What a terrific adventure for our group of divers on our recent trip aboard the Aqua Cat in the Bahamas. Only two of us had ever been diving off a liveaboard in the past - that would be Randy and I - and before the trip was done I was tasked (and such a difficult task that I welcome more like it) with securing another trip. (Check out the travel page for details.)
Our trip started off in a nice 'family' way. With the exception of only two of our group - we were all on the same flight to Nassau (WestJet flies direct) which added to the camaraderie of the trip. What a great way to start off - meeting for breakfast at YYC and all being together on landing. Our transport pick up was right on time and we could all assist each other to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Our welcome by the Aqua Cat crew and Captain had us enjoying a rum punch - Bahamas Style - and getting to know our dive crew in a nice casual atmosphere. Then on to building gear and setting up training schedules.
In addition to some beautiful reef dives and overall fun diving, we did an awesome dive on the Austin Smith wreck. Beautiful White-tip Reef Sharks swam with us to witness the certification dives of those students gaining their Recreational Sidemount and Tec 40 dives. Very surreal.
The crew of the Aqua Cat were beyond top-notch. Food was home-made and plentiful with several choices of salads, entrees and deserts at each meal (okay muffins and croissants for breaky). We had two BBQ's on top deck on two wonderfully warm tropical evenings as well as a Captain's dinner and a Cocktail evening. Don't worry - t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops were still the dress code.
The end of our ocean journey saw the start of our land adventure. I always like to plan for a top-side exploration adventure if possible. As luck would have it - only one of our group had obligations and had to leave right away. So, exploration of Cable Island by tour bus, street car and taxi saw us checking out the pirates museums, local shopping, celebrity homes and movie sites, followed by some group dinners and private parties.
Such a great time with new and old friends.
Living the Dream doesn't get to be a truer statement.
Thanks everyone - looking forward to doing it again!.
Our trip started off in a nice 'family' way. With the exception of only two of our group - we were all on the same flight to Nassau (WestJet flies direct) which added to the camaraderie of the trip. What a great way to start off - meeting for breakfast at YYC and all being together on landing. Our transport pick up was right on time and we could all assist each other to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Our welcome by the Aqua Cat crew and Captain had us enjoying a rum punch - Bahamas Style - and getting to know our dive crew in a nice casual atmosphere. Then on to building gear and setting up training schedules.
In addition to some beautiful reef dives and overall fun diving, we did an awesome dive on the Austin Smith wreck. Beautiful White-tip Reef Sharks swam with us to witness the certification dives of those students gaining their Recreational Sidemount and Tec 40 dives. Very surreal.
The crew of the Aqua Cat were beyond top-notch. Food was home-made and plentiful with several choices of salads, entrees and deserts at each meal (okay muffins and croissants for breaky). We had two BBQ's on top deck on two wonderfully warm tropical evenings as well as a Captain's dinner and a Cocktail evening. Don't worry - t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops were still the dress code.
The end of our ocean journey saw the start of our land adventure. I always like to plan for a top-side exploration adventure if possible. As luck would have it - only one of our group had obligations and had to leave right away. So, exploration of Cable Island by tour bus, street car and taxi saw us checking out the pirates museums, local shopping, celebrity homes and movie sites, followed by some group dinners and private parties.
Such a great time with new and old friends.
Living the Dream doesn't get to be a truer statement.
Thanks everyone - looking forward to doing it again!.
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