Phoenix Live aboard, Bahamas

Great dives, bossy dive masters, NO AC OR WIFI, Great people, food wasn't bad.

The dive sites chosen were spectacular unfortunately we couldn't fully enjoy most of them due to overbearing dive masters and ridiculous rules set forth by the owner. My wife and I have been diving for over 20 years with 170 logged dives (I'm rescue she's AOW) I don't appreciate dive masters with years of experience in the single digits constantly lecturing me underwater *dink*dink* to get back in line or don't swim through a swim through or you're too close to that Barracuda or Nurse shark, don't go in any wrecks (we did 6 being told we weren't allowed to penetrate relatively small boats). Additionally, we had up to 4.5-hour intervals! I was there to dive and not chit-chat with my fellow passengers, who were the saving grace because had we not gotten along, it would have been a disaster. Also, they advertise AC and Wifi neither of which was there or working. We had to sleep in 85+ degree rooms every night to the point where the last night 1/2 of us went and got a hotel at extra expense. I will say above water the crew was curious and helpful my wife has a knee injury they were very accommodating helping her in and out of the water. Also, the food wasn't bad and there was plenty of it. Overall if your fairly new diver and you've never done a liveaboard and want to try it without breaking the bank I'd recommend it (as long as they fix the AC). Experienced divers who don't want to be led around by their octo the whole time skip it.

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Dives sites were spectacular, People were great, Staff was nice (above water)

This boat was the most disgusting and filthy boat we have ever seen.

The kitchen was filthy. The dive ladders were very difficult to navigate with nowhere to hold yourself. Compressor broke down. They keep the gas generator next to the air compressor, and both are running as they fill the dive tanks. The pictures of this boat are stock pictures of a similar boat and are nothing like the actual old boat. Absolutely no place to sit and be comfortable.

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getting off this boat.

Great Budget Way to Experience the Best of Bahamas Diving

We dove the Clifton area near Nassau instead of the Exumas based on others suggestions. Good choice...MANY shark encounters...MANY large black groupers.

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Diving sites, Food, Socializing

Great diving and basic accommodations

The diving was incredible. Loved shark arena. Healthy and abundant coral. Beautiful coral structure. Lots of life

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Amazing diving, good group, good price

Fantastic diving, boat needs updates, we got what we paid for

Pros - All the sharks! Tranquil water and gorgeous scenery. Amazing dive sites. Stop at Iguana Beach Cons - 1) No comfortable seating other than at the dining table - the front nets were falling apart, seating at the front was blocked by water jugs. 2) A/C was turned on grudgingly, we had to insist that it be run all night so we could sleep 3) Diving was frequently scheduled soon after meals (and never before breakfast), which made diving sometimes uncomfortable. Dinner was served quite late (generally 7:30 or 8pm), even though we asked if it could be earlier. 4) Private bathroom was unbelievably small, esp the shower

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1) Quality of most of the dive sites 2) Quantity of the food, and quality of food for the most part 3) Personal service, since we were the only two guests

The Phoenix is Best liveaboard

We explored dive sites that were not visited by the other liveaboard vessels. We particularly enjoyed the Shark Arena, diving the James Bond boat, the Dog Wall, and the double dive in the Blue Hole.

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1. A divemaster accompanied every dive and let us determine the length of the dives. 2. Accommodated our dietary requirements with no problems. 3. Friendly, welcoming crew was eager to provide the best experience possible.