Disturbing Bimini Dive

[Blackcrusader]

About 30 or so dives in, OW certified at that point, I had a conversation with another diver about exceeding my 60 foot limit.

What 60 foot limit? OW divers are certified to the recreational depth of 40m 132 feet.
DAN basic insurance covers all OW divers to the recreational depth limit of 40m.

Limits only apply when a student is on a course with an instructor.

Please read this thread.

https://scubaboard.com/community/th...o-advanced-diving.650458/page-4#post-10364068

 

[Blackcrusader]

About 30 or so dives in, OW certified at that point, I had a conversation with another diver about exceeding my 60 foot limit.

He said “the PADI” police aren’t on the boat with you”.

 

[Blackcrusader]

More seriously, there isa real thrill in encountering sharks up-close in the wild when not feeding them that is unmatched as compared to the staged feeding shows. If you crave that experience Maldives is a great option…

Yup I was just there in November December did 33 dives. Nearly every dive not at the feeding station we had Tiger Sharks swimming around us. Humans are really slow in the water. It's wonderful when you have a 4.5m Tiger shark swim towards you. It's too late to be afraid just make sure you have your camera ready. Totally exhilirating. Often there would be several Tiger sharks circling a group of divers as they are on the safety stop then when you are getting back on the dive boat.

Going back again for 3 weeks in May 2025.

 

[Jafo19D]

I dove with Neal Watson last year, but avoided their (very popular) shark dive. Our non-shark boat had only a handful of divers while the adjacent shark dive boat was packed. We had a lovely dive with an excellent guide/master. We even had a non-baited shark or two appear briefly on our dives. I'd do it again, but have no interest in baited shark dives with any operator. However, I suspect that the shark dives keep them in business and provide needed jobs there. Each to their own.

I also thought that but might change. When I was doing my AOW I switched operators because I learned that the one I had first booked fed fed the sharks lionfish. But now I’m wondering if it does more good than bad because in 8 dives a couple of weeks ago I only saw a handful of lionfish.

 

[USdiver1]

While i disapprove of chumming sharks for the tourists to encounter, as it changes their behavior and that shouldn't be done with wild animals. It is still better than the photo I recall seeing at the Angler bar in Alicetown, Bimini several years ago:

It's Papa Hemingway, on the Alicetown wharf, doing some Bull Shark fishing with his Tommy gun. At least we are beyond that now.

Some more photos

 

[johndiver999]