Dive Shops in Nassau

[itsdp515]

I would like to do some diving in Nassau when I am there on a cruise. There is no excursion through the cruise line because the boat docks at 2 P.M. I am looking for a dive shop that maybe would be able to accommodate me. I already have a dive booked in Coco Cay and would really like more dives under my belt. I am not too sure I will be able to find one because of the time constraint in Nassau.

 

[miked]

It sounds like, due to time, you may be out of luck.
If the boat docks at 2 p.m., when does it leave?

I know of 2 ops: Stuart Coves, at the far end of the island. It is a big op ( I have dove with SC for a nunber of years), and does pick up from the cruise ship pier, but on their (Cove's) schedule. They are usually dropping divers off at the ships around 4:30-5:00, so that might not be an option.
The other op I know of, is Bahamas divers.They are located across the bridge from Paradise Island, which is closer to the Cruise ship piers than SC's, but I don't knpow about their schedule of dives.
I'd suggest contacting these 2 ops, as they may have a solution.
good luck!

 

[itsdp515]

The boat docks at 2 P.M and leaves at 10 P.M.
I think the cruise line uses Stuart Coves for their excursions but they do not have any dive excursions in Nassau this trip .I'll try and contact Bahama Divers but by judging their website, they are closed on Christmas and that is the day I am there. I guess it is not a complete waste because I will at least be able to get one dive in at Coco Cay.

 

[diversteve]

The cruise operator is Cove's but you're arriving too late.

Since Bahama Divers is out, your only other option might be Explore - Explore Scuba - Custom Dive Charters in The Bahamas | Explore Scuba Bahamas is the only dive operator located right on Paradise Island.

They keep their boat on Paradise Island so about a 15min. cab ride once you clear customs - plan on 1/2hr. + to clear on Christmas most likely.

Realistically you're probably out of luck. All 3 operators do 2 tank morning dives followed by 1 or 2 tank afternoon dives normally.
All would be out diving b4 you get off the ship.

If you could find a couple other divers on your boat willing to pay a little more, you could possibly charter a boat thru Custom Aquatics - assuming they're working on Christmas. Starts around $800 and up for private dives for 4 divers, they'll pick you up at the port and provide everything. http://www.divecustomaquatics.com/index.php

Stopping anywhere else on the cruise? Coco Cay is a really shallow dive.

 

[itsdp515]

Thanks for the input.
I see that Coco Cay is a shallow dive but it's another dive to log and it's better than the cold northeast lake I was certified in. I'm still a fairly new diver so I guess the experience will be good. I really want to return to Nassau next year if I can find cheap accommodations. I definitely hope to use Stuart Cove's when I do return. I plan to book a lot of dives and see some of the wrecks around Nassau.

---------- Post added October 31st, 2013 at 12:06 PM ----------

And nassau and Coco Cay are the only two main ports. It stops in port canaveral Florida as well.

 

[diversteve]

I really want to return to Nassau next year if I can find cheap accommodations.

Cove's has package deals with Orange Hill Inn. It's not in Nassau but it's reasonable and across the street from a beach. They also have rates with a B&B nearby. It's on their webpage. Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas Shark Diving Bahamas Diving in Nassau Bahamas

Some of the really cheap downtown hotels are in lousy neighborhoods. Anything along Cable Beach is fine - there's a couple more affordable options there - one is Coco Plum Resort. There's also a Comfort Suites and a Best Western on Paradise Island - since they're not waterfront they're cheaper. They also have shared privileges at Atlantis for some amenities.

I've seen some unbelievably low rates at the Wyndham Nassau on Cable Beach during low season. Cove's will pick you up there. It's a big old hotel/casino, it was old when I visited in the mid-80's.

One other I've recently found - I'm guessing it's not near much - is this place: Paradise Harbour Club & Marina a Festiva Resort (Paradise Island, Bahamas (type 3)) | Expedia Under $100 on Paradise Island for a suite is a very good deal.

Another option might be BlackBeard's liveaboard. They leave from Nassau and it's $939/wk all-inclusive plus $100 port/fuel fees. You get a lot more dives on a liveaboard - up to 20 per week with them. http://www.blackbeard-cruises.com/

 

[itsdp515]

Thank you very much. A lot of those prices listed by you seem very reasonable and I hopefully will be able to get a lot of dives in the next time I am in Nassau. I am still upset about there being no diving in Nassau on my cruise in December. Even though the dive in Coco Cay maybe be shallow, I am looking forward to it because it will be my first experience diving in tropical waters. I know it won't have anything on diving off Nassau though.

 

[RhodeDiver]

From my one trip to Nassau I noticed that they are a very Christian country so I would be surprised if you could find a dive op open on Christmas.