Aqua Cat Liveaboard Overview

Diving in the Bahamas onboard the Aqua Cat liveaboard is one of the best ways to experience all there is to offer in the cerulean waters of this archipelago nation.

Case in point: you can watch thrilling shark-feeding sessions, peer over dramatic drop-offs, and be whisked away on scenic drift dives. Home to the third-largest fringing coral reef in the world, the Bahamas is also dotted with historical wrecks, caves and blue holes spread over shallow and deep dive sites.

So, when scuba diving in the Bahamas, Aqua Cat delivers divers (both advanced and beginners) to the best and most remote dive sites in the region. Highlights include the Exuma Cays, known for wall dives and—yes—wild swimming pigs.

In any case, you’re in for plenty of variety, because the 7-day trips have no set itinerary, but rather a flexible schedule tailored to the group’s level of experience and preferences, as well as the weather conditions.

But Aqua Cat isn’t just for divers. There are also daily eco-adventures for non-divers, including snorkeling near mangroves, kayaking, feeding iguanas, and beach combing for shells.

Designed for luxury, Aqua Cat measures 102 feet (31 meters) and can comfortably accommodate 30 guests in 11 main deck cabins, all fitted with AC, private bathrooms, and large ocean-view windows.

Guests can expect unforgettable experiences above and below the water, so keep reading as we dive into our review of Aqua Cat.

Where to book

Aqua Cat liveaboard catamaran anchored with a diver flag flying at the stern

PADI TravelSecure online booking Liveaboard.comNo booking fees Divebooker.comFree DAN insurance

Diving on the Aqua Cat

A Caribbean reef shark swimming through clear blue Bahamas waters

A sea turtle resting on a coral rock with remoras attached nearby

Divers observing reef sharks and fish over a Bahamas coral reef

The beauty of diving in the Bahamas lies in its variety. And Aqua Cat follows no set course, so variety is nearly a given. Every week it maps out a new itinerary to give divers the best Caribbean diving experiences.

Generally, the 7-day itinerary visits dive sites in the Exuma Cays, renowned for its shallow dive sites packed with reefs, wrecks, blue holes, and walls. The epic drift dives in Eleuthera are a must-do for advanced divers, just make sure you know how to dive in strong currents.

But the highlight is the world-class shark diving. Here, divers can expect to see tiger sharks, reef sharks, hammerheads, nurse sharks, and many other species.

In general, dives are self-guided. Don’t worry, the team will give you a detailed dive briefing of the dive site (topography, marine life, etc.). For this reason, bring all the necessary important safety equipment, like an SMB, dive torch, and a whistle.

But, if you’d rather go on a guided dive, the divemasters and instructors onboard will be happy to show you around.

Highlights:

Up to 26 dives (including night dives)
Shark diving
Dive sites include reefs, walls, blue holes, and wrecks
Year-round diving

Onboard the Aqua Cat

Blue upholstered lounge seating and sofas in the Aqua Cat's onboard salon

A made-up double cabin bed with folded towels aboard the Aqua Cat

A diver seated on the dive deck adjusting gear beside a row of scuba tanks

Guests gathering on the Aqua Cat's deck near the staircase before a dive briefing

Guests relaxing on sun loungers on the Aqua Cat's upper deck

From the start, you can expect a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere onboard Aqua Cat from a crew that’s long been renowned for friendliness and professionalism.

Aqua Cat accommodates up to 30 guests in 11 cabins, all situated on the main deck. Every cabin comes with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and large windows. The cabins are a mix of king cabins, deluxe queen cabins, twin cabins, twin skylight cabins (instead of sea-view windows), and even triple cabins.

Otherwise, the main interior salon has a wet bar, dining area, sofas, and an entertainment lounge where you can watch movies and play music. The space is tastefully decorated in Bahamas-style.

When it comes to exterior spaces, Aqua Cat has a large upper deck with sun loungers and a bar. It’s the perfect place to relax between dives, sunbathe and take in the breathtaking sunsets.

As for the diving, the 900 square foot (86 square meters) dive deck has individually assigned stations and storage. There’s room for everyone to get ready and charge their camera and other electronic equipment.

Highlights:

Comfortable rooms with large windows
Private bathrooms and AC
Large, shaded dive deck
Sundeck and bar

Dining onboard the Aqua Cat

A plated dinner of steak, rice, shrimp, and broccoli served aboard the Aqua Cat

A crew member mixing drinks at the Aqua Cat's onboard bar for guests

A buffet spread of appetizers and baked dishes laid out on the Aqua Cat's deck

With a gourmet chef onboard, divers can look forward to their meals almost as much as their dives.Served buffet-style, three gourmet meals per day feature a choice of entrees at lunch and dinner. The food onboard includes Western and Caribbean specialities to satisfy all palates. Snacks and fresh, tropical fruit are always available.

Guests with special dietary requirements should let the crew know at the time of booking. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and food allergies are easy to accommodate, but those with other special dietary restrictions should make sure the chef can fulfill their requests before booking.

To make your meals taste even better, Aqua Cat‘s all-inclusive drinks package includes soft drinks, juices, beer, wine, vodka, and rum.