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A World of Diving Adventures

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Scuba Diving Scouts FAQs

Travel Planning

Please email info@allstarliveaboards.com with the flight changes, your trip date and vessel name so we can update your information. 

If you prefer to speak to a representative, our U.S. Reservations Office can take your call Monday thru Friday 9:00am-5:00pm EST at (U.S. and Canada) 800.327.9600 or (Worldwide) 954.734.7111.

Canadian and U.S. citizens are not required to have a visa to travel to the Bahamas.

All non U.S. citizens should Click here for visa requirements. If a person is born in one country and is a resident in another, the documentation required is based upon the country of birth.

Most visitors to The Bahamas do not need special vaccinations before entering the country.

***Latin American Citizens: However, travelers over age one must provide a YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CERTIFICATE, if they are coming from countries with the risk of infection such as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela. They must be vaccinated 10 days before entering The Bahamas. Information can be found on the following sites:
CDC Travelers’ Health.

NAS is the airport code for Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport. All the major carriers fly into Nassau, most of them with very competitive fares.

Blackbeard’s sailboats dock at the Nassau Harbour Club Marina on East Bay Street, right across from the Starbucks. The ride is approximately 30-40 minutes from the airport to the dock.

If you need transfers to or from the dock while in Nassau, we can assist. Please complete the Scout troop group transfer form, available as an excel file or pdf,  or call our office at least 5 days prior to your departure. Our U.S. Reservations Office can take your call Monday thru Friday 9:00am-5:00pm EST at (U.S. and Canada) 800.327.9600 or (Worldwide) 954.734.7111.

For each pick-up, the cost is $18.00* USD per person one-way and must be prepaid. If you prefer to take a taxi or miss the cut-off date, taxis are readily available at the airport.

*Subject to change

Spending money for souvenirs is all they will need. The currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar which is on par with the US dollar and is used interchangeably.

Please contact the vessel if you experience any changes or delays in travel to the Bahamas on Saturday as our U.S. Reservations Office is not open on the weekends. The cell phone numbers to the boats are 242-376-7608 and 242-376-7606. If you have arranged Ground Transfers through us with Island Escape Tours, please ALSO contact Mr. Wright directly at 242.449.7862. The U.S. Reservations Office can take your calls Monday thru Friday 9:00am — 5:00pm EST at 800.327.9600 (U.S. and Canada) or 954.734.7111.

Travel to Nassau on Friday is recommended when possible. We have hotels in Nassau we can recommend for the night. Also this takes the stress out of same day travel – no lost luggage or missed connections to worry about on the day of boarding! Let us know what you want to do and see while you are in the Bahamas and we’ll do our best to steer you in the right direction. Click here to go to the Trip Info page with hotels in Nassau. You might even want to check out one of the other Out Islands at the end of your trip!

Dive liveaboard cruising is an appealing alternative to conventional land-based dive vacations and larger cruise ships. We offer a more flexible but inclusive travel experience – one that provides “twice the fun at half the price”. Aboard Blackbeard’s you’ll get a camping-like experience at sea with good food, dormitory-style living arrangements, a fun and friendly crew and with plenty of great diving.

Blackbeard’s leaves Nassau on Saturday afternoon for the Exuma Cays. Each week is a new adventure with no fixed schedule. The captain will check the weather and sit down with your leaders to find out what high adventure activities your group would like to do. He will then plan an itinerary that works everything in. During the week he will adjust it to meet any changes in what you would like to do and to adjust for changes in the weather. The last night of the trip will be spent in Nassau where you can explore the big island with your new buddies! Dinner on Thursday is served on board at the dock.

The liveaboard 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 for the crew is included in the pricing of the scout trips. You are welcome to 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.

Various forms for each person must be in our U.S. Reservation Office four (4) weeks prior to departure and must be originals. We suggest that leaders make copies of all forms to keep on file. See the Resources page.

Space is limited on Blackbeard’s sailboats. We suggest several bathing suits, shorts, long pants, several T-shirts, and a wind breaker all packed in soft luggage. Also pack deck shoes, sandals or flip-flops, towels (see note below), sunscreen (non-oil/reef safe), sunglasses and foul weather gear (pants and jacket) which is a necessity to keep dry from spray or rain. During the cooler months, bring sweats/warm clothing for topside. Don’t forget jammies since this is dormitory style; you’ll need something to sleep in besides your birthday suit! Personal items such as aspirin, decongestants and shampoos are also recommended.

We provide all bedding. We have storage at our dock for any empty bags or any bags you won’t need.

We recommend 2 towels – 1 for salt and 1 for showering.

Each bunk has a shelf at the end where you can store clothes and other personal items and a few hooks to hang your ditty bag too. Click here for a checklist.

For flight planning purposes boarding is 12:00pm on Saturday and shove off by 3:00pm. Please be on board by 1:00pm at the latest. The latest we recommend landing is 12:00pm so that you have time to clear Bahamas Customs and Immigration and transfer to the dock. Once on board lunch is served; you will some have time to get settled in and then attend a mandatory safety briefing before we depart Nassau.

Blackbeard’s returns to Nassau on the following Thursday afternoon. Dinner is served on board at the dock and then you can spend the last evening exploring Nassau with your new friends! All passengers must disembark by 9:00am on Friday morning. If you have a flight later in the day, you may leave your luggage in the lobby while you sightsee. Your last dive is complete by early afternoon on Thursday. Plan your flight home according to your “NO FLY” standard from your certifying agency.

All travelers to the Bahamas need a passport. As you arrive into Nassau Airport you will clear Bahamas Customs and Immigration. Be sure your plane ticket matches your documentation. Check with the Bahamas Embassy for visa requirements if you are not a U.S. citizen. U.K. Embassies act on behalf of the Bahamas as well. As you depart Nassau at the end of your trip, you will clear U.S. Customs and Immigration before arriving at your departure gate. Please plan extra time to check in for your flight home.

Policies

There is no refund for cancellations after November 15 unless space is filled, in which case there will be a full refund. We will waive this penalty if you communicate with us and allow us time to book other scouts into your unfilled space.

The fees cover the Bahamas government taxes and fees.

Blackbeard’s cruises are geared towards diving so the recommended age for children would be 10 for junior divers and 12 for open water divers. Keep in mind, children under 15 must be supervised by a parent or guardian at ALL times. While our crew is most gracious and good with all ages, they WILL NOT provide childcare services or supervision at ANY time during the cruise.

Diving

Yes, we normally do one shark feeding dive each trip. A shark release form must be signed by a parent if under 18. Sharks are seen on most dive sites throughout the Bahamas.

The Northern Exumas offer some of the most spectacular and varied diving in the Caribbean. Our specific itinerary varies with the winds to obtain maximum visibility for diving. The depths normally range from 20 to 60 feet. Each week we do a shark feeding dive (parental consent form required), a blue hole and drift dive.

Our scuba diving instructor will give you basic instructions. This will allow you to make 2 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. A mask, fins, snorkel and wetsuit are not included. You can find details on the Dive Instruction page. Prior arrangements are recommended and a Medical Form is required for those taking a training course. For more details, click here.

Certified scuba divers need snorkel, fins, mask, and regulator with pressure gauge, buoyancy compensator (BC), u/w watch, and depth gauge. For night dives the minimum requirement is two light sources: a dive light plus a backup dive light, a non-strobing marker light or a chemical light stick (cyalume). Cyalumes are $3.00* USD each and are sold on board. We provide tanks, weights and weightbelts. There is storage on deck for all gear.

Between fall and spring, a wetsuit is recommended.

For details on Aqua Cat’s rentals, click here. To view this vessel’s checklist, click here.
For details on Blackbeard’s rentals, click here. To view this vessel’s checklist, click here.
For details on Scuba Diving Scout’s rentals, click here. To view a scout checklist, click here.

Please request rental items on your Trip Application.

*Subject to change.

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Yes, but we follow Bahamian law which limits you to free diving only. No trigger and no tanks! We have Hawaiian slings and pole spears on board for you to use. The lobster season runs from August 1 to March 31.

Divers will have the opportunity to log two dives per day plus several night dives each week. Two dives a day provide ample time for exploring a deserted island, for the halyard swing or for finding your own adventure. We generally offer up to 13 dives on a 6-night trip.

The shoreline, mangroves and shallow reefs are perfect for snorkeling with crystal clear waters and lots of fish, both small and large! You can snorkel anytime the boat is anchored! You need to bring mask, fins and snorkel. We do offer rental of these items on board. Please note on your Trip Application. The snorkeling is not supervised. If you have not snorkeled before, we also recommend a snorkel vest.

Note:  Aqua Cat guests planning to snorkel must complete an RSTC Medical Form prior to boarding Aqua Cat.

All the dives will be planned to stay within 60 feet depth to meet the standards set for by the Boys Scouts of America. The visibility and light penetration at these depths is always better so you’ll be able to enjoy the colors of the marine life too.

The dives offered on Blackbeard’s are unescorted. The instructor on board will give you a very in depth briefing before each dive describing the conditions, the current, depth, and it will include a visual aide. The instructor and/or staff will be in the water for all drift dives and the shark feed! If your troop requires a dive guide in the water on all dives, an extra instructor can be added to the crew for a fee.

Yes, we have an electric 17 CFM compressor with dual water separator and filters onboard. 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 CF (12L). We do have 63s (9L) and 100s (15L) available upon request. Each diver has a dedicated tank for the week with our tank benches.

Between fall and spring, a wetsuit is recommended for snorkeling and scuba diving in the Bahamas. 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 these factors 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.

We host all levels of divers from beginners on their check out dives to seasoned pros on vacation! Be sure to bring your certification card (c-card), we’ll need to see it.

If you are looking to advance your diving skills, Blackbeard’s divers can learn more here.
If you are looking to advance your diving skills, Cat Palau’s divers can learn more here.
If you are looking to advance your diving skills, Scuba Diving Scout’s divers can learn more here.

If not certified, you may take a Discover Scuba Diving course from our dive instructor.
For Blackbeard’s information and pricing, click here.
For Cat Ppalu’s information and pricing, click here.
For Scuba Diving Scout’s information and pricing, click here.

A Medical Form is also required for those taking a training course.

Please indicate the type of Dive Instruction desired on your Trip Application, if not a scouting group.

Yes. If you do not have your own equipment, we have “top of the line” dive gear available for rent.

For information and pricing, click here. For night dives the minimum requirement is two light sources: a dive light plus a backup dive light, a non-strobing marker light or a chemical light stick (cyalume). Cyalumes are $3.00* USD each and are sold on board.

Please request rental items on your Trip Application.

We do not store our gear at the dock so last minute requests may not be available.

*Subject to change.

We cannot provide full certification on board. The class and pool work must be done locally before you leave home. If open water check out dives are needed, we can finish your course with a referral from your local instructor. Resources to get your certification started: Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.

Yes, you can complete your open water checkout dives with our dive instructor with prior arrangement. The cost is per dive plus the cost of the certification form if not provided. For more information and pricing, click here and here.

Many new divers choose to make their first dives in the crystal clear and warm waters of the Bahamas instead of in cold muddy lakes!

The Exumas are home to just a few wreck dives. We do visit the Austin Smith wreck. The wreck is not penetrable but it lies on a great reef and is the site of our shark feeding dive.

On Board

No, the Bahamas recently changed the law so that dive liveaboards aren’t allow to do any type of fishing.

The best time for sailing is from October to April. During the period from May to September there is normally very little wind. We often motor from dive site to dive site due to their close proximity. We will hoist the sails at least once … weather permitting.

Yes, one shower is equipped with both fresh and saltwater taps. Everyone cringes at the mention of a 30-second freshwater shower but it does warrant some explanation! There are two shower heads in the shower: one fresh and one salt. Saltwater use is unlimited so lather, shampoo, shave, etc., with the unlimited saltwater and then use the 30-seconds of freshwater at the end to rinse. You’ll feel fresh as a daisy! Bring your own towels-we recommend two – one for topside and one for showering.

We have regular 110 volt household current. No adapters needed for U.S. electrical plugs. Devices should not be left unattended while charging. Fireproof charging bags – Lipo [lithium polymer] Guard – are available for purchasing online or check with your local dive shop.

The shoreline, mangroves and shallow reefs are perfect for snorkeling with crystal clear waters and lots of fish, both small and large! You can snorkel anytime the boat is anchored! You need to bring mask, fins and snorkel. We do offer rental of these items on board. Please note on your Trip Application. The snorkeling is not supervised. If you have not snorkeled before, we also recommend a snorkel vest.

Note:  Aqua Cat guests planning to snorkel must complete an RSTC Medical Form prior to boarding Aqua Cat.

Spending money for souvenirs is all they will need. The currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar which is on par with the US dollar and is used interchangeably.

Your BC and regulator set will stay on your tank all week. Other dive gear, like your snorkel and dive gear, can be stored 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. We have storage at our dock for your luggage.

No smoking is allowed below deck. We ask that smokers step aft to the stern where a canister is kept for butts. Please do not throw them overboard.

Internet service is not offered on board, sorry. Unplug and relax while you dive all week! Your smart device may be able to connect to the Internet when we are within range of the one cell tower in the Central Bahamas. Be sure your cell provider has international service with the Bahamas before you go.

Sleeping Cabins #1-4 upper and lower bunks are single bunks with curtains for privacy. These have less space but are more private. #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. Think camping on the high seas only better — we have air conditioning and do all the work!

Three complete meals are served daily, as well as snacks. Meals are served buffet and eaten picnic style. There is always a hammock of fresh fruits for those between meals snacks. We have coolers of punch or lemonade always available. Coffee and juice will be served with breakfast. There is no alcohol or soda on our youth/scout trips. We can accommodate special diets but please let us know in advance of the trip.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free are pretty easy to work with as well as allergies so let us know upon booking if you require special meals. Please remember that you are participating in an adventure travel vacation that is occurring in a remote part of the world. Many of the modern conveniences, brands and pre-packaged goods we use at home are not available in remote destinations. As such, many special requests that are very specific may be difficult to accommodate.

Finally, if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special life event, please let us know. Our crew stands ready to assist you in making your special day something to remember.

If someone needs to get in contact with you because of a true emergency, they may contact the U.S. Reservations Office and we will relay the message. The boats travel to remote areas. The only possible way to contact them is to relay a request to return to cell range so they may call our office. Since the boat is frequently hours from the nearest tower, this can cause you and your fellow passengers to miss out on part or all of a day’s diving. This contact should be for true emergencies for this reason.

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 liveaboard diving vacation is that we can flex our schedule to go where the weather and conditions are best!

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