Aqua Cat Cruises -- Frequently Asked Questions -- Nassau, Bahamas Live-Aboard

What travel documents are needed?
American and Canadian citizens are required to bring proof of citizenship--passport or original birth certificate along with a picture ID. A passport is required for citizens of all other countries.

How do I get to the docks?
With prior arrangements, Aqua Cat provides complimentary transfers to/from the boat on the day of arrival/departure. The Aqua Cat departs from Hurricane Hole Marina on Paradise Island. It is just east of the Paradise Island Bridge. The local phone number for the marina is 242-363-3600.

When may we board?
On 7-day trips you may board any time after 6:00 PM on Saturday. 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 by 2:00 pm. You will be responsible for dinner ashore Friday evening. You are asked to disembark Saturday by 9:00 AM. If you have a late afternoon flight, you may leave your bags at the boat.

What is the basic itinerary?
You will have a great time exploring the 365 mostly uninhabited islands of the Exumas with their many beautiful beaches. In addition to scuba diving and snorkeling, you can beach comb, kayak, explore an island, or photograph the iguanas on Allan's Cay. In Nassau and Paradise Island you can enjoy shopping, casinos, and nightlife.

What are the meals like?
Aqua Cat serve three meals a day, as well as snacks and fresh fruits. Fresh fish or lobster is also served, in season. Most meals served will be a combination of Bahamian and American cuisine. A selection of beverages is always on hand, from soft drinks and lemonade to beer, wine and rum drinks. Dinner will be ashore Friday evening, and is at the guests personal expense.

Can I fish?
Yes, as long as you aren't in the Exumas Land & Sea Park. Aqua Cat will furnish basic fishing gear upon request.

How much spending money will I need?
You will need enough for the crew gratuity (10% recommended), spending money for an evening ashore (shopping, drinks, souvenirs), dinner ashore Friday evening and the $15 departure tax at the airport. The Bahamas uses Bahamian dollars, which are equivalent to the U.S. dollar and are used interchangeable. If you have U. S. dollars, there is no need to exchange currency. You may charge specialty classes, boutique purchases, film processing, 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 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. Gratuities are voluntary and based upon the quality of the service the crew provides. A gratuity of 10% 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 and leave no more gratuity than you feel is right. The gratuity can be given to the Captain at the end of the week.

May I Snorkel?
Yes, anytime the boat is anchored. You need to bring mask, fins and snorkel. If you don't have them, Aqua Cat will have some available for rent. If you have not snorkeled before, the crew will be happy to instruct you.

What about scuba diving?
Yes, if you are a certified diver. If not, you may take a full certification course (prior arrangement desirable) or a Discover Scuba Diving course. The minimum age is 10 years old for scuba courses.

What is the diving like?
While the Northern Exumas are only 30 miles from Nassau, there are no dive operations. You can experience truly virgin diving. The Exumas have walls starting at 40', as well as drift, reef, and shark dives. The Nassau area has a variety of wrecks and 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, spearfishing or collecting allowed. Because of these laws there are miles of undersea gardens in which coral, sponges and fish abound.

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. (This course does not make you a certified diver). Additional dives with an instructor are $20.00 each. Equipment is included.

Does Aqua Cat do open water checkouts?
Yes. You can complete your open water checkout dives with our instructor. (Prior arrangements desirable.) The cost is $125.00.

What dive gear do I need to bring?
Certified scuba divers need snorkel, fins, mask, regulator with pressure gauge, buoyancy compensator, u/w watch, and depth gauge. For night dives, a dive light and cyalume stick are required. We provide tanks, weights and weight belts. Between fall and spring, a wetsuit is recommended. See, "Do I need a wetsuit" below.

Is rental dive gear available?
If you do not have your own equipment, Aqua has for rental "top of the line" ADV/BCs, wetsuits, dive lights and regulators with octopus and gauges. All rentals must be arranged prior to departure. Pricing is subject to change.

Equipment Description	4-Day Rental	7-Day Rental
Regulator with octopus and gauges	$30	$50
Buoyancy Compensator	$30	$50
3mm two piece wetsuit	$25	$35
Shorty wetsuit	$20	$30
Dive computer	$35	$50
Mask, fins & snorkel	$25	$35
Dive light ($10 per dive)	$20	$30
Chemical lightsticks (cyalumes) are required for night dives. Bring your own, or purchase on board at cost of $3 each.

Month	Water Temperature	Air Temperature	Wetsuit Recommendation
January-February	72-75f/22-24c	72-80f/22-27c	Full Wetsuit-3mm or thicker
March	73-77f/23-25c	72-85f/22-29c	Full Wetsuit-3mm or thicker
April	75-79f/24-26c	76-90f/24-32c	Shorty or Full Wetsuit
May	77-80f/25-27c	80-90f/27-32c	Skin or Shorty
June	79-81f/26-27c	80-90f/27-32c	Skin or Shorty
July-September	83-87f/28-30c	80-90f/27-32c	None required
October	79-82f/26-28c	76-90f/24-32c	Skin or Shorty
November	77-80f/25-27c	72-85f/22-29c	Shorty or Full Wetsuit
December	75-78f/24-26c	72-85f/22-29c	Full Wetsuit-3mm or thicker

Do you offer a shark dive?
Conditions permitting, at least one shark dive is offered on each trip.

Does Aqua Cat have a VCR monitor?
Yes, there are several VCR monitors, serving both U.S. and European formats.

What electricity is available?
The Aqua Cat has standard U.S. (110 volt) electricity. Charging stations will accommodate both European and US-style appliances.

Do we spend a night in port?
The last night will be spent in Nassau. The Exumas are a remote island group and Nassau is the only port on our itinerary.

If you have questions not fully addressed here, please contact Island Dreams for further details. If is our pleasure to serve you!

Note: All pricing, itineraries, and trip inclusions are subject to change without notice.
Please contact Island Dreams for current availability, discount airfares, and complete details.

Photos and text Copyright � 1995 - 2005. Island Dreams, Inc., dba Island Dreams Travel. All rights reserved.
Please note: All pricing, itineraries, and trip inclusions represented herein, are subject to change without notice.

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