Trip report, Harborside Atlantis & Stuart Cove's

[Joe from MN]

Just got back Sat. Jan26th. Over-all I was very satisfied using Stuart Cove's for my dives. Everyone there is super nice and great to deal with! Of course it helps that on my first visit, while picking up my rental BCD, Jessica said I had pretty green eyes!:blinking:

The BCD was in good shape and I had no problems with it. The DMs on my three days of diving, (Terri, Johanna and Soren), did a great job and I would recommend any of them. The boat captains were also helpful.

We dove David Tucker wreck and wall, James Bond, Sea Viking wreck, Will Laurie wreck, Sliding Anchor and Southwest Reef.

My favorite dive sites were Sliding Anchor on the south wall and Southwest Reef. One of the photographers came on those dives if you want to check out the pics, look for 2-tank morning dive on Jan. 24 on the web-site. Or www.finphoto.com

Stuart Cove's even has a grill going where you can buy lunch if you are staying for the afternoon dives or if you just want to get something before getting on the bus.

The only drawback is the bus ride from Paradise Island, you have to allow extra time in your day for that. Got picked up at 7:30 and usually got back around 1:30-1:45.

Harbourside at Atlantis is a pretty nice place. All are timeshare condos with fully stocked kitchens. We were advized to request a corner unit as they are a little bigger I guess. And harbor veiw if you can get it to see the boat traffic. There is a marina there where you can see some pretty nice boats. Atlantis itself has everything you could want and is almost too big. Nice beaches, water slides, pools, aquaruims, lots of restaraunts, casino.

Restaraunts I would recommend are Carmine's and Bimini Road at Atlantis, The Point Bar at Harborside, Blue Lagoon next to Harborside and just over the bridge from Paradise Island are Liciano's of Chicago and The Poop Deck, both are excellent and well worth the cab fare!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Joe

 

[Minnesota]

Joe,

I saw your info on Stuart Cove diving in Bahamas and also saw in you were from Chaska. I live in Cologne, MN. I was wondering if you could give some info or your opinion on my son (19) doing his open water certification with Stuart Cove or would you suggest another diving company to use. I am concerned about it being a big operation. I like yourself am staying at Harborside. A

 

[frostfire]

Hi Joe,
When you went out with Stuart Coves from Atlantis, did you have to take the bus ride to the other SC location, or does the boat leave from Atlantis? If I have to go on the cattle car stopping at each hotel on the way I think I may use Bahama Divers right by the bridge.
Thanks,
S

 

[H2O Gal]

Frostfire-
All the Stuart Cove's boats leave from their base on the south side of the island, so you will have a bit of a bus ride. Bahama Divers is closer, but I've heard the diving on the south side is much better than the north. I've also read some not so complimentary reviews on Bahama Divers... You might want to check the reviews of both ops on TripAdvisor.

 

[Joe from MN]

frostfire:
I agree with H2O Gal. I was the first to get picked up and the last to get dropped off. If I remember right, the bus taking you back seemed to fill up fast, so be ready to board so you don't have to wait for another one to show up. I would use them again if I went back though! Good luck!
Joe