Need help deciding which liveaboard...

[Carnell04]

I have researched but have some questions.

There are 3 of us going. We are all male and all 40. One of us has about 50 dives and the other 2 have 25 dives. We have dove Key Largo, Grand Bahama, Grand Cayman, and Nassau. Key Largo was great as far as diving is concerned but the other places were just ok so we want a step up from this but not all the way to Galapagos or some of the other more advanced ones. We are looking at doing a live aboard May 09 and this will be our first. We are coming from Atlanta, GA. Some of the ones we are looking at are:

Caribbean Explorer to St. Kitts/Saba
Caribbean Explorer to Bahamas (San Salvador may make it worth it)
Turks and Caicos Aggressor

We also like DM's in the water for safety and to show us the best stuff while underwater. Food must be pretty good. Would rather only have to take one flight from Atlanta or Miami to there.

What are the pros and cons of these 3 and are there any other ones that are good. Good diving is the most important thing as we will all do 4-5 dives a day. Thanks!

 

[robint]

of those 3, I would do the liveaboard in Turks & Caicos, but I would do the Explorer instead of the Aggressor. All liveaboards have DMs available to dive with the group if you let them know. After a few days, you really won't need it though.

 

[Carnell04]

Well, we were leaning towards Aqua Cat in the Bahamas but read the diving was avg at best and no DM's in the water.

Also, on San Salvador, the website says weather can sometimes stop them from making it there. Does anybody know what months are the worst as far as getting to it?

 

[bcaderunr]

I was on AquaCat this past May and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've been on at least 4 other Liveaboards and would go back in a heartbeat. Check out this thread before you cross it off your list.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cr...er-boats/224877-wanted-liveaboard-advice.html

 

[BTravlin]

We just got back from diving with the T & C Explorer II and had an excellent trip. (June21st-27th) Cabin was nice, food was very good and crew were very helpful. Got in 26 dives and would go again in a heartbeat.

 

[diveborg]

Well, we were leaning towards Aqua Cat in the Bahamas but read the diving was avg at best and no DM's in the water.

You say that like it was a bad thing.

 

[NAIBdiver1]

I've been on the Carribbean Explorer in the Bahamas - San Salvadore. Actually their first trip. There's a trip report here on scubaboard.

The diving on this trip - over all was great, but deep. From my memory the dives were all pretty much in the 90' + range

Saw hammerheads off San Salvador - fantastic

Booked on the T&C Explorer for Christmas

NAIBDiver1

 

[theskull]

Turks & Caicos Agressor rules!! No better diving, and certainly no better food. The staff spoils you with snacks after every dive and hot towels and hot chocolate after the night dives. A DM will be in the water as well as a videographer, and much photo advice is available as well.

theskull

 

[tstormdiver]

I did Explorer Venture's Caribbean Explorer I a little over a year ago & the diving was fantastic around San Salvador! We did many wall dives & saw several hammerhead sharks cruising along the walls. The reefs were very healthy with plenty of things to see the whole trip. The crew was superb also! I would highly recommend it. So far, of 3 different live aboards I've been on, this was my favorite. The worst part of the trip was probably the night we stayed in Georgetown before the boat left. There's just really not much to Georgetown.

 

[TravisD]

Well, we were leaning towards Aqua Cat in the Bahamas but read the diving was avg at best and no DM's in the water.

Can't really rate the dives since it was our first "Blue Water" diving, but on our week on the Aquacat there was ALWAYS a DM or two in the water. They were happy to help, or point out stuff, but made a point that it was by no means a "guided" dive -- everyone was free to dive their own profiles and go where they wanted.

The rule of thumb was that whichever DM gave the briefing, then they would be in the water with everyone. There was usually also another DM or two along, usually shooting video or still photos.

For our first time away from inland quarry diving, the entire trip waa top-notch and we're worried that we spoiled ourselves the first time out of the gate