Willow Springs Park is the location where Scuba World does most of the open water training for its students.

How much does it cost?

• Scuba Diving: $30 per person/day

• Camping: $10 per person/night

• Electric hook-up: $10 per day

• Air Fills: $8

Dutch Springs quarry is where we do some dive training.  For deep dives (deeper than 60 feet), this is the place to be!

How much does it cost?

• Scuba Diving: $40 per person/day

• Camping: $15 per person/night

• Air Fills: $8

How much does it cost? Diver – $1190 | Non-Diver – $595

What’s Included?

Eight days and seven nights at Ocean Pointe Resort in Tavernier, Florida. Surround yourself with sixty acres of tropical elegance in the fabulous Florida Keys. Four persons per condo based on quadurple occupancy. Accommodations include:

• Two private bedrooms (king/2 twin)

• 2 private baths

• Heated pool

• Central air conditioning

• Balcony

• Private beach

• Full Kitchen

• Washer & dryer

• Tennis courts

• Dining/living room

• One maid service

• Canoe/kayak rentals

Five boat trips (2 tanks per trip) Monday through Friday with Islamorada Dive Center (IDC).  While we know it’s all about the dive, Scuba World-IDC diving is a comprehensive experience. Your adventure begins the minute you walk through the doors. The friendly and experienced staff handles all the details of our trips, from making sure you have all the gear that’s right for you to setting it up on the boat to spraying it down for you at the end of the day. Everything will be taken care of when you’re on a Scuba World-IDC dive. Air fills, Captain’s and Mate’s tips and Florida State Tax are all included in the package price.  Certification dives for students can be arranged.

Are you and your buddy uncomfortable with navigating yourselves back to the boat?  When you dive with Scuba World, you can follow one of our instructors who will help you navigate!  Equipment malfunctions on the boat are no fun, but with Scuba World’s experienced staff and multitude of tools and parts aboard the ship, we can fix most problems and keep you diving.  We come extra prepared for all those common small problems.  You will learn a lot from our staff just from being around us and diving with us. Plus, it is always more fun to dive with the Scuba World gang!

• Friday Night: Fresh Catch Dinner prepared by Scuba World Staff

This trip includes everything except:

• Transportation to and from Florida

• Scuba Gear (BC, Regulator, and 2 aluminum tanks) – can be rented at Scuba World for $120 for the week

• Tank Rental Only – 2 aluminum 80s ($40) or 2 steel tanks ($80)

• We can provide transportation -$200 per person/space is limited to 8 in the Scuba World van.

• Transportation for scuba gear to and from Florida: We can transport your gear – $100 per person, includes dive bag, tanks, weight, luggage.
  

• Meals – (approximately $150 – $200 per person)

Extras:

• Extra Dives: $95 for a two tank dive

• Night Dive: $95 for a one tank dive

• Bubble Watcher: $55 per boat trip

• Snorkel: $55 per boat trip

• Advanced Open Water Certification Course: $250

• Specialty Certification Courses: $175

8-day/7-night trip (5 1/2 dive days)                 $2,695 per person

3^rd & 4^th person in a cabin                               $1,595 per person

Cabin #11 (forward, skylight)                          $2,095 per person

Port Fees: $210 per person

Tip for crew not included.

Boarding is at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and disembarking by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday.

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 is our itinerary? You will have a great time exploring the 365 mostly uninhabited islands of the Exumas with their many beautiful beaches. In addition to the incredible scuba diving and snorkeling, you can beachcomb, kayak, explore the islands, or take advantage of all the great photo opportunities like feeding the iguanas on Allan’s Cay. While in Nassau and Paradise Island, you can enjoy shopping, casinos, and nightlife.

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 type of adventures can I look forward to experiencing on my cruise? Eco-adventurers enjoy the many opportunities offered aboard the Aqua Cat and the Sea Dog. The Sea Dog is our 28’ launch that can take you to isolated beaches where you can sunbathe, explore, kayak, snorkel or fish. You will enjoy feeding and photographing the iguanas on Allan’s Cay. You can visit the headquarters of the Exumas Land & Sea Park on Warderick Wells and explore the many trails. Be sure to check out the whale bones on the island. Don’t miss the blow hole! You can also kayak the creeks that meander through Shroud Cay. These creeks are nurseries for many varieties of fish and sharks. For those interested in bird watching, the Exumas are a nesting area for many species of seabirds including White-Tailed Tropicbirds, Audubon Shearwaters, Brown Noddies, and Bridled and Sooty Terns. The possibilities are endless!

Do I need any special gear for the eco-adventures? The Exuma Cays offers many opportunities to go ashore and explore and enjoy the uninhabited beaches.  For these occasions, we highly recommend proper footwear for these eco adventures.  Flip flops are not suitable.  We suggest water shoes or TEVA type sandals.  Sneakers are fine but they might get wet!

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.

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!

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 may dives per day?  Divers will have 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.

Is Nitrox available? Yes. Nitrox is available on board for $150 per week per diver. Nitrox is 32%. Get Nitrox certified on board!

Can I do open water checkouts? Yes. You can complete your open water checkout dives with one of our instructors.

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.

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 wetsuit $35, Dive computer $50, Mask, fins & snorkel $35, Dive light $30, Chemical light sticks (cyalumes) are required for night divers (cost $3 each).

What are the $210 fees? This covers Bahamian Port Taxes and Land and Sea park fees. 

Do I need a wetsuit? Between fall and spring, a wetsuit is recommended. The chart below will give you a general idea of the water temperatures and what weight wetsuit you will need. When deciding which wetsuit works for you, consider that you will have the opportunity to dive as many as five times a day and it takes your body a while to warm up. Wetsuit needs are different for everyone.   A general guideline follows.

Average Temperatures Water Temp 72-75F, Air Temp 72-80F, Full Wetsuit 5mm Wetsuit needs vary from individual to individual. These are approximates.

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. The 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.

Where do we spend our port nights? The first and last night will be spent in Nassau/Paradise Island. Dinner the first night is a casual BBQ on the alfresco deck followed by introductions and ship’s orientation. You are free to explore the island that evening. Enjoy shopping, casinos, and nightlife in Paradise Island and Nassau!   We shove off for the Exumas very early…around 4 AM on Sunday morning! Once we leave port, you’ll escape the hustle and bustle of the city to the pristine Exumas! Enjoy incredible sunsets and breathtaking scenery. We return to Nassau on Friday afternoon. The Captain’s Farewell Cocktail party is at 6 PM. Dinner on Friday evening is your responsibility ashore. Go play or stay aboard.   Dinner reservations and recommendations can be made by the crew.

Deposits/Payments Individuals – A $1,000.00 per person deposit is due when the reservation is made with Scuba World. Payments of about $250 per month in February, March, April, May, June, July, August, and September can be made to Scuba World. The balance of the trip must be paid by October 3, 2016.

Cancellation Policy* If the trip departs full, we will refund payments.

Insurance TRAVEL INSURANCE: We urge you to consider purchasing travel & dive insurance for your trip. In order to maintain our reasonable cost & high level of service, we do not automatically insure your trip against the adverse affects of weather or other factors beyond our control. Your holiday represents a very large investment, and unforeseen circumstances such as injury or sickness, airline issues, and family emergencies can easily affect your ability to travel. Please visit our website for more information on travel and dive insurance.

Method of Payment MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover, cash, personal check, money order and wire transfers are all accepted at Scuba World.

What travel documents are needed? All travelers to the Bahamas need a passport. Immigration and Customs clearance is at the airport since you must fly into Nassau to board. Be sure your plane ticket matches your documentation.

How do I get to the docks? With prior arrangements, we provide complimentary transfers to/from the boat and the Nassau International Airport on Saturdays. We have contracted with Island Escape Tours to provide this service. Local contact for IET is 242-449-7862 You will find your Island Escape Tour ride outside the airport and across the 2 lanes(there will be a median between the two lanes).  Turn right and you will find Mr Wright near the covered bench stop. There is a sign with the boat name on it right there. Be sure to double check that you are on the right bus/van!  No credit for missed transfers.   The Aqua Cat departs from Hurricane Hole Marina on Paradise Island.

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.

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.

What is the recommended gratuity? The live-aboard 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 of 15% is customary, but many 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.

What if I need to be contacted in an emergency? If someone needs to get in contact with you because of a true emergency, they may contact our office and we will relay the message.

What is the minimum age for passengers on the Aqua Cat? If you charter the full boat, there is no minimum age but keep in mind that water savvy children will most enjoy this type of vacation. Children under the age of 15 must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian at ALL times. Our crew is most gracious and good with all ages however, the crew will not provide child care services or supervision at ANY time. Families that wish to join us are welcome. It is recommended that children be divers or snorkelers to fully enjoy the activities on board.

Aqua Cat, offers luxury accommodations, a spacious main salon and an extremely smooth ride. Her ability to cruise at a speed of 14-knots will get you to different sites quickly while her 35-ft beam will ensure a smooth ride. The eleven passenger cabins are some of the largest of any live aboard in the world. Each cabin has:

• Private bathroom with shower and hair dryer
• Oversized beds in twin, queen or king
• Individually controlled air-conditioners
• Port and starboard cabins have two large picture windows with shades. Cabin 11 has a skylight with a shade.

www.aquacatcruises.com