TRAVELSPECIAL
ensure that guests’ needs were met; on the dive deck, in the water, in the restaurant, the turn down service, and the continued education courses completed by several divers. Back at port, the Aggressor Friday evening tradition is a cocktail party on the sundeck, where guests and staff continued to swap stories looking back on their week. Some also received certificates and applause for completing the next steps on their journeys as scuba divers.
Barrel sponge and fan coral on a wall
As I journeyed home on Saturday, I reflected on the week … It had introduced me to new friends from a wide variety of backgrounds and geographical locations. As anticipated, the week had also provided a great selection of dive sites and creature encounters to keep everyone entertained. I have a feeling it won’ t be the last time I find myself photographing the underwater world of the Exumas and Eleuthera. Classic Caribbean indeed. �
Essentials
GETTING THERE: Fly to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas and also the hub for liveaboard departures. Flights from UK airports average around £ 700 to £ 800; the best time to book is around six months in advance of your trip. May and September are good months for competitively-priced flights. The primary operator offering direct flights, is BA. com
LIVEABOARD: The Bahamas Aggressor II is a 33m-long yacht with a wide beam, cruising at 10 knots and sleeping up to 20 guests. Accommodations include two balcony suites, five deluxe staterooms, each having two single beds or a king, and three twin staterooms each with two single beds, all side by side. All staterooms have climate controls, TV’ s and private bathrooms. You can enjoy a 360 ° virtual tour of the Bahamas Aggressor II at aggressor. com / boat / BHAII. If you book via a tour operator, port fees, transfers, a local hotel and last night meals will be incorporated into your bill, but otherwise you’ ll have to factor in these additional costs. Port fees are $ 299(£ 220) for 7-night trips, or $ 389(£ 285) for 10 nights.
BOOK IT: You can book direct on the Aggressor Adventures website, which includes information on the many other liveaboards in the Aggressor Fleet. Seven-night charters taking in the Exuma Cays and Southwest Eleuthera are priced( per person, based on two sharing) from $ 3,595(£ 2,640) for a twin cabin, rising to $ 4,095(£ 3,007) for a balcony suite. Prices fluctuate through the year. Go to aggressor. com / rates / BHAII for details.
The crew in all their glory
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Stately lines of the Bahamas Aggressor