By: Torben Lonne
The Blackbeard Sea Explorer is a humble liveaboard that is equipped with the bare essentials for a backpacking liveaboard trip. This liveaboard is meant to build camaraderie between divers and bonds that will last a lifetime. On this voyage, you will explore trips around the Bahamas’ Exuma Cays that will let you get to see distinctive sharks, underwater caves, the blue hole and lots of secluded islands. The water is soft and warm and is ideal for diving all year round.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Divers said they got thorough briefings by the dive masters -
People said they were pleased to experience the best of Bahamas with passionate divers like themselves
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Many divers said they got to see a ton of sharks on a daily basis
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A couple of people said the crew and staff were always responsive and helpful
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The food was well prepared and offered a diverse array of dishes
Things we don't like:
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A couple of people were taken back by the limited storage space in the berths
Diving on the Blackbeards Sea Explorer in the Bahamas
Blackbeards Sea Explorer liveaboard
The Blackbeards Sea Explorer was built in 1984 and renovated in 2016. This is a budget-friendly liveaboard that forms part of the Blackbeard’s fleet. It is the identical sister boat to the Morning Star and sister boat Aqua Cat. The boat has a deck area of 34 sq meters/1000 sq ft and can accommodate up to 22 guests. It uses a 1 Ford Lehman engine that propels the boat at a cruising speed of 8 knots. There is also a one 11′ inflatable with 15 hp outboard to travel from and too diving sites. You will get to see an abundance of marine life as well as pristinely kept corals.
Interior and activities on the liveaboard
The vessel can comfortably hold up to 22 guests dormitory-style berths and is suitable for singles and couples alike. There are 18 bunks in total that are located in air-conditioned areas on the liveaboard. These berths are single or double and are located in the upper and lower decks of the ship.
The ship is designed to enjoy scuba diving and that is what they mainly focus on, however, people assemble at the top deck to soak up some sun and have a chat with fellow divers. The dive deck has a minimalistic look and provides you the opportunity to rent some gear. You will find there is enough space on the dive deck as not to be overcrowded. There is also room for your gear for maintenance and preparation before and after dives.
What kind of food to expect on the Blackbeard Sea Explorer
The crew and chef on the Blackbeard Sea Explorer believe that you must eat the right food to have a productive time diving. You can expect three meals per day that are served buffet style and you will be pampered with snacks throughout the day to keep your energy levels high. Some of the meals will be a selection between American and local dishes and will consist of lasagne, meatballs, chicken, fish, pork loin, vegetables, and fruit salads. Meals are typically eaten picnic style and the chef will cater to special dietary requirements.
Itinerary and best time to go
The thing about the Bahamas is the fact that is thriving with various sharks and this is why it is one of the most sought after diving destinations in the world. The Blackbeard Sea Explorer will guide you to destinations like the Bahamas Exumas Cays and Southwest Eleuthera which are filled with marine life. There are also a few wreck sites that you can check out. Itineraries usually last between 8 days and 7 nights. The great thing about the Bahamas is that you can dive here all year round. The temperature is always predominantly cool; however, you should note June-September is hurricane season.
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