Diving in the Bahamas is a dream for most of us. Thanks to the incredible culture, people, and stunning views, both in and out of the water, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular spot for scuba divers!
It’s also caught the eye of lots of people heading out on their first dive vacation – you don’t have to be an old sea dog to make the most of the Bahamas.
But, by being so popular, there are quite a few liveaboard options for keen divers. So, let’s look at one of the most popular liveaboards in the area, the Aqua Cat!
- Austin Smith Wreck
- Exuma Cays
- Departs from Nassau
- Incredible value
- Hosts up to 30 guests
- Luxurious & spacious
- Night dives would be better before meals
The Bahamas is an easily accessible part of the world, particularly for residents of the USA seeking a dream getaway within close distance.
Table of Contents
Bahamas Aqua Cat Liveaboard
This beautiful boat is perfect for scuba divers of all experience levels all year round. Aqua Cat’s cabins have incredible sea views; there’s plenty of room for you, your loved ones, and up to about 30 people in total, and the dives take you deep into the crystal waters to spot all kinds of marine life.
The only thing that could make this Bahamas liveaboard any better is the price – and to be fair, in my experience, it’s more than reasonable!
Overview
The Aqua Cat catamaran is 102 ft long and can welcome up to 30 guests across 11 cabins. The boat’s been running since 2001 and was renovated just in 2015.
The ship has two Caterpillar 3406E engines, ensuring a smooth ride your entire trip. Safety, too, is taken care of – onboard, you will have access to life vests, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and a fully trained crew in first aid. So, all you have to focus on is the amazing adventure that lies ahead of you!
Guests
30
Air Con
YES
Dives
26
WiFi
Uknown
Nitrox
YES
Food
YES
Dives
During a standard seven-day cruise, the Aqua Cat liveaboard offers about 26 dives. As you can imagine, this will significantly depend on the general weather conditions, and some days your fellow passengers and you may choose to skip a dive. This is usually the case when everyone wants to see the swimming pigs, for example!
However, you will have the option to see some of the Bahamas’ stunning 200+ dive sites, all of which are just begging to be explored just off the dive deck.
You can expect to see some of the best sites in Nassau, Bahamas and Exuma Sound, including the following experiences:
Coral reefs
Shark dive adventures
Shark feeding opportunities
Trips to Exuma Cays
Explorations of blue holes
Austin Smith Wreck adventures
Deep Walls
Night dives
However, beyond the great dive site itinerary, Aqua Cat visitors will also experience fantastic shore excursions, such as exploring the beautiful beaches and uninhabited islands (such as some of the Exuma Cays’ land). Don’t be afraid to give scuba diving a rest one or two days to go exploring the local haunts and nightlife!
Marine Life
If we were to list every kind of marine animal you can expect to see from the dive deck of the Aqua Cat liveaboard, we’d all be here for a while! But some of the most common and sought-after wildlife you’re likely to meet in the surrounding deep include:
Turtles
Whale sharks
Coral reef fish
Lobsters
Nurse sharks
Caribbean reef sharks
Tiger sharks
The best dive sites you’ll experience off Aqua Cat cruises normally let you get up close and personal with sharks in a controlled environment – but the Aqua Cat offers lots of gentler dives for spotting schools of colourful fish all around.
If you’ve never been scuba diving in the Bahamas before, the amazing crew on board the Aqua Cat are here to show you the best marine sights of the local waters!
Cabins and Cabin Types
After a long day of diving, the last thing you want is to fit into a shoebox with someone you barely know. Thankfully, that’s not what you’ll find on the Aqua Cat! This award-winning ship has some of the biggest cabins you’re likely to come across on any liveaboard in the area.
Cabins one and two have two twin beds with two pulldowns and can each welcome up to four people, while cabins three and four have two twin beds and one pulldown – and can accommodate up to three people.
Cabins five to eight, meanwhile, each have two twin beds (or can be used as king-sized beds). Cabins nine and ten on top of this each have one queen-sized bed and one twin-sized bed. They can hold up to three people.
Finally, cabin eleven, the smallest of the cabins, has twin bunk beds. As opposed to the other cabins, cabin eleven also has a skylight instead of a full sea view – which, to be fair, is equally as stunning. Try it for yourself on your own Aqua Cat cruise!
Each cabin has its own private bathroom with a shower, and all are individually air-conditioned. Lovely for coming back off a long dive trip, or an exciting night dive.
Communal Rooms
Leisure deck
Spacious dive deck (and dive deck showers)
Full saloon
Sun deck
Photography station
Outdoor dining area and alfresco deck
- Length: 102ft
- Beam: 35ft
- All dietary requirements
- Camera station
- Rinse hoses
- Nitrox available
- Air conditioned saloon
- Alfresco deck
- Warm water showers
- Charging stations
- Kayaks onboard
- Seperate rinse for U/W cameras
- Snorkel gear
- Bar
- BBQ area
- Spacious dive deck
- Dive deck showers
- Individual storage space
- Dive gear for rent
- Dining room
- Soft drinks and alcohol
- Top quality food served buffet style
- Night dive equipped
- Drift dives available
Aqua Cat FAQs
Still unsure if the highly respected Aqua Cat is for you? Here’s a few common queries I’m happy to answer.
For a standard 8-day and 7-night trip on the Aqua Cat, you’re looking at paying around 2500 €. For a top-quality Bahamas liveaboard, that is a very reasonable price! Prices may change, of course – so keep an open mind.
Scuba divers of any level are welcome on the Aqua Cat liveaboard, whether it’s your first dive as a certified diver or your hundredth! In fact, if diving doesn’t float your boat (pun intended), you’d still be welcome on this luxury liveaboard.
There are still plenty of activities to enjoy, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and enjoying incredible views across the waters.
Whatever your level, the Aqua Cat offers fantastic dive briefings before every dive trip. The brilliant dive crew (genuine dive masters) will walk you through everything before going deep to ensure everyone’s safety and happiness!
Fortunately for us all, the Aqua Cat cruises year-round! That means that you can book the scuba diving trip of your dreams whenever best suits you!
However, you should look at booking as far in advance as possible, as this crazy cat can fill up pretty quickly!
Yes, you can rent diving gear on the Aqua Cat, whether you’ve forgotten some of your essentials or didn’t want to pack too heavy!
However, booking your diving gear with the Aqua Cat is best as you’re making your trip booking to ensure that the equipment you need for scuba diving is available during your trip.
- Austin Smith Wreck
- Exuma Cays
- Departs from Nassau
- Incredible value
- Hosts up to 30 guests
- Luxurious & spacious
- Night dives would be better before meals
