The 65-foot sailing sloops of the Morning Star and Sea Explorer are the vessels of the ever-popular Blackbeard’s liveaboard cruises, which depart weekly from Nassau. Exploring the idyllic waters of the Exumas Islands’ Land and Sea Park, they offer one of the Bahamas’ most affordable dive experiences. These sailing adventures are not just about the outstanding diving on offer, but also the camaraderie of new friendships with fellow divers from across the world.

Blackbeard’s liveaboard cruises have the capacity for up to 22 passengers, with dormitory-style bunk beds spread out across 9 berths. There are both single and double berths to choose from, all of which are fully air-conditioned to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep.

Each of Blackbeard’s liveaboard sailboats are crewed by two captains, a dive instructor, engineer and cook, with itineraries flexible and determined largely by weather conditions. Although space is limited, the familial atmosphere is what draws many divers back again and again, with the catchy slogan “twice the fun, half the cost”!

Dive the colorful reefs, teeming with marine life, together with sheer walls, high speed drift dives and fascinating wrecks. Shark dives are also on offer, with Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks and tiger sharks spotted, together with eagle rays. The waters are unbelievably clear and the underwater photography opportunities for both macro and micro critters outstanding.

When you’re not exploring below the water, there’s plenty to keep you occupied above, with land excursions to feed the iguanas at Allen’s Cay and untouched beaches to relax on. Blackbeard’s liveaboard cruises are all-inclusive, with high quality dive rental gear available for hire.