Bahamas

Hi,

I'll be travelling to the USA from Australia next year and hope to get out to the Bahamas to dive at Tiger Beach and ideally with dolphins as well.

My first question is whether this is possible in the time I have allocated. i.e. 7-10 days over late June/July 2009.

Since the Aussie dollar has gone to sh$t, I need to review whether I can do this via liveaboard or land based operations. Liveaboard is preferred, though many that I've seen are pricey by Australian comparison. I'm willing to sacrifice some comforts if the diving will be worth it.

Will one liveaboard cruise see me meet these objectives, or will I need to do a liveaboard or day trip or two?

Are the Nekton cruises any good?

My other questions is what are the airlines of choice to fly around the USA and to the Bahamas (if you even fly there), with respect to dive/camera gear and excess baggage?

thanks in advance, damien

Hey Damien,

Sounds like the best option for you would be on Jim Abernathy's boat MV Shearwater.

Here is the link you need JASA.

Start saving those south pacific pesos.

I agree JASA is your best option. I'm not sure it's even possible to do Tiger Beach and White Sands Ridge (Dolphins) from land unless you charter your own boat. The best known land based shark stuff is Stuart Cove's on New Providence Island (Nassau), but that is only Caribbean Reef Shark stuff. You may want to contact Wetpixel through the trip section, and get on a WP/JASA trip.

Third vote for JASA.

Did the Wetpixel Shark & Dolphin trip with Alex in July - great.

Am booked in for the Feb 09 Hammerhead trip, just need the exchange rate to come back and hope for decent weather!

Paul C

I sadly cannot make the Wetpixel trip in July 2009, so will have to fend for myself.

Our dollar is probably not even as good as a peso at current rates.

thanks, damien

Hi

Yes, it is. Its so cool even the locals like it. (we usually are blase about "touristy" stuff). Its not that expensive either they have a wide variety of prices ranges, but if its still too expensive you can stay at the comfort suites right next door and they give you full pass to enjoy atlantis just as if you were staying there.

Go for it!!!