Where to go in the Bahamas??

[spn923]

Hi everyone - I'm new to the forum and am looking for some advice. I'm planning a dive trip to the Bahamas in November with 2 other people and one will have his advanced, but only about 10 dives under his belt. I'm just starting to research the Bahamas and wanted to see if anyone had any recs about where to dive with a novice diver. Thanks!

 

[Bluefish]

Just about anywhere in the Bahamas has a range of diving. The big question is, what do like to do topside? Our first "real" diving was in the Abacos, which in my opinion couldn't be better for novice diving. But, not much in the way of nightlife, bars, casinos, that sort of thing. For a laid-back dive in the morning and lay on the beach the rest of the day, it can't be beat. Nassau and Freeport both have lots of nightlife, bars, casinos. If you want any specifics on any of these places, let me know.

 

[Tavi]

I enjoy 2 weeks each year diving with Grand Bahama Scuba They are great with Newbies and seasoned divers too!!

I'll be there the last week of October and first week of November.

 

[fdog]

spn923, we just returned from a week at Stuart Cove's. We took a couple of friends, one of which was "low time", and their two daughters, both who took the OW class and recieved their certs.

It is true they do push a lot of divers through every day. On the other hand, it's very well organized, and consistent. We've made several trips there over the last couple years, and it's been the same every time.

If you are just begining diving, they take good care of you by kind of guiding you along. On the other hand, if you have lots of experience, as soon as they see you on a dive or two, you are "cut loose"; we would leave the boat with just a "return by" time.

And they pick you up at the hotel, but then they all do that. All in all it's a good value.

All the best, James

 

[CAPT HOOK]

Try Grand Bahama Scuba - Freeport/Lucya

 

[Yazmeen]

Another vote for Grand Bahama Scuba in Freeport. I'm the non-diver in the family, and I had a great time, including snorkeling off the dive boat during the shallow, afternoon dives. Here's my previous post about our trip:

http://www.scubaboard.com/t63681.html

 

[spn923]

thanks everyone for the advice and suggestions, i'm definately going to look into Grand Bahama Scuba - thanks!

 

[wcwilson]

I just got back from Grand Bahama. I was pretty happy with our dives (we did 7). Most of our dives where in the 60-100 foot range. Nice coral, sharks, rays, etc. Angel's Camp (and Badger) in about 45' the best we have seen in our short diving lives. Lotsa fish and great coral. Dove with Caribbean Reef Sharks at Shark Junction. We went with Grand Bahama Scuba. Fred is fun to talk with. Don't know about other operators although UNEXSO's boats seemed a little long in the tooth and their marketing seemed a little too slick.

That being said - If you go with GBS I would recommend having your own equipment. I had some problems with mine.

Not sure what you are looking for topside, but the major hotels are in the Lucaya area. We rented a house on the east end of the island and only saw another soul and the nice beaches a couple time in out 11 days there. The East End (it is said) gives you and "out island" experience with a city within a 30 minute drive.

--Wayne

 

[Tavi]

If you go with GBS I would recommend having your own equipment. I had some problems with mine.

--Wayne

I've heard that they are in the process of updating the equipment in their rental line.