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In May of 2022, the AllStarLiveaboards team took me out on a 1 week diving cruise via the Blackbeard Liveaboard Duo – The Sea Explorer and The Morning Star.
I sailed on the Sea Explorer, but the Morningstar is nearly identical (same layout, same vibe, just different crew).
Big thanks to Kevin and the AllStarLiveaboards team for hosting me on this trip.
In this guide, I want to share my experience on Blackbeards, so you can get a better idea of whether it's the right Bahamas liveaboard for you.
Trip Details
What Are Blackbeard's Liveaboards?
Blackbeard's runs two 65-foot sailboats – the Sea Explorer and the Morningstar – that depart from Nassau and cruise the Exumas for a week of diving.
These boats have been running since 1979, and they've built a reputation as the most affordable liveaboard experience in the Caribbean.
The crew themselves call it camping at sea, and it's pretty accurate!
If you're looking for luxury cabins with ensuite bathrooms and crisp linens, this isn't your trip.
If you want to dive your brains out for less than $200 per night with unlimited food and drinks included, keep reading.
Overall Impressions
This was my first liveaboard, so I wasn't sure what to expect.
In many ways, Blackbeard's exceeded my expectations.
What Makes It Great:
- The diving is incredible – 19 dives across diverse sites in the Exumas
- The crew is knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly loves what they do
- The food is surprisingly good (all freshly cooked onboard)
- Unlimited drinks (including alcohol after diving is done for the day)
- The price point is unbeatable for what you get
- The other divers create an awesome community vibe
If comfort is your top priority, you may want to check out their other liveaboard boats, the Cat Ppalu, and Aqua Cat.
They cost more money but offer significantly better accommodations.
But if you're the type of diver who cares more about what's underwater than the bed you're sleeping in, Blackbeard's is incredible value.
The Boat: Sea Explorer & Morningstar
The Sea Explorer and Morningstar are 65’ Sailboats with a spacious deck, and a below deck arrangement as seen below:
Topside:
- Spacious deck with plenty of room to relax between dives
- Covered galley area for meals
- Dive deck with tank racks and camera table
- Rinse stations and gear storage
Below Deck: The layout includes 9 bunk areas sleeping 2 people each (total capacity: 18 guests).
Bunks 5-9 were the most spacious with Bunks 1-4 are noticeably smaller.
I stayed in a top bunk, and I couldn't sit up straight without ducking my head – and I'm 5'6".
To give you perspective: you'll have just enough room to sleep and store a small bag.
The cabins do have AC, but it's not strong. Pack light, breathable sleepwear and expect to be warm.
The Crew & Fellow Divers
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The crew I sailed with was phenomenal. They're up from 6 AM to 11 PM running the boat, prepping dives, cooking meals, and keeping everything running smoothly.
Here's something that surprised me: besides one group of three, every single diver on my trip came solo.
Including me.
So if you're worried about doing this trip alone – don't be.
The divers on my trip ranged from newly certified Open Water divers to with thousands of dives.
The Diving: What to Expect
You can sit out any dive you want.
Some people skipped the night dives, others skipped the early morning dives to sleep in.
It's completely your choice.
All diving is unguided and done with a buddy.
If you're traveling solo, you'll buddy up with another group.
Certifications Offered
If you want to knock out a certification during the trip, Blackbeard's offers:
Notably missing: Rescue Diver
Blackbeards Liveaboard Itinerary
Day 1 (Saturday) - Departure:The boats are heavy and slow (5-6 mph), so the 30-mile trip from Nassau to the Exumas takes about 6 hours.
You'll board in the afternoon, get settled, meet the crew and other divers, and cruise overnight.
Expect a welcome briefing, dinner, and some drinks as you get to know everyone.
Day 7 (Friday) - Return: Early morning sail back to Nassau. Disembark by 10 AM.
Food & Drinks
Every meal is freshly cooked by the onboard chef. We're talking hot, homemade food – not pre-packaged stuff.
Everything is served buffet-style. You grab a bowl and load up on whatever you want.
Before the trip, you can request accommodations for dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, etc.).
Keep in mind they're shopping on a remote island, so they'll do their best within reason.
Drinks Available:
- Soda gun (Coke, Sprite, sparkling water, regular water)
- Pineapple juice
- Orange juice
- Coffee
- Milk
- Hot chocolate
Alcohol: Unlimited beer, wine, and rum punch are included. BUT – the moment you take one sip of alcohol, you're done diving for the day. The crew takes this seriously.
Most people dive in the morning and afternoon, then crack open a beer after the last dive.
If you want to do the night dive, skip the alcohol until after.
What to Pack
The Math: You're getting 19 dives plus all food and drinks for $1,215. That's about $64 per dive including meals and accommodations.
For comparison, a two-tank boat dive in South Florida costs $100-120 without food or lodging.
The value is unreal.
Best Time to Go
WiFi & Connectivity
There's no WiFi onboard. Cell service is spotty.
Consider this a digital detox.
Embrace it!
Ready to Book?
If Blackbeard's sounds like your kind of trip, you can book directly through AllStarLiveaboards.
Questions about the trip? Want to go with members from my scuba diving community: https://www.skool.com/scuba-divers
Join my scuba diving community.
I’m Austin, a PADI Divemaster with over a decade of diving experience under my belt.
I created a free scuba diving community, where divers can connect, learn, and share their dives.
See you inside!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Austin Tuwiner
I'm a PADI Divemaster based in South Florida.
With over a decade of diving experience, I help readers become better divers, buy their next piece of gear, and plan their dream dive vacation!
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