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Special  Exumas 2012 Edition

Explore The Uninhabited Exuma Islands

With Jack & Karen April 28 through May 5, 2012

On April 28, 2012 we will lead a group of adventurers on the luxury liveaboard “Aqua Cat”, to explore the mostly uninhabited islands and reefs of the Exumas, in the Bahamas. The Exumas are a series of 365 mostly uninhabited islands that stretch along the deep water drop off, beginning about 30 miles from Nassau.

The location of the key’s precludes visits by diving day boats, and the uninhabited nature of most of the islands prevents day boats dropping divers in the area. The Exumas are unique and unspoiled. In my experience the Wall Diving is akin to the Cayman’s, starting at modest depths and dropping off into the blue abyss. In fact the only Manta Ray I have ever seen in the Caribbean or Bahamas, was on an Exuma Wall.

The Aqua-Cat is a purpose built catamaran. She is not a reconditioned crew boat, or a rebuilt hull. She was built specifically to offer luxury liveaboard diving in a unique area. The boat measures 102 feet long and 35 feet wide. The cabins are some of the largest in the industry, measuring 10 X 15 feet. All cabins have private bathroom with shower, hair dryer, oversized beds in twin, queen or king, bar refrigerator, individually controlled air-conditioners, and large picture windows. There is no walk around so your shades can be kept open to the incredible views, with complete privacy.

Small ship cruising is an appealing alternative to conventional land tours and larger cruise ships. It offers a richer travel experience, one that goes beyond the typical tourist sites. Imagine sinking your toes into sugar sand, snorkeling/diving among the lemon sharks and sting rays, or hiking the trails of pirates and bootleggers of years gone by. The ideal way to explore the world is on a small ship, enjoying access to places of natural beauty not possible any other way.

All meals aboard are all you can eat buffet style, with eggs cooked to order at breakfast. Most meals will be a combination of Bahamian and American cuisine. Snacks and fresh fruit are always available. A selection of beverages is always on hand, from soft drinks, juices and lemonade, to local beer, wine, Absolute vodka, and Bacardi rum drinks. All included in the price.

For diving we will be in a unique area. In the Exumas we can experience truly virgin diving. Although only 30 miles from Nassau, there are no daily dive operators here. The Exumas have walls starting at 40’, as well as drift, reef and shark dives. In the past we have made some exhilarating drift dives between islands on the running tides. Loads of fish and great visibility. There is also a large Blue Hole between Nassau and the Exumas.

For over 30 years, much of the northern Exumas has been a National Underwater Park, with no fishing, spear fishing or collecting allowed. Because of these laws, there are miles of undersea gardens in which coral, sponges and fish abound. Turtles, rays and sharks are seen regularly on most dive sites. Goliath grouper are gargantuan in the Exumas! Water temperatures are between 77 and 79 degrees.

As usual with our liveaboard adventures, we will have 4 to 5 dives per day on offer, but additionally Aqua Cat, in contrast to most other liveaboards, is dedicated to non-divers as well. One crew member’s only duty is to see that the non-divers are attended to. Aqua Cat has a 28 foot launch that is used to transport guests to isolated beaches where they can sunbathe, explore, kayak, snorkel or fish. Non-divers will visit Allan’s Cay to feed the iguanas, and Warderick Wells, the home of the Exumas Land & Sea Park, where they can explore the many trails and check out the whale bones on the island. Kayak’s can also be used to meander through the creeks of Shroud Cay, the nurseries for many varieties of fish and sharks. For those interested in bird watching, the Exumas are a nesting area for many species of seabirds including White-Tailed Tropicbirds, Audubon Shearwaters, Brown Noddies, and Bridled and Sooty Terns.

Our itinerary will be perfect for snorkeling, with gin clear waters and lots of fish, both small and large. You can snorkel anytime the boat is anchored. A variety of snorkeling adventures are offered- drift Wax Cut, mangrove nurseries, feed the sting rays and swim with lemon sharks at the Land and Sea Park. Again, of all the liveaboards we have been on, this one offers the most extensive program for non-scuba activities, while still offering 4 to 5 scuba dives each day. The full non-diving itinerary WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH, NOR SHORTEN YOUR DIVES!

Fishing is also offered outside the Exumas Land & Sea Park. The 28’ launch is used for trolling, or taking fishermen to shores or coves. All the fishing gear is furnished.

Also please know that divers who wish to dive fewer than 4 or 5 dives a day, may join the non-divers on their excursions. Remember, this is your vacation, you are free to do as much or as little as you like.

All the non diving activities are included in the price. Ordinarily a liveaboard dive trip is recommended only if you are a diver, as there are very few activities available for non-divers. This excursion promises to be quite different. Of all the boat trips we do, I think this one would be fantastic to bring a non-diving friend or spouse along on. They can fill their day with activities or just relax, what could be better?

Please join us on this exciting excursion. Life is short EAT DESSERT FIRST!

Please make a reservation for (   ) people. Enclosed is my check for $_____________ (700.00 per person deposit, non refundable, non exchangeable). BY SEPT 23, 2011 an additional $1300 per person deposit is due. BY NOV. 25, 2011 an additional $700 per person deposit is due. Final payment is due BY DEC. 30, 2011. Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges on unused package features, trip and dive insurance information available on request. I understand I will be required to sign a waiver-release form, and have dive insurance.