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Reviews (2)

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Bahamas

5
4
5
5

For my second trip to the great Bahamas (01/14), I chose Bimini on the hope to encounter the Great Hammerhead.

1. The trip

The boat is located in Islamorada - FL, a short drive from either Miami of Ft Lauderdale airport, or in my case a quick drive from Orlando. The crossing to Bimini can be bumpy but for a short period, most of the navigation is done along and protected by the coast.

2. The boat

The boat is a research boat, a bit crowded at time but cozy and well equipped. There is plenty of power but not a lot of space for the equipment inside, remember to pack light on the accessories.

3. The crew

Joe Romeiro, Curt Slonim, Megan, Mike form a great team of people, helpful, always upbeat and ready for a good laugh. Also professional and well train underwater at managing shark dives.

4. The place

Bimini is a small island with great ambitions, the development of infrastructures and real estate is probably debatable but if you leave the politics on the side and focus on the scenery and the underwater rich live, there is a lot to love !

5. The Beast

Hammerheads are amazing, their shape is so special that you can take 1200 pictures of them and still be surprised that you just "found" a new angle. The Bahamas are beautiful for their marine life and if you are unlucky with the weather you would most likely be diving a great wreck or reef in the area, full of marine life. Also where else can you see bull sharks right at the dock at night ?

6. The conditions

Water is warm, even in winter. I dove a 5mm but could easily go by with a 3mm, the vis was great but since you are diving (for the hammerheads) on sandy bottom, one must be careful to not steer too much sand. You want to dive heavy since you are not going to swim around anyway and you want to be lock at the bottom for steady shots and video.

In summary:
This is probably not the best floating amenities in the world (how would I know anyway I have only done 3 liveaboard so far) but that's not what you are here for. You are here for the hammerheads and dive in confidence with a professional team that will go above and beyond to make your dives safe so that you can focus on getting that shot, yes, that shot you always wanted :)

Bonus: a quick video I'd like to share about this trip:
https://vimeo.com/85412702

Visited on 01/2014 - Submitted on 02/04/2014
Read all Bahamas Dive Travel reviews
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Jim Albernethy's Scuba Adventure Bahamas

4
5
5
4

For my first trip to the great Bahamas (08/12), went with Jim Albernethy's Scuba Adventure on a Tiger & Dolphins week-long liveaboard.

1. The trip

The boat is located in Fort-Lauderdale - FL, a short drive from either Miami of Orlando airport, or in my case a quick drive from Orlando. The crossing to Tiger Beach is usually calm and done at night - I slept like a rock

2. The boat

The Shearwater is a fairly large boat, the sleeping portion are pretty small (I slept in the missile bay :) ) but in my opinion this is compensated by the fact that the living area (2 large tables) is great. You will have plenty of space for your equipment/chargers,... and table to work on your gear in between dives

3. The crew

Matt, Jim and the rest of the crew were very good, always here to help and make your stay comfortable. I seriously think they have a long term strategy of chumming the water with returning customers when you experience first hand the food on the boat. The chef fed us so well during the week I was afraid they maybe wanted to fatten us and use us as baits for the next trip :)

4. The place

On that particular trip we focused on dolphins (finding them isn't that easy) and of course tigers. We also have had tons of lemons, reef sharks, and all the reef fish of the Bahamas. We haven't had much time for in-land excursion but the underwater world did wonders to keep us busy and entertained. The dives with reefs & lemons will warm you up for the big guys the tigers !

5. The Beast

Tiger sharks are beautiful, the pattern on their skins so wonderful to capture and their eye are mesmerizing. You will see them altering their approach routine to find different angles and that will get your attention and command your respect.

6. The conditions

Water is warm, all year long. I dove a 1.5 and a 3mm - you want the black wetsuit on you to not look like a dead fish !
The vis is great but at Tiger Beach you are diving on sandy bottom, so be careful to not steer too much sand in order to keep those pictures clear. You also want to dive heavy since you are not going to swim around anyway and you want to be lock at the bottom for steady shots and video.

In summary:

The crew is great, the destination is fantastic, the sharks are amazing - what could you possibly ask for ? Oh yeah, longer trip :)

See below 2 videos dolphins and tigers/reefs

https://vimeo.com/50428642
https://vimeo.com/47055616

Visited on 08/2012 - Submitted on 02/05/2014

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