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Heading for the Exuma Islands Bahamas
The Liveaboard charter yacht Cat Ppalu, offers scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and adventure cruises. Each week we set sail from Nassau to the Exuma Islands on the 65' sailing catamaran, Cat Ppalu. This is the ultimate escape aboard your own private yacht.
No crowds, no set itineraries, nothing to do but sit back, relax and choose from an incredible variety of activities: sailing, cruising, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, bird watching and of course, island exploring. Consider the Cat Ppalu a floating bed and breakfast; your private floating hotel, with captain and crew at your service. Our crewed charters handle all of the details. With an open bar and all beverages, meals, water sports and diving included in the price, it’s comparable to a luxury cruise or resort vacation, only the service is much more personal on our live aboard sailboat, the Cat Ppalu. . More than an escape, Blackbeard’s Cruises are a great adventure above and below the sea. Here you will find crystal clear waters teaming with reef fish, schooling pelagics, sea turtles, grouper, dolphins, reef sharks, colorful walls plunging to a blue infinity and a shark dive – the epitome of adventure. Later, you can explore a deserted beach on an uninhabited island far from home. If you would like to try your hand at sailing, the crew is more than happy to let you take the helm, feeling the wind in the sails as the sloop silently cuts through the waves.
The escape begins...
Our great escape begins in Freeport.Cat Ppalu accommodates only 12 passengers in 4 double cabins and 2 cabins with 2 singles each.
The main salon area seats everyone together for meals and activities. There is a large selection of movies and games on board. CABINS 1, 2 & 5: Main deck, featuring double bed, 2 windows, private vanity and sink. CABIN 6: Below main deck, with double bed, porthole and underwater window, private vanity and sink. CABINS # 3 & 4: Main deck, each with 2 twin berths, 2 windows, private vanity and sink. There are two electric pump heads and two fresh water showers. The forward trampoline area is where everyone usually hangs out while underway, enjoying the salt breeze and luscious scenery of the islands. Specifications
Rig: Schooner-Rigged Catamaran
LOA: 65'
Beam: 31'
Draft: 4'
Special Features & Equipment
* Air Conditioning Throughout
* Watermaker
* Icemakers
* VHF & HF Radios, cell phone
* TV, VCR, Stereo & DVD
* Loran, GPS & Radar
* 12' Dinghy
* Ocean Kayaks
* Fishing Gear
* Scuba Tanks & Wt Belts
* 17 CFM Compressor
This trip includes:
• Accommodations
• Meals while on board
• 3-4 dives per day (Tanks, weights, belts)
• Beverages (Beer, wine, soda, rum, coffee, tea, water) Trips board at noon Saturday, disembark by 9AM the following Friday. Trip Fee $1545.00 plus Port Tax, Fuel Surcharge and Park Fees. $110.00
Port Tax $40
Fuel Surcharge $60.00
Bahamas U/W park fee $10.00 Total Trip Fee $1655.00 with surcharges Passport Required
Airfare not included to Freeport (FPO)
Details & FAQ's
DATES: July 28-August 3 2012
PRICE: $1545.00 Includes Fuel fee, Port tax,and Park fee.
( see trip includes detais)
$500.00 Deposit required reserving a spot. All prices based on double occupancy. Final payment is due 60 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE. Please make your reservations early, as space is limited. Passports are required for travel in the Bahamas. What should I bring?
You'll spend your days in bathing suits and casual wear, shorts or jeans, t-shirts and windbreaker. Bring a pair of deck shoes, sandals, suntan lotion (non-oil), and sunglasses. In winter a sweatshirt or sweater is advisable. We provide three towels. If you would like more towels or would like a beach towel, you should bring them with you.
What travel documents are needed?
All travelers to the Bahamas need a current passport. Be sure to book your air tickets with your name as it appears exactly on your passport. Check with the Bahamas Embassy for visa requirements if citizenship is not US by clicking on this link. Bahamas Entry Requirements. What is the minimum age for passengers on board?
The Cat Ppalu is a full boat charter vessel so we don’t have a minimum age. However, keep in mind that children on board should be water savvy so they can enjoy the trip too! Our crew is most gracious and good with all ages. They will not provide supervision or childcare/babysitting services at any time. All children under the age of 15 must be supervised by a parent or guardian at ALL times.
How do I get to the docks?
Taxis are readily available from the airport, or with prior arrangements our office can handle the transfers for you. The cost for one way in a taxi is approximately $35.00. Private transfer service can be arranged through our US reservations office 2 weeks prior to departure. The 2010 transfer rate is 15.00 each way per person. Cat Ppalu is docked at the Nassau Harbour Club. If you experience delays on your day of arrival, please contact Island Escape Tours directly at (242)557-8730 to adjust your schedule.
What time can we board?
On our 7-day trips you may board after 12:00 PM on Saturday. We like to shove off by 3 pm at the latest to make the trip from Nassau to the Exumas during daylight hours. We can, of course, stay longer to accommodate later arrivals as this is a charter only vessel. Keep in mind that if it gets too late, then the captain may decide to leave early Sunday morning instead of Saturday afternoon for safety reasons. We recommend flights that land no later than 1 pm to make the 3 pm departure. What time do we get off the boat?
The Cat Ppalu returns to Nassau Thursday early evening. We still serve dinner and provide lodging at the dock. This is your night in port so that you can experience some of the local culture. All passengers must disembark Friday by 9:00 AM. What is our itinerary?
Your group will have a great time exploring the 365 mostly uninhabited islands of the Exumas with their many beautiful beaches. In addition to scuba diving, you can spend time beachcombing, hiking, kayaking or photographing the many natural sights. The underwater window in cabin 6 always gives you a spectacular view of what's below. In Nassau you can enjoy the shopping, casinos and night life of Nassau and Paradise Island. What do I need to participate in the eco-adventures of the Exumas?
The Exuma Cays offers many opportunities to go ashore and explore and enjoy the uninhabited beaches. For these occasions, we highly recommend proper footwear for these eco adventures. Flip flops are not suitable. We suggest water shoes or TEVA type sandals. Sneakers are fine but they might get wet!. Do we actually sail?
Yes, as often as the wind blows. The best time for sailing is from October to April. During the period from May to September there is normally very little wind. Passenger participation is welcomed by the crew or you may just lay back and relax in the sun. What are the meals like?
We serve three meals a day, as well as snacks and fresh fruits. Fresh fish or lobster is also served, in season, when caught. Most meals served will be a combination of Bahamian and American cuisine. A selection of beverages is always on hand, from soft drinks and lemonade to beer, wine and rum drinks. Here is a sample menu! Can I fish?
Yes, as long a you aren't in the Exumas Land & Sea Park. We furnish all of the fishing gear. How much spending money do I need?
Spending money for an evening ashore (drinks, souvenirs) and crew gratuity (15% is customary in the liveaboard industry). The currency in the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar, which is par with the US dollar. They are used inter-changeably. If you have US dollars, there is no need to change currency. What is the recommended gratuity?
The live-aboard business is a service industry, and although the general public is seldom aware of it, gratuities are a major part of a crewmember s salary. Few other recreational activities rely so heavily upon the professionals in charge for your enjoyment and safety. Besides being at the mercy of Mother Nature, the quality of your experience is based on the people who provide it. The crewmembers are generally multi-talented and do several jobs on board. They oversee the diving, cook meals, wash dishes, clean heads and cabins, perform engineering duties, and navigate the seas. We strongly believe that gratuities should be voluntary and based upon the quality of the service the crew provides. A gratuity of 15% is customary, but many leave more when they feel the service was outstanding. If you are disappointed with the service, you should inform the Captain of your feelings and leave no more gratuity than you feel is right. The gratuity can be given to the Captain at the end of the week. What dive gear do I need to bring?
Certified scuba divers need snorkel, fins, mask, regulator, buoyancy compensator, u/w watch, depth gauge and for night dives a dive light and cyalume stick are required. We provide tanks, weights and weight belts. There is storage on deck for all gear and we have a hose to rinse cameras and regulators. Between fall and spring, a wetsuit is recommended. Check out our equipment checklist!
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