We are arranging dive trips for 2008/2009 and would be interested in your suggestions on length, where and when. Please contact Brad with suggestions.
Bahamas Trip - January 3rd through the 9th 2009.
Escape the snow and ice 
Join us for diving and sailing
Week long trip - $945
Port tax - $40
Bahamas U/W park fee - $10
Fuel surcharge - $60
Total - $1055 plus transportation to Freeport, Grand Bahamas
FAQ's
Space is limited and the islands we visit are very casual. Several bathing suits, shorts, long pants, several T-shirts, one blouse/shirt, and a wind breaker all packed in soft luggage. Deck shoes or sneakers, sandals, towels, suntan lotion (non-oil), sunglasses, and foul weather gear (pants and Jacket) which is a necessity in winter to keep dry from spray. Also, in winter, sweatshirt or sweaters are advisable. Personal items such as aspirin, decongestants and shampoos are also recommended.
How much storage space is there for my dive gear?
There is plenty of space for your dive gear in our top side storage compartments. There is a shelf at the end of each bunk where you can store clothes and other personal items. Everything else must be stored in your luggage on the floor next to your bunk or in your bunk, so it is best to bring as little as possible. Soft luggage such as a duffel bag can be folded up and stored under your bunk. We do have some storage at the dock in a locked facility for luggage you won't need during the trip.
Do I need a passport?
All travelers to the Bahamas need a passport. Book your air tickets with your name as it appears exactly on your passport. Check with the Bahamas Embassy for visa requirements if citizenship is not US by visiting this link: http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/about/entry/requirements.aspx?sectionid=59196
How do l get to Freeport, Grand Bahamas?
FPO is the airport code for Freeport's international airport. Many major carriers fly into Freeport, most of them with very competitive fares. If flying isn't your favorite way to travel or if you want to try something different, Discovery Cruises departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and cruises to Freeport, Bahamas and back each week!
How do I get to the docks?
Taxis are readily available from the airport. The ride is just 10 minutes travel time from the airport to our docks. We are located at 13 Blackbeard's Place, on Taino Beach in Lucaya.
What time will we sail?
We set sail at 3 pm. The dock gated open at noon on Saturdays. All passengers disembark by 9 am on the following Friday and must vacate the Blackbeard's premises by 10 am. If you have a flight later in the day out of Freeport, you may leave your luggage with us while you sightsee and return 2 1/2 hours prior to your flight's departure to retrieve your bags.
Will I get seasick?
Motion sickness medication should be brought along in the event that we encounter rough seas. We want you to be comfortable. The boat will spend the night in calm anchorages and normally scuba diving will be done on the lee side of the islands. The best thing about a live aboard diving vacation is that we can flex our schedule to go where the weather and conditions are best!
What is our itinerary?
There is no fixed schedule. The Captain will vary the itinerary to take advantage of the best weather and diving conditions. Most of our trips explore either the Bimini chain, Freeport area or the Berry Islands of the Bahamas. One evening midweek is spent in an out island port (typically Bimini) with the other nights anchored offshore one of the many islands. The last night of the trip will be spent in Freeport with a great shore adventure in Port Lucaya, Bahamas.
Do we actually sail?
The best time for sailing is from October to April. During the period from May to September there is normally very little wind.
Do you have showers?
Yes, there is one shower equipped with both fresh and saltwater taps. Everyone cringes at the mention of a 30 second fresh water shower but it does warrant some explanation! There are two showerheads in the shower: one fresh and one salt. Saltwater use is unlimited so lather, shampoo, shave, etc. with the unlimited salt water and then use the 30 seconds of fresh water at the end to rinse. You'll feel fresh as a daisy! Bring your own towel - we recommend two - one for topside and one for showering.
What are the meals like?
3 complete meals are served daily, as well as snacks and fresh fish in season, when caught. There is always a hammock of fresh fruits for those between meals snacks. A selection of beverages is always on hand, from soft drinks and lemonade to beer, wine and rum punch.
Can I fish?
Yes, all the fishing gear is provided and our cook encourages it! Whatever we catch that is edible is cooked for passengers or used for sushi! The rest is saved for the chumsicle and the shark feeding dive.
How much spending money do l need?
You will need spending money for an evening ashore (drinks, souvenirs) and crew tips (15% recommended). You might note some of the smaller Bahamas Out Islands do not accept major credit cards. The currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar which is on par with the US dollar and is used inter-changeably. We accept Visa, MC, and Discover for boutique item charges and crew tip.
What is the recommended gratuity?
The live-aboard business is a service industry, and although the general public is seldom aware of it, gratuities are a major part of a crewmember's salary. Few other recreational activities rely so heavily upon the professionals in charge for your enjoyment and safety. A gratuity of 15% is customary, but many leave more when they feel the service was outstanding. If you are disappointed with the service, you should inform the Captain of your feelings right away so he may rectify the situation. Leave no more gratuity than you feel is right.
Can I scuba dive?
Yes, if you are a certified diver. If not you may take a resort course from our dive instructor for a $35 fee.
What is a resort course?
Our scuba diving instructor will give you basic instructions. This will allow you to make two dives under the supervision of our dive instructor. This resort course does not qualify you for certification. The BC and regulator are included with a resort course. The fee is $35.00.
Can you do open water checkouts?
Yes, our dive instructor can with prior arrangements. The cost is $15 per dive plus cost of the certification form if not provided. Many new divers choose to make their first dives in the gin clear, warm waters of the Bahamas instead of in cold muddy lakes!
Where do we dive?
The areas around Bimini Freeport and the Berry Islands offer some of the most spectacular, varied diving in the world. Our specific itinerary varies with the winds to obtain maximum visibility for diving. The depths normally range from 20’ to 120’.
How many dives per day?
Normally 3 to 4 dives per day, including night dives, as long as weather is not a factor. We generally offer 2 or 3 night dives on 7 day trips.
What dive gear do I need to bring?
Snorkel, fins, mask, regulator, buoyancy compensator, u/w watch, depth gauge and for night dives, a dive light and cyalume stick (may be purchased for $2 each) are required. We provide tanks, weights and weight belts. There is storage on deck for all gear and we have rinse buckets for underwater cameras and regulators.
Can we snorkel?
Yes, anytime the boat is anchored. You need to bring mask, fins. snorkel and snorkel vest (not required but highly recommended). Snorkeling is not supervised.
Do you have scuba diving gear rental equipment?
We are proud of our stop of the dined ADWBCS, wetsuits, computers, dive lights and regulators with octopus and gauges. All must be rented by prior arrangements. We also have cyalumes available for sale.
| Rental Rates | 4 Day | 7 Day | ||
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| BC | $30 | $50 | ||
| Regulator | $30 | $50 | ||
| Computer | $30 | $50 | ||
| Wet Suits | ||||
| Full Suit | $25 | $35 | ||
| Top | $20 | $30 | ||
| Farmer John | $20 | $30 | ||
| Dive Light | $15 | $15 | ||
Do I need a wetsuit?
Between fall and spring, a wetsuit is recommended for snorkeling and scuba diving in the Bahamas. The chart below will give you a general idea of the water temperatures and what weight wet suit you will need. When deciding what to bring, consider that you will be diving frequently each day and it takes your body a while to warm up after each dive. Air temperature, the wind and cloud coverage, all affect how fast your body warms back up after a dive. Choosing a wetsuit is a very personal decision, some people wear a full suit in the summer and some dive with a shorty in the winter.
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Water Temperature |
Air Temperature |
Wetsuit Recommendation |
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| Jan-Feb | 72-75f / 22-24c | 70-80f / 21-27c | Full 6mm or thicker |
Are there any wreck dives in the Bahamas?
Yes, the Bahamas has a variety of wrecks and there are some in each of our dive areas.
Do you offer shark dives?
Yes, we normally do one shark feeding dive each trip. Sharks are seen on most dive sites throughout the Bahamas. Stay tuned for more info on our upcoming tiger shark trips!
Am I required to dive with a guide?
Our instructor on board will give you a thorough dive briefing so you can plan your dive and dive your plan. We don't usually have an instructor in the water on each dive, but we have crewmembers that would be happy to act as guides.
Do you have a compressor and tanks?
Yes, we have an electric 7 CFM compressor on board. This new electric compressor system will keep the noise down compared to the gas powered ones of the past! Tanks on board are typically 80's. We do have 50's, 63+ and 100's available upon request. Each diver has a dedicated tank for the week with our updated tank benches too!
Will I be able to recharge batteries?
Yes. We have regular 110 volt household current.
Can I come on a trip without a buddy?
By all means, yes. There will always be a diving buddy for you. Many of our passengers come aboard as singles.
Do non-divers enjoy the trip?
For the non-diver there is swimming, sun tanning, beach combing, fishing, snorkeling and just plain relaxing. If they are happy hanging out on a boat with other adventurous souls they will be fine…..if shopping and island hopping is on their mind, then remember - our cruises are destination and activity oriented, not amenity based. Casual, out door lovers that enjoy the salt air and open seas will be most happy on a live aboard.
Is lobstering allowed?
Yes, but we follow Bahamian law which limits you to free diving only. No trigger and no tanks! We have Hawaiian slings on board. The lobster season runs from August 6 until March 31
What if l not to cancel my vacation?
In the event the participant cancels their vacation poor to 60 days before departure, the deposit is refunded. Within 60 days of departure, there is no refund unless space is filled and the trip departs full. We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase trip insurance for their hard eared vacations. This covers you In the event of unforeseen incidents that may interfere with travel. If you are interested in trip insurance, give us a call and we'll send you a brochure that will explain the different types of coverage.
What if I want to spend extra time in Freeport?
We have compiled a list of hotels that are conveniently located In Freeport. Visit our website for a full description of each (General Tab on Navigation Bar). Mention Blackbeard's upon booking to get the special rates listed!
When is hurricane season?
The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The peak period is August through early October. This is also the best time of year for diving! Warm water, calm seas.
Do you have a DVD/VCR monitor?
Yes, each vessel is equipped with an entertainment monitor.
What if l need to be contacted in an emergency?
If someone needs to get In contact with you because of a true emergency, they may contact the office and we will relay the message. This should only be done if it is a real emergency. The boats travel to remote areas. The only possible way to contact them is to relay a request to return to port so they may call our office. Since the boat is frequently hours from the nearest port, this can cause you and your fellow passengers to miss out on part or all of a day's diving.
What is a fuel surcharge?
Blackbeard's has control over many factors that contribute to great vacations. Some things, however, cannot be controlled and one of these is the cost and supply of fuel Due to current extraordinary fuel prices, we are now forced to institute an $25 per guest fuel surcharge Also, please note that port charges, taxes, dive permits and other fees are subject to change without advance notice.
Specifications
Length 65'
Draft 5 1/2 feet Sleeping Cabins 1-4 upper and lower bunks are single bunks with curtains for privacy. There is more privacy here but less space. 5 and 6 upper and lower bunks are double bunks meant for two people to share This is typically where couples are housed. 7, 8 and 9 upper and lower bunks are in the main salon. These bunks are double wide but usually only sleep single passengers There is less privacy here but more room.
Beam: 19'
Sail Area: 1700 sq. ft
www.blackbeard-cruises.com
Other Trips
Every local Advanced Open Water course doubles as a dive trip for other divers. See the PADI Advanced Open Water Course Schedule for more information.
Normal drive time averages 1 1/2 hours to each of the dive sites. Once we have arrived you will have 5 hours in which to do your dives. For those of you who might be a little rusty, our staff will be glad to team up with you on your dives.
Cost: Depends on what is needed. Rent what you need or a complete package! Call for price.
Transportation: We suggest car-pooling
Entry Fee: Each dive site has an entry fee $10-20
Dates are subject to change depending upon demand.
Departure and arrival times vary depending upon distance from Champaign to the dive site. Call for exact times.