The Juliet Liveaboard
We just returned from four fantastic nights aboard the Juliet; a sailing & diving charter. We’ve never done a live-aboard before. We’ve always favored land-based accommodations to explore topside when we weren’t diving and now I see we’ve overlooked an awesome way to spend a few days.
(video and pics to follow)
This trip was chartered by the “Scuba Girls,” a group we’ve dived with locally in the past. When they posted the event on Facebook, J saw it and really wanted to do it. It was something different & easy to do since the boat leaves from Miami. With the stress of the move and everything we have going on, I really wanted to cancel. I said a million times how bad the timing was. I’M SO GLAD WE DIDN’T CANCEL! See J, here it is in writing! I was wrong about cancelling!
We did the 4 night Bahamas charter out of Miami. Other charters on this ship might differ from our experience. I have no affiliation with this business, just posting because it was truly awesome so if you’re looking to do something different this might be for you.
I loved being disconnected and out to sea. There’s no cell service and no wifi and it was amazing. Preparing to move and collecting the necessary paperwork has been stressful and this was just the break I needed.
The Boat
This is a small charter. If you’re picturing a large ship like the Aggressor, this charter isn’t that. The ship carries only 12 passengers and 5 crew members. The strangers you boarded with at the start of the trip will be great friends by the end. You’ll eat your meals together, hang out on deck at the communal table together, or maybe in the galley for a friendly game of Euchre. Thanks to Max & Liza for teaching us how to play!
Our cabin was the most forward on the boat, right under the bow. We loved it. The first night heading to Bimini was a bit rough but after that I loved the gentle rock of the boat. I slept so well! We had our own ladder up to the deck from our room too which we favored over going the “long way.”
The Diving
The Sites
The first day’s dives were just okay but that was due to the wind and weather not the charter. As divers, we are at the mercy of the weather and there’s not a damn thing anyone can do about it. That said, I saw four jawfish with a mouth full of eggs that first day so I’m not complaining.
By day 2, the winds laid down and allowed us to hit some absolutely spectacular sites! Gorgeous topography covered in healthy coral and full of life. It would be hard to pick a favorite site or dive but if I have to pick it’s the daytime dive we did on a site called “Bull Run” named due to the heavy shark population at the site. The sharks circled the boat from the minute we moored up and stayed close by the entire dive. One had a hook in its mouth with 4ft of line hanging out and a lead weight dangling off the bottom, long enough that it could have become entangled (video below!). It kept making close passes, almost like it wanted help. We teamed up and spent a good 20 minutes taking swipes at before we finally cut the weight free! I think I cried a little. I know that was one happy shark.
Procedures
Diving from the Juliet could not be easier. When you board the boat, you set your gear up on a tank. That’s your tank for the trip. In between dives they whip the tanks and you just reconnect your reg. It doesn’t get easier than that. Getting in is a giant stride off the side. It’s a longish drop so if you have a bad back as someone on our trip did you can go down the ladder instead.
No guides (available upon request!) and no bottom times. We love being able to freely dive and explore so this was perfect for us. The site briefings were terrific and every dive had a “fish of the dive” to find which added a fun element. I think we found them all.
The Food
Every meal was awesome! The chef on board did an amazing job meeting everyone’s needs (shout out to Hillary for killing it!). Everyone loved everything. Great variety of fresh, healthy meals accompanied by a homemade dessert.
If you’re looking to do something off the beaten path, check out the Juliet, you won’t be disappointed!
Videos
Happy Bubbles!
I recently discovered you’re blog and have really enjoyed following your adventures. So much of your desire to escape the cold parallels with my current journey and plan. The Keys is my dream destination and felt like where I was meant to be from my first visit. Thanks for the encouragement and the wonderful dive pictures and video!
Hey Michelle! thanks for your kind words! I felt the same way about the Keys and have loved every day we’ve lived here. Such an awesome community of people. You’ll be here before you know it!