Main Menu
Join Undercurrent on Facebook

The Private, Exclusive Guide for Serious Divers Since 1975 | |
For Divers since 1975
The Private, Exclusive Guide for Serious Divers Since 1975
"Best of the Web: scuba tips no other
source dares to publish" -- Forbes
X
 

Dive Review of Brendal's Dive Center/Bonefish Bluff in
Bahamas

Brendal's Dive Center/Bonefish Bluff : "Green Turtle Cay after Dorian", Jun, 2021,

by Kendall Raine, CA, US (Reviewer Reviewer 6 reports with 6 Helpful votes). Report 11541.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations N/A Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 4 stars Environmental Sensitivity 1 stars
Dive Operation 3 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 1 stars
Beginners 2 stars
Advanced 1 stars
Comments Dove three days with Brendal's on Green Turtle Cay. Family business with personalized service and very friendly attitude. Dive operation well organized with nice shop and several well equipped boats in very good condition.

Brandal claimed that winds (average 10-15kts) prevented us from getting to outer reef, so dove three consecutive days in the exact same spot. Spot chosen, Coral Pillars, was large rock formation with little coral. If true, winds would need to be negligible to get to other sites. Choice of site may also have been influenced by low experience of other divers, but going to only one site three days running was disappointing and, frankly, suspicious.

Boulder structure at Coral Pillars home to large school of Silversides and several tarpon. The coral on top of the boulder structure seemed in good shape with little obvious damage from Hurricane Dorian (September 2019). All dives guided by Brendal's son, Kyle. Average depth was 40 feet and run times limited to 60 minutes. Sparse macro life. Several grey reef sharks circled below the boat each day, presumably expecting a handout. Boat anchored rather than using a mooring-hook sometimes in the sand and sometimes directly in the coral formations-hence poor environmental rating.

Operation clearly oriented to novice/occasional divers. Air only. Guided only. Briefing virtually non-existent, but may reflect repetitive nanny-style diving. Shop would not accept a c-card above BOW/AOW (?!) rejecting my trimix card as evidence of certification (never had that happen before in 27 years). High cost of diving ($222/pp/dive before 16.5% taxes) may reflect monopoly pricing since Brendal is the only open water dive operator in Abaco post-Dorian.

Green Turtle Cay appears to have made significant strides at rebuilding after Dorian, particulalry compared to Marsh Harbor which is still pretty beat up. Beaches were very clean. However, banks have left GTC meaning no ATMs on island. Well run clinic allows for on island Covid screening required for return to US. Bahamas requires health visa and insurance prior to arrival. Visa obtainable with either proof of vaccination or negative Covid test. Subsequent testing required on island every five days for unvaccinated visitors.

We stayed at Bonefish Bluff, a private home available through Abaco Island Rentals. Property is newly renovated and very well situated and appointed.

GTC is very rustic/laid back and a fun place to chill for a few days. Bring whatever cash you'll need.



Websites Brendal's Dive Center   Bonefish Bluff

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience Over 1000 dives
Where else diving Fiji, Rangiroa, Morea, Huahini, Grand Cayman, Turks, Palau, Truk, Galapagos, Cocos, Cabos, California, Florida, New York, North Carolina, Tulum, Cozumel, Bali, Lake Superior, Raja Ampat, Belize, Roatan, Andros, Nassau, Abaco,
Closest Airport Marsh Harbor Getting There LAX to MIA to MHH

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy Seas calm, no currents
Water Temp 81-82°F / 27-28°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 50-60 Ft/ 15-18 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile no
Enforced diving restrictions Guided dives 40 feet for 60 minutes
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? no

What I Saw

Sharks 1 or 2 Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals 1 stars Tropical Fish 2 stars
Small Critters 1 stars Large Fish 3 stars
Large Pelagics N/A

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter N/A Boat Facilities N/A
Overall rating for UWP's N/A Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments [None]
Was this report helpful to you?
Leave a comment (Subscribers only -- 200 words max)
Subscribers can comment here
 

Subscribe Now
Subscribers can post comments, ask the reviewer questions, as well as getting immediate and complete access to ALL 443 dive reviews of Bahamas and all other dive destinations. Complete access to all issues and Chapbooks is also included.

 

Want to assemble your own collection of Bahamas reports in one place?
Use the Mini Chapbook Facility to create your personalized collection.

Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

Undercurrent Home


Get more dive info like these and other important scuba updates sent monthly to your email.
And a FREE Recent Issue of Undercurrent

Free Undercurrent Issue
Get a free
monthly email and
a sample issue!


Find in  

| Home | Online Members Area | My Account | Login | Join |
| Travel Index | Dive Resort & Liveaboard Reviews | Featured Reports | Recent Issues | Back Issues |
| Dive Gear Index | Health/Safety Index | Environment & Misc. Index | Seasonal Planner | Blogs | Free Articles | Book Picks | News |
| Special Offers | RSS | FAQ | About Us | Contact Us | Links |

Copyright © 1996-2024 Undercurrent (www.undercurrent.org)
3020 Bridgeway, Ste 102, Sausalito, Ca 94965
All rights reserved.

Page computed and displayed in 0.14 seconds