venture however, that there is no better itin (comparing the Nekton Pilot in the various Bahamas routes vs. the Nekton Rorqual in the Belizian isles), but merely a different choice.
The Bahamian Nekton Pilot is an eye opening experience to the true wonder of the Bahamas- most of us having been jaded by diving in the faded jewels of Grand Bahama and Nassau, along with the standard attitudes of the locals. What a breath of fresh air to meet the native Bahamians of the outer islands, as well as to enjoy their largely unspoiled reefs.... terrestrial development not yet having reached these remote dots in the sea. There are wonders off of San Sal.
The Belize itin of the Nekton Rorqual not only offers the superior experience of this fleet's equipment, but a live aboard is the only way for a traveller to have a real dive-dive-dive vaction in Belize. Land based, even from the remote out island cays represents a limited exposure- not only in terms of variety, but also in the lengthy schlepp each day from any given resort to decent diving outside the barrier reefs.
Some may decry the Nekton's inability to approach the Blue Hole, but suffice to say that topic has been discussed here ad nauseum, so please check for it by searching. Many vacationers also inquire as to the possibility of doing Belize from the many day dive ops that operate off piers from Belize city. That, too is a subject for 'search' here, but pale by comparison to liveaboard.
Liveabords may cost more, some may cost more than others. There is a reason for this. I am not always drawn to liveaboards- several places where no US diver would consider land based, instead hopping on a liveaboard- I find the land based much more desirable. Belize is not one of those places.
There is no one option that is best for everyone, but I would suggest that you get your advice from fellow divers who have at least sampled all the options. Sounds like "peterbj7" has been around the block a few times.
