28 replies to this topic

[Jenn]

I've hear nothing but good things about Blackbeards, so much infact that I'm booked for the long weekend trip next week (Sept 1-5) I'm super excited and can't wait to go!!

[Desert_Diver]

August 2006 issue of Scuba Diver is out and guess what? They have an article comparing the best live aboard dive charters in the Bahamas. Blackbeard was rated highest, beating out about 8-10 other boats/companies.

And if you ask which beer is the best, the answer is Budweiser.

They advertise more and get more traffic, thus more votes. When they base it purely on the number of votes, it doesn't mean anything. They should have done a satisfaction survey of folks that have tried a variety of liveaboards to get useful statistics. Everyone I've ever asked said they'd take the Aqua Cat any day over the Blackbeard's boats, and it's all the same company, just different accomodations. If money is an issue, you drink Budweiser.

[vettenorlando]

I can't imagine a cruise ship going to Belize City, it's the pits!

Agree, Belize City is not that great, but I have known several people that use the stop at Belize City to catch a dive boat for the day. Most people seems to use Hugh Parkey's Dive Connection in Belize City as it is convenient to get to. You can dive the Turneffe Islands or Lighthouse Atolls easily from there.

Be careful with booking your dive separately... I went to Belize City on the Carnival Pride a few years back.. you have to tender in. If you book your dives with the ship, the dive boat actually comes to the ship to pick you up. When i did it, I did four dives with them and it worked out great. We did two in the morning, I was able to get on the ship have lunch and be back down at the tender area in time for the boat to pick me up for two more dives... I was very happy in Belize... The other time I was there I did the cave tubing.... Absolutely too much fun to describe... I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it, even the drive out to the river...and I get car sick!!! You can book that with the ship as well...

[vettenorlando]

August 2006 issue of Scuba Diver is out and guess what? They have an article comparing the best live aboard dive charters in the Bahamas. Blackbeard was rated highest, beating out about 8-10 other boats/companies.

And if you ask which beer is the best, the answer is Budweiser.

They advertise more and get more traffic, thus more votes. When they base it purely on the number of votes, it doesn't mean anything. They should have done a satisfaction survey of folks that have tried a variety of liveaboards to get useful statistics. Everyone I've ever asked said they'd take the Aqua Cat any day over the Blackbeard's boats, and it's all the same company, just different accomodations. If money is an issue, you drink Budweiser.

I've heard the same thing.... Aquacat is more like fine diving.... and fine dining... in a casual atmosphere where every whim is taken care of. I haven't been personally but have a very close friend who went last year and couldn't stop talking about it... he probably is still talking about it.

[novicediver]

well, I did the Blackbeard cruise experience and all I can say is it is by far the best dollar for dollar value of any dive trip anywhere, anytime. I have been to Belize, Costa Maya, Cozemel, Roatan and the Cayman and the Bahamas are as good if not better than any of those other places.
Blackbeard offered outstanding diving from reefs, wrecks, night, drift and shark dives. The food was good, although not 5 star, the sleeping accommodations were adequate, nothing more but the crew was outstanding, the people (other divers) were all great and everyone on our trip has agreed to do it again next year.
I got very lucky because there was only 7 other divers on the boat and to insure we all get lucky again, we have all decided to charter the boat in May for another Blackbeard week. We plan to add 3 or 4 more people which will make the cost about the same as our first trip and still leave the boat uncrowded.
If anyone is looking for a great dive experience on a live-aboard at a very reasonable rate, I strongly suggest you contact Blackbeard and give it a shot.

[Capn Jack]

well, I did the Blackbeard cruise experience and all I can say is it is by far the best dollar for dollar value of any dive trip anywhere, anytime.

What would you say if I was thinking about bringing my non-diver wife on the trip? SWMBO will snorkel, but not dive.

[Ric]

well, I did the Blackbeard cruise experience and all I can say is it is by far the best dollar for dollar value of any dive trip anywhere, anytime.

What would you say if I was thinking about bringing my non-diver wife on the trip? SWMBO will snorkel, but not dive.

I agree on the positive comments on Blackbeard, I went solo in June and had a blast, the shark dive is not to be missed! For a non-diver it could be a little boring unless she wants to relax and read. This is like camping with a group of people you do not know, but you become good friends by weeks end. A super trip to go on by yourself! Our group was not a big party crowd so was more relaxing but if you got on a boat with a bunch of younger party people it could turn into a big party I guess!

[WreckWench]

SD is a booking agent for Blackbeard's and Aquacat. We agressively look for booking deals and if you are a premier member you'll automatically save money by simply booking via SD!

[dive1dennis]

I just thought I would throw in my positive comments about Blackbeard's. I did a Blackbeard's trip a couple years ago, yes we did the crossing from Miami then. The crossing was rough but no more worries about that! The accommodations were OK, not great but OK. The food was excellent, diving was great, the dive master and crew were great. The kitchen fire did not require coast guard intervention . We had a great time. There are certainly nicer live-aboards, but Blackbeard's is a great value for a lot of great diving, and that is the reason you book a liveaboard anyway, isn't it?

Take Care,
Dennis

[digger1701a]

Hello,

I have been on Blackbeard 3 years running and love the trips. It is like camping at sea like the brochure says but all of your meals are cooked for you, hot and tasty. The crew will usually do anything they can to make your trip a really good one. I like to help out like driving the boat and raising and lower the sails and they have no problem with letting you. I would, will, and do recommend Blackbeard to anyone looking for an inexpensive live-aboard dive trip. If you want any more details about my trips feel free to email me.

Mike

[mrmegteeth]

You took the ‘plunge’ and ‘jumped’ right in to the SD community! Good Job and Keep on Posting! We love to hear from you.

Let the SD Travel Network assist you when you are ready to book Blackbeard Cruises. Find the best deal you can, and we will meet or beat the price. SD has wholesale buying power that could work to your advantage...let us know!

This is a trip I have been wanting to do for some time. Sounds like lots of great feedback. Are there any plans in the works for a group trip? SD could charter a whole boat,If SD has no plans ,is there anyone else out there serious about this trip, maybe in early fall. :

[WreckWench]

This is a trip I have been wanting to do for some time. Sounds like lots of great feedback. Are there any plans in the works for a group trip? SD could charter a whole boat,If SD has no plans ,is there anyone else out there serious about this trip, maybe in early fall. :

I think one of our members is going over Labor Day...while we can't book the entire boat we can book you then if there is still availability. Let us know!

Of course if we have enough interest...we can do a half or full boat....interest anyone?

[justscuba]

[
Of course if we have enough interest...we can do a half or full boat....interest anyone?
[/quote]

WW I have gone twice on this boat. I would go again if SD goes and the time is right for work.

[pir8]

Having done Blackbeards twice I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. But after doing Nekton I would probably go for the comfort given my druthers. Besides on Blackbeards I got to do 18 dives in the week while on Nekton I got to do 30.