Join DiveBuddy.com

Meet new scuba divers, maintain a virtual dive log, participate in our forum, share underwater photos, research dive sites and more. Members login here.

#2194
Blackbeard Liveaboard
ScubaGrunt - 4/26/2017 2:19 PM
Category: Travel
Replies: 7

A buddy and I did the Blackbeard Live aboard Bahamas trip from 8-13 April. I crew and DM on a dive boat here in Beaufort, NC but this was my first live aboard experience. I can say that in every measurable way, it was an outstanding operation. The Captain of the Morning Star, Red Salmon was highly skilled and experienced and ensured we were set on the best dive sites every day and night, working against strong easterly winds the entire trip. The Instructor/DM, Marina gave very thorough briefs and ensured the safe conduct of all 19 dives during the trip and made it fun. All while executing 531 tank fills while at anchor or underway. Tom, the relief Captain/1st mate/Engineer ensured all systems aboard functioned properly at all times, no small feat. He was assisted by Justin in that regard who performed very well also. Gladys, the cook produced a total of 432 plates of magnificent food from a galley half the size of my kitchen table, how I will never know. And snacks in between meals that were equally delicious. This trip lived up to its reputation and more and I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about a live aboard in that area. I’ve never seen a crew work so hard. I honestly don’t see how they pull it off for the money but I’m glad they do. Enjoy, and happy diving. -Danny
#261
Subscribed
jniery - 4/27/2017 7:29 PM
That’s good to hear. I am leaving Friday 4-28 for Blackbeards.
#767
Subscribed
mattout142 - 4/28/2017 9:19 PM
Any tips for people interested in Blackbeards or a live aboard in general? What to bring/not to bring etc..?
#2194
Subscribed
ScubaGrunt - 4/29/2017 2:36 PM
If you go to the link below it has a lot of great information on what to bring or not to bring. The bottom line is the less the better on this trip. Dive gear aside, which you will assemble and leave topside the entire trip as soon as you board, everything you’ll need for the whole week will easily fit in a small backpack you can carry on to a plane.

allstarliveaboards.com/blackbeards/
#767
Subscribed
mattout142 - 4/29/2017 7:51 PM
Did you rent gear? bcd,regs,wetsuit?
#2194
Subscribed
ScubaGrunt - 4/30/2017 7:14 AM
I didn’t rent anything, I brought all my own gear. They have rental gear if you need it though. You’d just let them know ahead of time when you sign up for the trip and fill out the form on their site. They have a good water/air temp chart on that site also that you can use to determine if you’ll need a wet suit or not. We had 77 degree bottom temps a few weeks ago when I was there and I took a full 3 mil and was fine. Let me know if you need any other info but check out that site for sure because it’s really good.

-Danny
#32
Subscribed
tkenter - 5/21/2017 4:04 PM
My sister, her two teen-aged boys, my 15 year old twins and I are signed up for the June 24-30 trip on the Morning Star. My twins are not able to get certified as divers due to health issues, so the 6 of us would rather just spend time in the Bahamas and not go on the dive trip. I am currently the only certified diver of the 6 of us. The Morning Star trip sounds amazing, but I think we need to try another time when my twins are older/bigger/stronger (they were 2 pound micropreemies and still prone to respiratory issues). If you would like to go on this sold-out trip, please contact Blackbeards at 800.327.9600 and make your arrangements through Blackbeards. The cost is $995 per person for all you can eat/drink including beer, wine and rum, 6 nights on board and up to 19 dives. Please also let me know so I can contact them for a refund. Thanks in advance!