Nassau, Bahamas scuba group trip report - May 2019
Online Jun 13, 2019
Memorial Day Weekend 2018, the intrepid Scuba Shack dive group was greeted in Nassau by tropical storm Antonio with grey days, strong winds, and rain. Fortunately, 2019 saw none of that!
This year’s group from Scuba Shack, led by instructor Peter Katz, saw blue skies, modest winds, and warm temperatures. Upon our arrival at Orange Hill Beach Inn, our regulars noticed a marked improvement in the grounds as well as the buildings and most importantly, staff service. I’m happy to report that under the leadership of Danielle and her husband Chris, Orange Hill is shaping up nicely. They still have a way to go, but at least they are moving in the right direction.
We again dove with the world renowned Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas and again they provided excellent service. We were able to use a 46 foot Newton dive boat captained by Wendell, who, once again, did a superb job in getting us safely to and from our favorite dive sites. This year we had a new crew with our “dive god” Nacho and “dive goddess” CC. Seriously, they worked their tails off for us, moving gear, getting nitrox tanks, let alone anchoring the boat and leading the dives. They were extremely safety conscious, yet maintained a warm and friendly disposition in spite of me!
And bottom times! They were most generous with bottom times, so much so, that we were often the last boat back at the dock. Stuart was generous to offer us Friday afternoon with the seadoos and seabobs (dive propulsion vehicles). They were a major hit! And this a follow up to the morning lionfish hunt where team Rosenlieb was again the most successful.
Saturday was our off island dive safari to the Lost Blue Hole and Rose Island. It was a little too rough to get the gas grill to the island, so Zac, our photographer stepped up and served as chef on the stern of the boat. He did an excellent job with the fish, burgers and hot dogs.
We did a shark dive on Sunday morning that was quite intimate. Nacho did an entertaining feed for the eight of us who participated. CC led the other four divers down the wall for an enjoyable dive.
Our evenings out at Café Matisse, Cappricio’s, and Luciano’s were wonderful. Excellent food, great camaraderie, spectacular weather for dining al fresco. Orange Hill once again provided us with a wonderful barbecue on Sunday evening before departure on Monday. Although a number of our “regulars” couldn’t make it on this trip, I feel we have enticed some new people to become additions to our “regulars." I certainly hope so.
Looking forward to next year’s trip.
Bahamas Turtle Encounter from Spider Creations on Vimeo.
Photo Gallery - David Tucker & Bond Wrecks
Photos copyright Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas and used by permission.
Photo Gallery - Blue Hole Adventure
Photo Gallery - Shark Dive
Photos copyright Neil G. and used by permission.
