Any opinions on any liveaboards out of Fort Lauderdale? I see Nekton has three different trips (wondering if there is a "best"?) and would like to stay with this caliber of operator.
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I'm a big fan of the Nekton boats. I've been on 7 trips with them so far and I'll be making trips 8 and 9 with them this year.del_mo:Any opinions on any liveaboards out of Fort Lauderdale? I see Nekton has three different trips (wondering if there is a "best"?) and would like to stay with this caliber of operator.
Hi Doreen,divebunnybabe:Hi Luke,
My hubby and I are looking at the Nekton Northern Bahamas itinerary for August. We have done quite a few dives (350+) and have been to quite a few destinations. I have been on Blackbeard's about 6-times too....
I -know- the Nekton is quite a bit above Blackbeards .... How did you like the diving? Sounds like it is 'easy' diving. Lots of small stuff as well as some big stuff?
Any 'tips' you can give me would be appreciated (such as cabin location, etc)!
Thanks - Doreen
ScubaLuke:Hi Doreen,
It's fur shur easy diving. You set up your gear once and then take it down at the end of the week. I love that.
I did the Northern Bahamas route back in 2000 and I'm going to do it again in July. The Northern Bahamas itinerary has a lot of variety. There is one deep wreck, a couple of real nice shallow wrecks with a _lot_ of life on them, several good macro sites, and a chance to snorkel with dolphins. On the trip I was on the dolphins didn't show up so that's not a guarantee. I'm really hoping to see them this trip. I think they also do a shark dive on this itinerary.
One dive I especially liked was the Wreck of the Hesperus. It's an old concrete barge that broke up in a storm in 15 or 20 feet of water. It's covered with rays, turtles, and sharks. It was a really great dive.
I like to get a cabin on the bottom deck towards the back. That seems to be the quietest location to me. The disadvantage to that is I end up going up and down stairs a lot during the week to change batteries in my camera. The room right next to the salon is one to stay away from. The TV is right up against the wall of that room. Occasionally you get a late night movie watching crowd and that can keep you awake.
Since you've done live-aboards before I'll bet you know to take a several swim suits, a pair or two of shorts, a few t-shirts and not much else in the way of clothes. I usually take 4 or 5 swim suits 'cause I like a dry butt between dives.
A piece of line is handy for securing you gear on the sun deck for drying.
Unlike the Aggressor or Peter Hughes boats you have to bring your own soft drinks or liquor. But there's plenty of other stuff to drink on board (coffee, tea, crystal light punch, etc.) so I usually don't bother.
That's all I can think of. Have I missed anything?
Luke
divebunnybabe:Luke,
Thanks so much for emailing about a month back. My hubby and I have decided on the Nekton Pilot, sailing on August 27th to the Northern Bahamas. Hopefully the hurricane's will stay away that week!
Thanks again for your help and advise.
Scuba Bunny