It all began for All Star Liveaboards on June 2, 1979, when Sea Explorer took divers on its maiden voyage from Miami to the Bimini chain of the Bahamas. Today, the award-winning liveaboard company offers itineraries around the globe, including an array of options in the Bahamas aboard four vessels, all based in Nassau: the luxury yacht Aqua Cat, the sailing catamaran Cat Ppalu, and Blackbeard’s Cruises’ budget-friendly sailing sloops, Sea Explorer and Morning Star.

While the mission of the crews on these vessels is to provide attentive customer service, each liveaboard puts its own unique stamp on liveaboard diving in the Bahamas. From the basic necessities aboard Sea Explorer and Morning Star to 5-star luxury on the Aqua Cat, All Star Liveaboards has something for every kind of diver. All you have to do is choose how you want to experience diving in this incredibly diverse chain of islands.

A Sampler of “All Star” Bahamas Diving

Every direction you look, you are surrounded by the beautiful blues of the water and sky. No matter where you giant-stride into the water here, there’s a decent chance you’ll find a dive site that’s worth exploring. The islands are not in the Caribbean, but that’s only a technicality. Water conditions here are the closest thing to the conditions found in a backyard swimming pool — you can dive year-round, the average viz is at least 80 feet at most sites and the water is warm. Even in winter, water temps rarely dip below the upper 70sF.

The owners and staff of All Star Liveaboards have spent decades exploring the waters off the Exuma Cays to find the best reefs, walls, wrecks and shark encounters. The vessels all offer flexibility in their itineraries, depending on the weather and interest of the guests. If conditions permit, you will experience truly virgin diving in the southern end of the Exumas in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a strictly protected no-take zone. The vessels also spend time at sites in the northern and central Exumas and off the island of Eleuthera, which stretches for more than 100 miles and is fronted on its Exuma Sound side by fringing coral gardens that lead to deeper walls.

Though there are sharks of every kind found in these waters, divers have the most likely chance of spotting Caribbean reef, hammerhead and nurse sharks. One slam-dunk guarantee is the shark-feeding dive all four All Star liveaboards offer on their week-long itineraries.

The reefs feature fascinating grotto formations, as well as jaw-dropping wall dives. There are also a few sites that feature high-adrenaline drift diving that are pure underwater fun.

The All Star Liveaboards

The two 65-foot sailing sloops of Blackbeard’s Cruises, Sea Explorer and Morning Star, are often compared to “camping at sea.” These sailing vessels are popular among families, solo divers and budget-conscious vacationers for good reason. As repeat customers will tell you, these itineraries deliver on Blackbeard’s slogan: “Twice the fun ... half the cost.” Each has 18 dorm-style bunks. Weeklong cruises include all meals and beverages (alcoholic and non) and up to 19 dives per week

The sailing catamaran Cat Ppalu accommodates up to 12 passengers in six cabins. It offers a unique experience for families, friends and groups that want a sailing, scuba diving and snorkel vacation.

For divers who want a bit more luxury when diving, the 102-foot Aqua Cat and her crew will pamper you. The aluminum-hulled catamaran has 11 cabins with private baths and AC control, capable of carrying up to 30 divers. All diving is from the vessel, but the 28-foot jet boat Sea Dog is used for nondiving activities.

Getting There

All Star’s Bahamas vessels have their home port in Nassau, which offers easy access and affordable flights. Just a 90-minute flight from Miami, these trips are perfect for divers who want a short getaway or who don’t like spending long hours getting to a destination. Come discover all that All Star Liveaboards and the Bahamas have to offer!

Contact

954-734-7111, [email protected], allstarliveaboards.com