First trip in a while

[cameron]

My girlfreind and I are planning a dive trip this summer. We are experienced divers but have never been on a liveaboard or even to warm weather diving in the past 5 years:11:

We are looking for something in the $2000 each range with flight included from Toronto. We want to have the freedom to plan our own dives and will be right pissed off with hand holding. Just want to do our own thing.

We were thinking about a liveaboard in the bahamas, possibly the caribbean explorer. Does any one have any experience with them?

any suggestions would be great

Thanks
cam

 

[robint]

I really think you are expecting too much for a liveaboard trip under $2000pp including airfare from Canada. YOu would really have to find some special package deal for that! (other than Blackbeards which is not something I would ever do - too rustic for me - I like room to move around and a private bathroom)
I can personally recommend the Nekton www.nektoncruises.com for you as far as diving ease and comfort. Not a fancy boat, but very functional, comfortable, hearty meals (I think I gained 5 lbs on the trip and I was diving 4-5 per day!) and a good value for the money.
I spoke with someone recently who did the Caribbean Explorer and loved it. They went during the hurricane season so price was a good deal and they had pretty good weather. I am sure the price was higher than you are hoping for though.
A liveaboard is definitely diving freedom, in most cases they say "pools open for next 3-4 hours" and you are free to go and dive.

robint
I have a trip report and photos on: www.rnrscuba.net for the nekton trip last June.

 

[Wildcard]

There are deals out there but you have to look. I think your going to be hard pressed to find a liveaboard with air fare for 2K. May I suggest a hotel airfare package to a dive destination such as Cozumel? We went last year from Hawaii for $1100 each and then had the freedom to chose when and where we dove.

 

[tvictory]

Check out the Turks & Caicos Explorer. www.explorerventures.com. They do Saturday weekly trips leaving from Providenciales, which I believe is served by a direct flight from Toronto on Air Canada. I can't guarantee the $2,000 all-in price, but I think you're in the ballpark. It's first-class wall diving where you're welcome to do your own thing, or not, as you wish.

 

[DiveMaven]

The Nekton Pilot departs out of FLL so you might compare the air fares between a US departure and a Bahamas departure. However, you'd be a couple of hundred I'm sure off of the $2000 goal. One thing to consider is that the Nekton does 6 full days of diving and provides all your meals, instead of going back to port on Friday afternoon and requiring you to go ashore that evening for dinner like most boats seem to. That gives you the potential of 3 extra dives, depending on your flight departure time the next day.

 

[SteveDiver]

Checkout www.blackbeard-cruises.com. You will LOVE it! Departs every Saturday from Freeport, Grand Bahama. 7 days approx. 899 per person includes food,drinks etc. Very nice sailboat and accommodations... It is a little more than what you want to spend when you add airfare however well worth it.

 

[DeputyDan]

For your budget - Blackbeards IS THE WAY TO GO !

 

[galscuba]

I completely agree. You will LOVE Blackbeard's!

 

[del_mo]

Out of Miami (bet the air to Miami isn't bad), is http://sailjuliet.com/
Should get real close to your budget. And you get private quarters, nitrox if certified, and space to move about. Blackbeards is the opposite in those categories.