Bahamas
For my second trip to the great Bahamas (01/14), I chose Bimini on the hope to encounter the Great Hammerhead.
1. The trip
The boat is located in Islamorada - FL, a short drive from either Miami of Ft Lauderdale airport, or in my case a quick drive from Orlando. The crossing to Bimini can be bumpy but for a short period, most of the navigation is done along and protected by the coast.
2. The boat
The boat is a research boat, a bit crowded at time but cozy and well equipped. There is plenty of power but not a lot of space for the equipment inside, remember to pack light on the accessories.
3. The crew
Joe Romeiro, Curt Slonim, Megan, Mike form a great team of people, helpful, always upbeat and ready for a good laugh. Also professional and well train underwater at managing shark dives.
4. The place
Bimini is a small island with great ambitions, the development of infrastructures and real estate is probably debatable but if you leave the politics on the side and focus on the scenery and the underwater rich live, there is a lot to love !
5. The Beast
Hammerheads are amazing, their shape is so special that you can take 1200 pictures of them and still be surprised that you just "found" a new angle. The Bahamas are beautiful for their marine life and if you are unlucky with the weather you would most likely be diving a great wreck or reef in the area, full of marine life. Also where else can you see bull sharks right at the dock at night ?
6. The conditions
Water is warm, even in winter. I dove a 5mm but could easily go by with a 3mm, the vis was great but since you are diving (for the hammerheads) on sandy bottom, one must be careful to not steer too much sand. You want to dive heavy since you are not going to swim around anyway and you want to be lock at the bottom for steady shots and video.
In summary:
This is probably not the best floating amenities in the world (how would I know anyway I have only done 3 liveaboard so far) but that's not what you are here for. You are here for the hammerheads and dive in confidence with a professional team that will go above and beyond to make your dives safe so that you can focus on getting that shot, yes, that shot you always wanted :)
Bonus: a quick video I'd like to share about this trip:
https://vimeo.com/85412702
