Set sail May 21 - 27, 2005

Now is the time to start planning for next years dive season, and this is a trip that you don't want to miss out on. Next May, we are returning tothe Bahamas for Northeast Scuba Supply's most popular dive vacation. Join us for a week long liveaboard sailboat cruise along the out islands of the Bahamas chain. The infamous dive master duo of John Cogan and Dan Martinez are together again to lead you on a week of diving and adventure. We have chartered the 65' sailing sloop Pirate's Lady for a week of island hopping and diving that you won't soon forget.

The first night is optional, but highly recommended. We arrive a day early at Miami's South Beach to spend some time relaxing on the beach and to enjoy the glitz, glamour, and night life of the main strip. We stay just across the street from the beach at the Ocean Five Hotel.

The next morning we have just a short ride to the dock where we board our floating home for the next seven days. After the ocean crossing, we arrive in Bimini in time to visit the local watering holes. Bimini is the home of Ernest Hemmingway's favorite fishing hangout, and today has a bar dedicated to the author called the Complete Angler. In the Hemmingway room, you can see pictures of the author with some of his most prized catches. Afterwards, you can listen to the local band, and if you are feeling lucky, you can challenge the locals at the ring toss game. The night isn't complete until you visit the End of the World Bar where mementos from past NESS trips still adorn the rafters.

The next morning, we leave port to begin the diving phase of the trip. We will be sailing the smaller out islands of the Bahamas that don't see the diving pressure of the big resort areas like Nassau. The result is much healthier reef life. We will be conducting 3-4 dives a day with night dives almost every night. The reefs range from patch reefs, tongue and groove formations with deep cuts and swim thru's, and walls that drop down thousands of feet to the "tongue of the ocean.We also hit a few wrecks along the way including the cement liberty ship Sapona. One of the highlights is a shark feeding dive. We entice sharks with a "shark kabob" of fish that we catch during the trip. This is one of the better shark dives that I have experienced. Be sure to have a fresh roll of film in your camera for this one.

Between dives, we spend our time fishing, snorkeling, and taking dingy rides to explore the islands and cays. The waters around Bimini are well known for world class fishing for big game fish such as Sword Fish and Marlin. One snorkeling stop is at the famous "Road to Atlantis." This is a formation of seemingly man made blocks arranged in a pattern. Over the years many researchers and archeologist have claimed that this is the possible remains of the city of Atlantis. You can decide for yourself. We often get together with the other liveaboards for a beach party and bonfire on the cays. During the voyage, you will also have a chance help the crew hoist the sails, or even take the helm and steer the way to the next dive site.

The boat is set up well for diving. You will set up your tank and BC at he beginning of the trip, the simply remove your reg. between dives to have your tanks filled. There is plenty of room for everyone to relax on deck between dives. The accommodations below are "bunk style" which means that there are no private state rooms. The food is excellent, and you are not limited to only eating at meal times. There is always plenty of food, snacks, and beverages to feed a group of hungry divers. Alcoholic beverages are also included as long as you are done diving for the day. During the night dive, a large cooler of fruit punch on the deck gets replaced with Rum punch for the evening. If you are trying to loose weight, or a recovering alcoholic, this might not be the trip for you. We have always had exceptional crews that will go out of their way to make sure that you have an enjoyable trip.

Before we head back to Miami, we spend one final night in Bimini for our official "port night." We normally arrive in time to stop at the local shops for souvenirs. We have a dockside barbecue where they grill steaks as well as some of our catches for the week. We have one final night to enjoy the local bar scene in Bimini before the ocean crossing back to Miami.

2005's trip is priced at $849 a diver which includes your accommodations aboard the Pirate's Lady for the voyage, all meals and drinks while on the boat, tanks, weights, and air fills. You can stay an optional extra night before and/or after the voyage at Miami's South Beach strip. Miami is an exciting town that you don't want to miss. It is also a perfect opportunity to start your vacation early or get your land legs back before heading home.

Additional Costs

The only additional costs are Airfare from Philadelphia to Miami which should run about $300. Cab fare to the dock about $20. The port tax of $55. And spending money for Bimini (very little is needed here) and Miami (the sky is the limit here). They also sell T-shirts, shark dive videos, and maps of the voyage at the boat as well. These usually make the best souvenirs.

This trip is sure to fill fast. If you want to secure your spot (and claim your bunk) we only require a $100 deposit. If you have any questions, give us a call at the shop, or send me an email at dan@northeastscubasupply.com This is a trip that you don't want to miss. I hope to see you on board.