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No crowds, no set itineraries, nothing to do but sit back, relax and choose from an incredible variety of activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, sunbathing, and island exploring.

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BOAT Info

What is a small ship cruise like?
Small ship cruising is an appealing alternative to conventional land tours and larger cruise ships.  We offer a richer travel experience - one that goes beyond the typical tourist sites. Imagine sinking your toes into sugar sand, snorkeling/diving among the lemon sharks and sting rays, or hiking the trails of pirates and bootleggers of years gone by.  The ideal way to explore the world is on a small ship, enjoying access to places of natural beauty not possible any other way.  Small ship cruising appeals to travelers who prefer a relaxed, comfortable travel style with the emphasis on the destination. Aqua Cat takes you beyond the confines of conventional tourism for meaningful experiences with people and places.

What are the meals like?
We serve three gourmet meals a day. Snacks and fresh fruits are always available.   Most meals will be a combination of Bahamian and American cuisine.  A selection of beverages is always on hand, from soft drinks, juices and lemonade, to beer, wine and rum drinks.   Dinner is ashore Friday evening.

What time can we board? 
For flight planning, boarding is at 6 pm on Saturday.  We offer a welcome briefing, dinner and an important safety briefing immediately afterwards.  It is important that you are there for this informative meeting!  Please plan your flights accordingly.  If you are arriving earlier, you may drop bags off at the boat prior to 6:00 PM. The Aqua Cat returns to Nassau Friday afternoon. You will be responsible for dinner ashore Friday evening. We require that you disembark Saturday by 9:00 AM. You may leave your bags at the boat if you have a late afternoon flight.

What should I bring?
The atmosphere on board the Aqua Cat is always relaxed and casual.  You’ll spend your days in bathing suits and casual wear.  Bring shorts or jeans, T-shirts and a windbreaker.  Also bring a pair of sandals, hat, suntan lotion (non-oil) and sunglasses.  In winter, a sweatshirt or sweater is advisable. Our ship’s boutique offers everything you need for your cruise (swimsuits, t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, hats and toiletries).

Do you have a DVD and VCR on board? 
Yes, we have both VCR and DVD players with U.S. and European formats.  We have a collection of movies on board.  Feel free to bring your favorites.

Is electricity available?  
All guest cabins, main salon and photo table on the dive deck have US outlets for 120 volts/ 15 amps.  Passengers joining us from abroad should bring adaptors and/or converters depending on country of residence to transform power to 220 volts.

How much spending money do I need? 
You will need enough for the crew gratuity (10-15% recommended), spending money for an evening ashore (shopping, drinks, souvenirs), and dinner ashore Friday evening. The Bahamas currency is Bahamian dollars, which are equivalent to the U.S. dollar and are interchangeable.  If you have US dollars, there is no need to exchange currency.  You can charge your specialty classes, boutique purchases, and crew gratuity to your cabin account.  Aqua Cat accepts VISA, MasterCard and Discover.

SCUBA & DIVING Info

How is the snorkeling?
The reefs are perfect for snorkeling with gin clear waters and lots of fish, both small and large! You can snorkel anytime the boat is anchored!  We offer a variety of snorkeling adventures- drift Wax Cut, mangrove nurseries, feed the sting rays and swim with Lemon sharks at the Land and Sea Park!  You need to bring mask, fins and snorkel.  If you don’t have them, we have some available for rent.  If you have not snorkeled before, the crew will be happy to instruct you.

Can I go fishing?
Yes, as long as you aren’t in the Exumas Land & Sea Park.  We have the Sea Dog, our 28’ launch that is used for trolling, or taking fisherman to shores or coves.  We furnish all of the fishing gear.

What is the diving like?
While the Northern Exumas are only 30 miles from Nassau, there are no daily dive operators in this area.  You can experience truly virgin diving.  The Exumas have walls starting at 40', as well as drift, reef, and shark dives.   There is a large Blue Hole between Nassau and the Exumas.  For over 30 years, much of the northern Exumas has been a National Underwater Park with no fishing, spear fishing or collecting allowed.  Because of these laws, there are miles of undersea gardens in which coral, sponges and fish abound. Turtles, rays and sharks are seen regularly on most dive sites.  Goliath grouper truly are gargantuan in the Exumas!

How many dives per day?
Divers will have the opportunity to log up to 5 dives each day Sunday through Wednesday.  Thursday, 4 day dives are offered and that evening is the Captain’s dinner with presentations. Two dives will be offered on Friday.  Up to 26 dives per week Maximum.

Can I scuba dive? 
Yes, if you are a certified diver.  If not, you may take a full certification course (prior arrangement required) or a Discover Scuba Diving course.  The minimum age is 10 years old for scuba courses. We have Snuba gear for the younger set too.  Medical release required.   

What is a Discover Scuba Diving course?
For a fee of $99.00, our dive instructor will teach you the skills to safely enjoy shallow scuba dives.  You will then be able to make two scuba dives with your instructor on the Aqua Cat. (This course does not make you a certified diver).  Equipment is included.  Medical release required.

Will I see sharks? 
Yes!  Many of our sites are frequented by Caribbean Reef Sharks and Nurse Sharks.  We normally offer one shark feed on each trip.  This is the perfect time to see sharks up close and in action!

 Is Nitrox available?
Yes.  Nitrox is available on board for $150 per week per diver.  Nitrox is 32%. Get Nitrox certified on board!  The course is $150 and then you receive a $50 credit for fills.  Instructional materials not included.  Medical release required.

Can I do open water checkouts?
Yes.  You can complete your open water checkout dives with our instructor.  (Prior arrangements are desirable.)  The cost is $125.00.  Instructional materials not included.   

Can I take advanced certification or specialty courses on board?
Our instructors are available for further training in SCUBA.  Prior arrangements recommended.  Instructional materials not included. Medical release required.

What dive gear do I need to bring? 
Certified scuba divers need snorkel, fins, mask, and regulator with pressure gauge, buoyancy compensator, u/w watch, and depth gauge.  For night dives, a dive light and cyalume stick (or substitute) is required.  We provide tanks, weights and weight belts.   Between fall and spring, a wetsuit is recommended.  See, “Do I need a wetsuit” below.

RENTAL RATES

Can I rent dive gear?
If you do not have your own equipment, we have "top of the line" ADV/BCs, wetsuits, dive lights and regulators with octopus and gauges available for rent.  All rentals must be arranged prior to departure.

Rental Rates
Regulator with octopus and gauges  $50 
Buoyancy Compensator $50 
3mm two piece wetsuit $35 
Shorty wetsuit   $30 
Dive computer $50 
Mask, fins & snorkel  $35 
Dive light $30           
Chemical light sticks (cyalumes) are required for night divers  $3 ea