All Star Aqua Cat

The Bahamian archipelago rests upon vast, submerged carbonate platforms, creating a seascape of stark contrasts. Shallow, sunlit banks covered in coral gardens and sand flats extend for miles before abruptly terminating at vertical walls. These precipices plunge thousands of feet into deep oceanic trenches, such as the Tongue of the Ocean. This unique geology fosters two distinct marine worlds: one of vibrant reefs populated by schools of fish, rays, and turtles, and another of deep blue, frequented by sharks and other pelagic species. The All Star Aqua Cat is a purpose-designed catamaran built to navigate this dual environment, offering divers access to the remote walls and reefs of the Exuma Cays. Diving operations are staged from a spacious aft deck with individual gear stations for all guests. While many dives are conducted directly from the main vessel, a versatile fleet of tenders provides access to a wider range of sites. The primary tender is a large 28-foot jet drive launch, capable of transporting groups of divers comfortably and quickly to specific drop-off points along the walls. For more targeted exploration or accessing shallower areas, two 12-foot inflatable tenders with 15hp outboards are also available. All dives are led by an experienced crew, ensuring that divers can safely explore the region's famous walls, blue holes, and shark encounters. Life aboard is designed for comfort and social interaction among its 30 guests. Accommodation is spread across 11 cabins, each with a private en-suite bathroom and individual climate control. The cabin configurations are highly flexible, featuring options for twin, king, or queen beds. Several cabins can also be arranged to sleep three or four guests, making them suitable for families or small groups. The main indoor area includes a large salon and dining space for meals, briefings, and relaxing in air-conditioned comfort. Above, a sprawling, partially-shaded sundeck is furnished with lounge chairs and seating, providing an ideal spot to enjoy the sea breeze and Bahamian scenery. The culinary program is designed to fuel an active dive schedule. The onboard chef prepares a variety of American-style dishes with local influences, served buffet-style in the main dining room. The day begins with a hot breakfast, followed by a mid-morning snack. Lunch and dinner are substantial affairs, and the day is rounded out with a freshly prepared dessert. Snacks, fruit, and non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the day. The crew can accommodate most special dietary requirements, though it is important to provide this information well in advance of the trip to ensure proper provisioning. Built in 2001 and last refurbished in 2015, the All Star Aqua Cat is a 31.09-meter motor yacht with an exceptionally wide 10.67-meter beam. This catamaran design is the key to its stability and comfort on the water. Powered by dual Caterpillar 3406E engines, it maintains a cruising speed of 14 knots, allowing for efficient travel between the islands of the Exumas. The wide, stable platform minimizes the vessel's roll and motion, providing a comfortable experience for guests, especially during open-water crossings or when moored in exposed locations. The vessel operates year-round itineraries through the Exuma Cays, with most trips departing from and returning to Nassau. These routes focus on the protected waters of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, offering a mix of high-speed drift dives, sheer walls, healthy reefs, and famous shark dives like the 'Washing Machine' and 'Amberjack Reef'. With its large capacity and flexible cabin arrangements, the All Star Aqua Cat is an excellent choice for dive clubs, families, and larger groups. It is also well-suited for individual divers seeking a social atmosphere and a dive schedule that covers the full spectrum of Bahamian underwater environments.