Blackbeard's Morning Star Liveaboard Overview

Ahh, the Bahamas—beautiful beaches, delicious rum drinks, and pirates. Although the swashbuckling era is over, Blackbeard’s Morning Star takes you back in time during a 7-day/6-night adventure.

Plundering is not on the itinerary, but the price tag will make you feel like you are diving in the Bahamas for a steal. Sailing in and out of Nassau, the itinerary covers favorites like Eleuthera and Exuma. Dives include reefs, wrecks, walls, caves, and blue holes and guests have up to 19 opportunities to dive this aquatic smorgasbord, including night dives.

Built 1984, Blackbeard’s Morning Star has 35+ years of experience in the Bahamas. As part of the All Star fleet, the service is renowned. That being said, don’t confuse accommodations with service—this is one of the most affordable liveaboards in the world. Service and safety aren’t compromised, but certain luxuries are.

Note that Blackbeard’s Morning Star and the Sea Explorer are identical ships and may be booked interchangeably.

Dive in, me hearties, to learn more about diving on Blackbeard’s Morning Star.

Where to book

A diver leaps from the liveaboard Morning Star into calm blue water

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

Diving on Blackbeard’s Morning Star

Wetsuits and dive gear drying along the boat's rail

Hawksbill turtle swimming past a sponge on a night dive

Caribbean reef sharks circling divers near a wreck

School of Atlantic spadefish schooling near the surface

Diving in the Bahamas is pleasant year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 73 to 87 F (23 to 30 C) depending on the time of year. Note that June through November is the wet season, which coincides with the hurricane season. August and September are the most storm-prone months, although dive sites tend to be the least crowded between June and October.

The Exuma Cays have gained internet popularity due to swimming pigs. This may be the only place you can log hogs in your divebook. Shore excursions during the trip are at the discretion of the captain.

Established in 1958, the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park promises clean, clear water and healthy marine life. In addition to splashing swine, five out of the seven species of sea turtles in the world live here. Stay alert for rays and goliath grouper as you explore this underwater playground.

Eleuthera is known for its pink sand beaches, but the underwater geology is equally dramatic. Caves and swim-throughs make up most of the dive sites here, with wrecks dotting the Devil’s Backbone, the reef with the most wrecks in the Bahamas.

Although Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks appear on most dives, Cave Rock is one of the best locations to see hammerheads. Other shark species include bull, lemon, and tiger sharks. Divers can observe sharks feeding during a planned “passive feed.” This shark feeding technique suspends food in the water while divers observe.

Onboard, you’ll find individual dive lockers and a separate camera rinse. Depending on the dive site, prepare for giant strides off the deck or delivery to sites via tenders. A dive guide will be in the water every dive. Rental equipment is available onboard, though it should be requested in advance. Multiple PADI courses are offered as well.

Non-divers are welcome on Blackbeard’s Morning Star as most sites are suited for snorkeling. The last night is spent in port, and guests are welcome to explore Nassau. If you crave luxury after this salty journey, this resort is a treat.

Highlights:

Sharks and goliath grouper
Dive site variety and quantity
Stellar visibility

Onboard Blackbeard’s Morning Star

Fire extinguisher mounted between curtained bunks in a liveaboard cabin

Scuba BCDs and gear hanging along the dive deck rail of a liveaboard

Divers gearing up with scuba tanks aboard the sailboat

Clocking in at 65 feet (20 m), Blackbeard’s Morning Star holds up to 22 divers if couples are willing to share a double bed. Otherwise, 18 guests are standard. Life aboard this vessel, renovated in 2016, can be compared to camping at sea or a hostel with a sail and motor.

Although guests do sleep in bunk beds, the lower deck is air-conditioned. Privacy curtains for each bunk add to the group sleepover feel. Each bunk has a shelf for storing personal items, and beds are either a double mattress or single mattress. Guests are encouraged to pack light to ensure maximum space and comfort in the berths.

All three bathrooms are shared, and the one shower has limited freshwater capabilities. This requires that most showering take place with salt water, with a brief freshwater rinse.

The communal kitchen table also serves as a lounge area, but the camaraderie will make you want to raise a glass of grog with your comrades as you discuss your underwater adventures.

True to the back-to-basics style of this trip, there is no internet—but it’s also a great opportunity to unplug, disconnect, and soak in the views and company.

Highlights:

Camaraderie with fellow passengers
Break from screen time and tech
Feeling like an old-timey sailor

Dining Onboard Blackbeard’s Morning Star

Crew and guests gathered around the check-in table below deck

Salads and side dishes arranged on the galley counter

Meals are served at the communal table below deck, and special diets can be accommodated with advanced notice. If you ever feel peckish, a hammock of fresh fruit always hangs within reach.

Expect three daily meals, snacks, and unlimited beverages including tea, coffee, water, soda, and rum punch. Crew will sometimes catch lobsters and fish for meals and guests can assist with fishing if desired. And don’t skip dessert—the key lime pie is almost as famous as the ship’s namesake.