Tiger & Great Hammerhead Expedition
7 days / 6 nightsFlorida - Florida
from
USD
4,056
1 / 28
Shear Water Liveaboard, Bahamas
from
USD
539
per day
Nitrox available for extended bottom times
Shark diving opportunities with Jim Abernethy - a marine conservationist, documentarian, and photographer
Dedicated camera facilities with charging stations
Shear Water is a steel boat designed for divers traveling in the Bahamas available for charter cruises. It has a fully air-conditioned space with amenities that actually work. It has two bathrooms with hot showers, a freshwater maker, and individual storage stowage to make the voyage comfortable. There are battery and electronic Charging stations in the salon and in each bunk.
The dive deck is configured for ease with custom seating, tank racks, and a large dive platform for simple entry into the water. Individual rinse tubs for cameras and personal items, as well as wetsuit hangers, add to the functionality. Twin compressors beneath the rear deck offer fast tank fills and Nitrox is also offered for divers desiring extended dive times. An Expansive bow offers a location for sunbathing or relaxation between dives.
Diving sites offer tiger and hammerhead shark dives, reef dives, and wreck dives in warm Gulf Stream water. The Bahamas is home to five of the seven sea turtle species, goliath groupers, and a number of shark species, making this a perfect dive destination.
Meals are buffet-style and Cooked fresh every day. Guests start with a continental breakfast, followed by made-to-order hot dishes. Lunch consists of sandwiches, salads, burgers, and pizza, and dinner is a selection of meats, seafood, and vegetables. Snacks and beverages are served throughout the day.
Safety gear includes radar, GPS tracking, life rafts, emergency oxygen, and a fully equipped first aid kit. This is a fast and effective vessel to transport divers out to enjoy the rich marine life of the Bahamas
The dive deck is configured for ease with custom seating, tank racks, and a large dive platform for simple entry into the water. Individual rinse tubs for cameras and personal items, as well as wetsuit hangers, add to the functionality. Twin compressors beneath the rear deck offer fast tank fills and Nitrox is also offered for divers desiring extended dive times. An Expansive bow offers a location for sunbathing or relaxation between dives.
Diving sites offer tiger and hammerhead shark dives, reef dives, and wreck dives in warm Gulf Stream water. The Bahamas is home to five of the seven sea turtle species, goliath groupers, and a number of shark species, making this a perfect dive destination.
Meals are buffet-style and Cooked fresh every day. Guests start with a continental breakfast, followed by made-to-order hot dishes. Lunch consists of sandwiches, salads, burgers, and pizza, and dinner is a selection of meats, seafood, and vegetables. Snacks and beverages are served throughout the day.
Safety gear includes radar, GPS tracking, life rafts, emergency oxygen, and a fully equipped first aid kit. This is a fast and effective vessel to transport divers out to enjoy the rich marine life of the Bahamas
Choose your departure date
Tiger & Great Hammerhead Expedition
8 days / 7 nightsFlorida - FloridafromUSD4,452Tiger & Great Hammerhead Expedition
8 days / 7 nightsFlorida - FloridafromUSD4,452Tiger & Great Hammerhead Expedition
7 days / 6 nightsFlorida - FloridafromUSD4,056Tiger & Great Hammerhead Expedition
7 days / 6 nightsFlorida - FloridafromUSD4,056Tiger & Great Hammerhead Expedition
7 days / 6 nightsFlorida - FloridafromUSD4,056Tiger & Great Hammerhead Expedition
8 days / 7 nightsFlorida - FloridafromUSD4,452Tiger & Great Hammerhead Expedition
7 days / 6 nightsFlorida - FloridafromUSD4,056Tiger & Great Hammerhead Expedition
7 days / 6 nightsFlorida - FloridafromUSD4,056Oceanic White Tip Expedition
10 days / 9 nightsFlorida - FloridafromUSD5,394
Book for groups?
Benefit from special conditions for Full Charters and Groups
Cabins
Lower Deck
Guest Cabin
4 Guests
Guest Cabin
Guest Cabin
Deck:Lower Deck
Bedding:Twin Beds
Max occupancy:4 Guests
Number of Cabins:1 Cabin
4 beds with privacy curtains. The two bathrooms onboard have hot-water showers with soap, shampoo & conditioner
Lower Deck
Standard Cabin
2 Guests
Standard Cabin
Standard Cabin
Deck:Lower Deck
Bedding:Twin Beds (Bunk-Style)
Max occupancy:2 Guests
Number of Cabins:3 Cabins
These cabins are equipped with upper and lower berths, offering storage space beneath the lower one. Designed to accommodate two guests, each room features a bunk bed, air conditioning, and natural light, with access to a shared bathroom
Boat Specification
Number of cabins
5
Groups or charters
Yes
Gear rental
No
Wi-Fi
No
Nitrox
Surcharge
Fleet/Managing company
Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures, Inc
Length and width
19.8 m / 5.7 m
Capacity
10
Material
Glass Reinforced Plastic
Languages crew speak
English
Power plugs onboard
120V
Engines
1350hp, Twin GM12V71TI’s
Generator
x 2 30 KW
Tech diving friendly
No
Handicapped Friendly
No
Compressors
x 2 11 CFM
Dive Facilities
- Compressors
- Rinse Hosts
- Dive Deck
- Personal Storage Space
Boat navigation & safety
Full safety
Food & Drinks
- Western Food
- Local Food
- Buffet Style
- Plate Service
- Snacks All Day
Onboard Facilities
- Audio & Video Entertainment
- Air Conditioned Saloon
- Open Air Saloon
- Indoor Saloon
Photographer Facilities
- Separate Rinsing Tanks for U/W Camera
- Camera Table
Frequently Asked Questions About Shear Water
What makes the Great Hammerhead experience unique?
The Bahamas liveaboard expedition takes divers to Tiger Beach and Bimini Island, two of the top locations for shark diving in the Bahamas. These sites are known for encounters with Great Hammerheads, tiger sharks, lemon sharks, bull sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and nurse sharks. In addition to these, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins frequently interact with divers in these waters. The itinerary is flexible and is often adjusted based on guest preferences and shark activity.
Great hammerheads are among the largest and most uncommon hammerhead shark species, separate from the smaller scalloped hammerhead that schools in other regions of the globe. This Bahamas liveaboard adventure offers a cage-free dive experience, allowing divers to see these amazing predators up close. The Bimini dive locations are among the most consistent places to see Great Hammerheads, especially between October and May.
Tiger sharks, lemon sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and nurse sharks, all of which are present year-round, reside in Tiger Beach. Great Hammerheads and bull sharks migrate in the area between late October and May, augmenting the richness of species met
Great hammerheads are among the largest and most uncommon hammerhead shark species, separate from the smaller scalloped hammerhead that schools in other regions of the globe. This Bahamas liveaboard adventure offers a cage-free dive experience, allowing divers to see these amazing predators up close. The Bimini dive locations are among the most consistent places to see Great Hammerheads, especially between October and May.
Tiger sharks, lemon sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and nurse sharks, all of which are present year-round, reside in Tiger Beach. Great Hammerheads and bull sharks migrate in the area between late October and May, augmenting the richness of species met
What can you expect on a typical trip?
Day 1: Arrival and Departure from Florida
Guests board the Shear Water liveaboard at 4 pm, followed by a safety briefing and gear setup. Dinner is served before the boat departs for an overnight journey to the Bahamas.
Days 2-7: Diving and Shark Encounters
Upon arrival in the Bahamas, the itinerary is planned around weather conditions and guest preferences. Highlights include:
Diving at Tiger Beach, one of the best shark diving locations in the world
Great Hammerhead encounters in Bimini
Wild dolphin interactions with Atlantic Spotted Dolphins
Exploring Thunderball Cave
Swimming with the famous Bahamian swimming pigs
Opportunities to encounter large pelagic species
The itinerary remains flexible based on conditions and shark movements.
Day 8: Return to Florida
After a final morning dive, the liveaboard departs at 5 pm for the overnight journey back to Florida, with an estimated arrival at 9:30 am following customs clearance
Guests board the Shear Water liveaboard at 4 pm, followed by a safety briefing and gear setup. Dinner is served before the boat departs for an overnight journey to the Bahamas.
Days 2-7: Diving and Shark Encounters
Upon arrival in the Bahamas, the itinerary is planned around weather conditions and guest preferences. Highlights include:
Diving at Tiger Beach, one of the best shark diving locations in the world
Great Hammerhead encounters in Bimini
Wild dolphin interactions with Atlantic Spotted Dolphins
Exploring Thunderball Cave
Swimming with the famous Bahamian swimming pigs
Opportunities to encounter large pelagic species
The itinerary remains flexible based on conditions and shark movements.
Day 8: Return to Florida
After a final morning dive, the liveaboard departs at 5 pm for the overnight journey back to Florida, with an estimated arrival at 9:30 am following customs clearance
How does the Shear Water liveaboard offer unlimited diving?
The Shear Water liveaboard is the only boat in the region to provide unlimited diving, courtesy of its high-capacity tanks, Nitrox supply, and around-the-clock diving itinerary. The pool is never closed, so guests can make the most of their time in the water.
The Shear Water is the quickest liveaboard to Tiger Beach and Bimini, providing more time for shark diving in the Bahamas. Being the only boat with unlimited diving, it lets divers get the most out of their trip. With accommodating itineraries, professional shark interaction advice, and a conservation focus, the Shear Water offers an unparalleled shark diving experience
The Shear Water is the quickest liveaboard to Tiger Beach and Bimini, providing more time for shark diving in the Bahamas. Being the only boat with unlimited diving, it lets divers get the most out of their trip. With accommodating itineraries, professional shark interaction advice, and a conservation focus, the Shear Water offers an unparalleled shark diving experience
Who is Jim Abernethy, and what does he do for shark conservation?
Jim Abernethy is a marine conservationist, documentarian, and photographer famous for his cage-free diving expeditions with sharks. For decades, he has been working to shift public perceptions about sharks, proving that creatures such as tiger sharks and great hammerheads are clever and not the mindless killers they are commonly depicted to be.
As owner of Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures, he leads liveaboard shark diving expeditions to the Bahamas, and at Tiger Beach and Bimini, where close interaction with big predatory sharks is now renowned. His work has been featured on National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, and Discovery Channel, enhancing the level of awareness about the protection of sharks and the threats posed to them from finning and overfishing.
Abernethy has also had experience at removing fishing hooks from sharks after gaining the latter's trust due to years of experience. On top of these adventures, Abernethy has also made conservation programs including WildlifeVOICE and Operation Blue Pride, with which he aims at educating the masses and supporting efforts in marine conservation
As owner of Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures, he leads liveaboard shark diving expeditions to the Bahamas, and at Tiger Beach and Bimini, where close interaction with big predatory sharks is now renowned. His work has been featured on National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, and Discovery Channel, enhancing the level of awareness about the protection of sharks and the threats posed to them from finning and overfishing.
Abernethy has also had experience at removing fishing hooks from sharks after gaining the latter's trust due to years of experience. On top of these adventures, Abernethy has also made conservation programs including WildlifeVOICE and Operation Blue Pride, with which he aims at educating the masses and supporting efforts in marine conservation
What is served on board?
The meals are prepared fresh day long with both American and international food.
Continental breakfast from 6 am, then hot breakfast at 7 am with eggs, bacon, pancakes, and French toast.
For lunch, sandwiches, salads, soups, and grilled can be had.
Dinner includes a mix of meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes followed by desserts.
Snacks, fruit, and drinks are provided throughout the day, and beer and wine are free after diving ceases.
What else is on the trip?
Besides shark diving, visitors can snorkel with Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, visit the Thunderball Cave, and swim with the Bahamian pigs. Chances to interact with large sea creatures, including oceanic whitetips and other pelagic animals, also set this trip apart
Continental breakfast from 6 am, then hot breakfast at 7 am with eggs, bacon, pancakes, and French toast.
For lunch, sandwiches, salads, soups, and grilled can be had.
Dinner includes a mix of meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes followed by desserts.
Snacks, fruit, and drinks are provided throughout the day, and beer and wine are free after diving ceases.
What else is on the trip?
Besides shark diving, visitors can snorkel with Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, visit the Thunderball Cave, and swim with the Bahamian pigs. Chances to interact with large sea creatures, including oceanic whitetips and other pelagic animals, also set this trip apart
What is included in the Bahamas liveaboard trip, and what additional costs should I expect?
The Bahamas liveaboard trip includes a range of essential services to ensure a safe and immersive diving experience. Included in the trip are:
Professional captain and crew, ensuring safe navigation and monitoring weather conditions throughout the journey
Custom-designed shark expedition vessel, outfitted for comfortable and efficient diving
All meals and snacks, with dietary accommodations available upon request
Unlimited diving, including night dives every evening when not traveling
Comprehensive shark briefing led by Jim Abernethy, a pioneer in cageless large predatory shark interactions
Scuba tanks available in both steel and aluminum, in a variety of sizes
Guided shark dives with an experienced shark crew in the water for safety and support
All U.S. and Bahamas customs and immigration processing handled by the crew
Photography by National Geographic photographer Jim Abernethy, capturing underwater and topside moments
Clean bed linens and two towels provided per guest
Support for conservation efforts, with a portion of the trip cost going toward shark and marine life protection
Additional services available at an extra charge:
Satellite Wi-Fi via Starlink
Nitrox for certified divers
Full photo package (includes drone, topside, and underwater photography by Jim Abernethy; requires a 4TB hard drive)
Not included in the trip:
Gratuity for the crew, typically 15% of the base price
Alcohol, which is not provided onboard
Professional captain and crew, ensuring safe navigation and monitoring weather conditions throughout the journey
Custom-designed shark expedition vessel, outfitted for comfortable and efficient diving
All meals and snacks, with dietary accommodations available upon request
Unlimited diving, including night dives every evening when not traveling
Comprehensive shark briefing led by Jim Abernethy, a pioneer in cageless large predatory shark interactions
Scuba tanks available in both steel and aluminum, in a variety of sizes
Guided shark dives with an experienced shark crew in the water for safety and support
All U.S. and Bahamas customs and immigration processing handled by the crew
Photography by National Geographic photographer Jim Abernethy, capturing underwater and topside moments
Clean bed linens and two towels provided per guest
Support for conservation efforts, with a portion of the trip cost going toward shark and marine life protection
Additional services available at an extra charge:
Satellite Wi-Fi via Starlink
Nitrox for certified divers
Full photo package (includes drone, topside, and underwater photography by Jim Abernethy; requires a 4TB hard drive)
Not included in the trip:
Gratuity for the crew, typically 15% of the base price
Alcohol, which is not provided onboard
Similar Liveaboards
Shear Water Liveaboard Itineraries
Tiger & Great Hammerhead Expedition (6 nights) (Florida-Florida)
Included
- Accommodation
- Diving
- Full board
- Snacks, non-alcoholic beverages
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Dive guide
- Customs & immigration fees, Bahamian taxes
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel surcharge for trips going to Bimini
Extra cost
- International and domestic flights
- Visa
- Transfers
- 15 l tanks rental
- Equipment rental
- Nitrox
- Photo packages / onboard image and video packages
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
Unlimited dives
The focus of the route is on finding tiger sharks & great hammerheads
Cage-free encounters with a variety of small and large sharks
Reef, nurse, lemon, tiger, great hammerhead and oceanic white-tip sharks can be seen
Day 1:
Board the boat at 5pm, and enjoy dinner on board at 7pm.
Day 2:
Clear customs in the Bahamas between 8 and 9am, then head out to the first dive site.
Days 3-5:
Continue diving throughout the day and night, visiting various dive sites.
Day 6:
After the last dive of the last day by 5pm, we have dinner and head back to US waters.
Day 7:
Clear US Customs between 8 and 9am, and disembark between 10am and 11am.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Board the boat at 5pm, and enjoy dinner on board at 7pm.
Day 2:
Clear customs in the Bahamas between 8 and 9am, then head out to the first dive site.
Days 3-5:
Continue diving throughout the day and night, visiting various dive sites.
Day 6:
After the last dive of the last day by 5pm, we have dinner and head back to US waters.
Day 7:
Clear US Customs between 8 and 9am, and disembark between 10am and 11am.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Tiger & Great Hammerhead Expedition (7 nights) (Florida-Florida)
Included
- Accommodation
- Diving
- Full board
- Snacks, non-alcoholic beverages
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Dive guide
- Customs & immigration fees, Bahamian taxes
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel surcharge for trips going to Bimini
Extra cost
- International and domestic flights
- Visa
- Transfers
- 15 l tanks rental
- Equipment rental
- Nitrox
- Photo packages / onboard image and video packages
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
Unlimited dives
The focus of the route is on finding tiger sharks & great hammerheads
Cage-free encounters with a variety of small and large sharks
Reef, nurse, lemon, tiger, great hammerhead and oceanic white-tip sharks can be seen
Day 1:
Board the boat at 5pm, and enjoy dinner on board at 7pm.
Day 2:
Clear customs in the Bahamas between 8 and 9am, then head out to the first dive site.
Days 3-6:
Continue diving throughout the day and night, visiting various dive sites.
Day 7:
After the last dive of the last day by 5pm, we have dinner and head back to US waters.
Day 8:
Clear US Customs between 8 and 9am, and disembark between 10am and 11am.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Board the boat at 5pm, and enjoy dinner on board at 7pm.
Day 2:
Clear customs in the Bahamas between 8 and 9am, then head out to the first dive site.
Days 3-6:
Continue diving throughout the day and night, visiting various dive sites.
Day 7:
After the last dive of the last day by 5pm, we have dinner and head back to US waters.
Day 8:
Clear US Customs between 8 and 9am, and disembark between 10am and 11am.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Oceanic White Tip Expedition (9 nights) (Florida-Florida)
Included
- Accommodation
- Diving
- Full board
- Snacks, non-alcoholic beverages
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Dive guide
- Customs & immigration fees, Bahamian taxes
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel surcharge for trips going to Bimini
Extra cost
- International and domestic flights
- Visa
- Transfers
- 15 l tanks rental
- Equipment rental
- Nitrox
- Photo packages / onboard image and video packages
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
Unlimited dives
Various dive sites teaming with marine life
Cage-free encounters with a variety of small and large sharks
Whales, mantas, spotted and bottle nose dolphins can be seen
Day 1:
Check-in at 4pm at New Port Cove Safe Harbor Marina, Florida. Board the boat by 5pm, and enjoy dinner on board at 7pm when we begin our crossing.
Day 2:
Clear customs in the Bahamas between 8 and 9am, and then head out to the first dive site at Tiger Beach
Day 3:
After diving Tiger Beach, head south stopping to dive the Wall in the Tongue of the Ocean
Days 4-5:
Visit dive sites, as well as Pig Island and the James Bond Thunder Ball Cave. That night we travel to Cat Island for oceanic white tips.
Days 6-8:
We dive to shallow depths with the oceanic white tips, blue water drifting over 10,000 ft deep water teaming with marine life.
Day 9:
Traveling North, we stop for all animal encounters and expect to see whales, mantas, and snorkel with the Atlantic spotted and bottle nose dolphins off of Bimini. After the last dive of the day, we have dinner and head back to US waters.
Day 10:
Clear US customs between 8 and 9am, and disembark between 10am and 11am.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Check-in at 4pm at New Port Cove Safe Harbor Marina, Florida. Board the boat by 5pm, and enjoy dinner on board at 7pm when we begin our crossing.
Day 2:
Clear customs in the Bahamas between 8 and 9am, and then head out to the first dive site at Tiger Beach
Day 3:
After diving Tiger Beach, head south stopping to dive the Wall in the Tongue of the Ocean
Days 4-5:
Visit dive sites, as well as Pig Island and the James Bond Thunder Ball Cave. That night we travel to Cat Island for oceanic white tips.
Days 6-8:
We dive to shallow depths with the oceanic white tips, blue water drifting over 10,000 ft deep water teaming with marine life.
Day 9:
Traveling North, we stop for all animal encounters and expect to see whales, mantas, and snorkel with the Atlantic spotted and bottle nose dolphins off of Bimini. After the last dive of the day, we have dinner and head back to US waters.
Day 10:
Clear US customs between 8 and 9am, and disembark between 10am and 11am.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
