Shear Water, Bahamas

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

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

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

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

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

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