Dive Time from Tennessee had a great time on the Cat Ppalu. Great water temps- look Ma, no wetsuit in October!
Lee Billings of Clarksville, TN
The Blues of the Bahamas are Beautiful!
Date: July 04, 2007
The Cat Ppalu at anchor in Warderick Wells. The blues of the Bahamas are more than majestic- they are almost mystical!
David Halstead of Fairfax, VA
Shark Visit on Amberjack
Date: July 02, 2007
Halstead family gets great shots of sharks on famous shark diving site, Amberjack Reef.
David Halstead of Fairfax, VA
Huki Lau at Camp Driftwood
Date: June 30, 2007
Extraordinary Cruise and Memories
June 30-July 6, 2007. The talented and professional crew of the Cat Ppalu crafted an amazing cruise for our group, a group with diverse interests – including demands for diving, snorkeling, sightseeing, relaxing, and beachcombing. Somehow, Gavin, Michelle, Jamie, and Katie kept us all safe, comfortable, very well-fed, and extremely happy as we mounted unique memories of beautiful and exhilarating shark dives (such as Amberjack and The Blue Hole); of snorkeling above fantastic coral gardens rich with sea life and creatures; and of cruising and shore visits that captured for us the best of the Bahama’s scenery, clear blue waters, and white sandy beaches. Gavin and Michelle successfully orchestrated the week’s diving to ensure the divers saw sharks, rays, eels, turtles, and lionfish – sometimes on the same dive – as well as identified with precision the marine life we encountered in daylight and during night dives/snorkels. The crew (especially Jamie and Katie) also took great care to keep the younger crowd (i.e., teenagers) onboard happy and occupied, filling our evenings with snacks, games, and laughs until everyone was too exhausted to continue. This crew is uniquely gifted – as demonstrated by our hundreds of unforgettable photos, stories, and memories of the thrills and excitement we all enjoyed during our week on the Cat Ppalu.
David Halstead
Fairfax, VA
David Halstead of Fairfax, VA
Can you believe it!
Date: April 24, 2007
Rafael gets nudged by a loggerhead! After Rafael’s intimate encounter on Danger Reef, Dave keeps a close eye on the loggerhead.
Dave Smith of Townville, SC
Mahi Mayhem!!
Date: April 23, 2007
Well it's officially Mahi Mahi season again! The last couple of weeks have been but a warm up, and we've been thrilled to catch a fish or two.
However, this week was the main event with both guests and crew flexing some
muscles, and reeling in some nice catches. Fish of the week goes to
newlyweds Dave and Jamie Smith who tag-teamed the big guy in the middle,
weighing a massive 37lbs....wow! Also pictured are guests Steve Ruark and
Jeff Field. As you can all imagine, we ate some fabulous fish dishes this week - sushi, fish tacos, and ceviche to name but a few, all cooked up by our great chef Kent.
Michelle McAdam of Townville, SC
Smith Wedding on the Beach
Date: April 21, 2007
Jamie and Dave Smith tie the knot on the beach at Ship's Channel Cay. Honeymoon followed on the Cat Ppalu with close friends and family!
Dave Smith of Townville, SC
Latest Crew Grandbaby Update
Date: March 30, 2007
Barrie Johnson was the engineer on the Cat Ppalu a few years back and like family, keeps in touch! Barrie met his lovely wife, Jennifer Vento, aboard the Cat Ppalu a few years back. Sinc then, Barrie has graduated from law school and they've started a family! "Grandma" Peggy gets to meet Emilia for the first time at Beneath the Sea this March and visit!
Barrie Johnson of New York
Break Time in the Bahamas
Date: March 12, 2007
Don't you wish your breaks from work involved this kind of scenery! Chef Lindsey takes some well-earned R&R at Camp Driftwood at Shroud Cay.
Camp Driftwood is an excellent snorkel and kayaking spot through the mangroves in the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park.
Michelle McAdam of Exuma Cays, Bahamas
Donkey Dinghy
Date: March 09, 2007
"Donkey" gets a face-lift! During a very busy two weeks in port, Gavin, Michelle & Jamie gave the Cat Ppalu dingy alot of much needed TLC. She has been christened as "Donkey"
and looks great!
Michelle McAdam of Nassau, Bahamas
Hanging with the Pigs on Staniel Cay
Date: March 01, 2007
The Cat Ppalu team spent a fun 10 days with the Meyer, Ginsberg and Pierce-Mattiello families in February. Due to the extended time, the Cat went further south than normal and went as far as Staniel Cay. Highlights there were snorkelling at Thunderball Grotto, as featured in a James Bond Movie, as well as the Swimming Pigs...yes PIGS!! One of the aforementioned pigs is pictured here with engineer Jamie having a healthy apple snack.
Michelle McAdam of Eugene, OR
Girls Gone Wild on the Cat Ppalu
Date: February 26, 2007
Eden & Elise Pierce shown in the picture enjoyed a fun-filled and action packed 10-day trip on the Cat Pplau. Day kayaking, night kayaking, drift snorkelling, night snorkelling, swimming pigs, grottos, beaches, mangroves, island hikes, and numerous jumping off the boat competitions filled their vacation.
Michelle McAdam of Eugene, OR
Big Fun at the Blow Hole
Date: February 04, 2007
London Scuba Center get's 'blown away' by the Blow Hole at Wardrick Wells.
Shirley, we missed you on the trip, and wish you a speedy recovery. Hope the St Paddi's day picture night is fun...have a Guinness for us!!
Pictured are:Dan Masse, Lou Helmer, Carol Helmer, Travis Kelly, Den Lane, Darren Helmer, John St George, Krissy Stock, Cindy Lawrence, Randy Derby, Kenny Hewitt
Michelle McAdam of Ontario, Canada
Trampoline Time for the Hastings
Date: December 10, 2006
Hastings family charter from Las Vegas having fun on the trampolines after a day of diving!
Jenn Hastings, Randy Stephens, Kim Hastings, John Hastings, Ty McMillen,
Keely Hallingstad, Cory Van Aken, Nicole Lawson, Scott Hastings, Aubany Gandi
Michelle McAdam of Las Vegas, NV
At Anchor in Warderick Wells
Date: July 10, 2006
The view from Warderick Wells overlooking the harbor and island is breath taking. The color of the water if the most beautiful palette of aqua and blue...like no where else.
Greg Justice of Fairfax, VA
Troop 364 Dives In!
Date: July 09, 2006
Pictured are Boy Scout Troop 364 on board the Cat Ppalu in July. We've hosted many youth groups over the years! Our diving, eco-adventures and educational programs make this perfect for school groups, scouts, venture crews and college classes!
William Mulligan,Devin Sheehan, Matt Sedore, Paul Rosser, Jim Sedore, Eric Winders, Charles Pope, Mark La Manita,
Vance Pope, Cameron Green, Ian Scofield, Andrew Sedore
Michelle McAdam of Raleigh, NC
Christy Ontko's Group Conquers Boo Boo Hill
Date: June 13, 2006
Stephanie Holtmeier, Maggie Holtmeier, Kristy Ontko, Douglas Hasman, Andrea Miller, Rachel Kauderer, Israel Ugalde, Cary Michael, Dana Cerrito, Rachel Morris, Kyle Reaves, Daniel Dressler all made the climb to Boo Boo Hill to see the Exumas from above!
Michelle McAdam of Ohio Group
Iceberg in the Bahamas?
Date: June 05, 2006
It was a beautiful day in the Exumas and the Cat Ppalu crew and guests were somewhat bemused to see in the distance what looked to be, well, an iceberg!
Upon closer inspection the "iceberg" turned out to be a bunch of balloons which had blown off another yacht. Engineer Mo expertly hooked the balloons and brought them to the safety of the Cat Ppalu where they stayed for the rest of the week!
Michelle McAdam of Exuma Cays, Bahamas
Mo and the Iceberg!
Date: June 05, 2006
The CP team wish a hearty congratulations to Mauricio on becoming Captain Mo...!!! Mo spent the week in Fort Lauderdale and is now a certified Captain through the IYT/MCA.
Michelle McAdam of Exuma Cays, Bahamas
Reef News
Date: June 02, 2006
The Cat Ppalu team enjoyed a great week of diving and diadema relocation with Reef News in May. This was Jonathan and Tessa's second trip aboard the Cat Ppalu, and Michelle & Gavin look forward to seeing them again soon!
Congratulations to Nancy on her Open Water certification, and also to Bob and Cindy who are now Advanced Open Water Divers - well done!!
The group from Reef News: Gerry Bolme, Alison Dragt, Josh Lucero, Nancy Bolme, Jonathan Dowell Tony Lucero, Tessa Dowell, Bob Velasco, and Cindy Bolme.
Michelle McAdam of NM
Middle Tennessee Scuba Group
Date: May 23, 2006
Middle Tennesse Scuba spent the week on board the Cat Ppalu in May, and we took this great group shot during our shore excursion to the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park at Warderick Wells. Shown in the photo are: Lee & Deb Smith, Stephani & Ed Ryan, Rob Harris, Tim O’Connor, Philip Scharre, Stepanie Tuttle, Rob & Ann Gordon, Bill &Carol Rasco.
Michelle McAdam of Exuma Cays, Bahamas
Middle Tennessee Scuba Group
Date: May 20, 2006
Boo Boo Hill Gang from Middle Tennessee. Passengers: Lee Smith, Deb Smith, Stephani Ryan, Ed Ryan, Rob Harris, Tim O’Connor, Philip Scharre, Stepanie Tuttle, Rob Gordon, Ann Gordon, Bill Rasco, Carol Rasco
Michelle McAdam of Memphis, TN
Michelle Aces the Spades
Date: May 15, 2006
Michelle with Atlantic SpadeFish
Thanks to Jonathan Dowell from Reef News for this cool picture of Divemaster Michelle with some Atlantic SpadeFish. ReefNews, Inc. is dedicated to educating children of all ages about our oceans, publishing information about the fishes, mammals, and invertebrates that live in the oceans through their website, newsletters, CD-ROMs, and other publications. Check out their website at www.reefnews.com.
Jonathan Dowell of Los Alamos, NM
Right of Way
Date: May 09, 2006
This turtle had the right of way and swam right in front of diver Ron Melton.
Ron Melton of San Jacinto, CA
Twin Morays
Date: May 06, 2006
Cool sightings for the week!
What a fabulous week of diving on the Cat Ppalu! We were thrilled to see Caribbean Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays and Hawksbill Turtles, and the highight of the week had to be a glimpse of the rare
Hammerhead Shark on Pillar Wall. The photo was taken by Gordon
Crowl during his trip on the Cat Ppalu with his family and friends. Not only one Goldentail Moray, but TWO in the same hole!
Gordon Crowl of Alta Loma, CA
Kayaking to Osprey Cay
Date: May 05, 2006
Osprey Cay is perfect for a stroll on the sandbar at low tide. This island is in the Land and Sea Park so shelling is prohibited. It is very tempting though, as the beach is covered with shells of all sizes! The nesting sea birds are around the bend, so be sure to hike around the far side of the island to see them awkwardly hop around!
Christine Winans of Stratford Upon Avon
Fingerprints of the SEA
Date: May 05, 2006
Gordon Crowl also captured this wonderful shot of a Fingerprint. The details are so beautiful!
Gordon Crowl of Alta Loma, CA
The signs say it all...
Date: May 04, 2006
Follow your hearts desire...pick a path and meander along the trails of Boo Boo Hill on Warderick Wells. This island is the home to the Land and Sea Park Headquarters. The Bahamas Ministry recently declared a 10.00 underwater park visitors fee to help maintain this park and to help establish other marine parks in the Bahamas.
Christine Osbourne-Winans of Stratford Upon Avon
Whale Bones on the Beach
Date: May 04, 2006
This whale washed up on shore and was brought around to the Land and Sea Park beach to act as a reminder that trash in the ocean is a terrible thing. The cause of death- a trash bag.
Christine Winans of Stratford Upon Avon
Bonfire on the Beach
Date: April 12, 2006
Sunset Divers enjoy a fun beach bonfire at Wardrick Wells, HQ of the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park.
Rosa Taylor, Michael Taylor, Nancy and Richard Schuster, Kevin Stees, Rodney Jones, Lou LeMoine, Matt Yakab, Sherrie Coleman, Dennis Gautreau, Lynne Richardson
Michelle McAdams of Loveland, CO
Eagle Ray Glides By...
Date: August 28, 2005
This eagle ray graced us with his presence on a beautiful reef site in the Exumas. Their graceful ways are truly majestic!
Sue Woodworth of Beaverton, OR
Jeef Reef
Date: August 27, 2005
Jeep Reef is really not a Jeep, but rather a little construction bobcat that fell off a vessel passing thru. It is now home to some very colorful marine life! When you dive this site, you will see so many fish!
Sue Woodworth of Beaverton, OR
Lionfish in the Bahamas
Date: October 29, 2004
One of our passengers discovered a lionfish at the Blue Hole east of Nassau. There have been a number of lionfish sightings in Florida, but this was the first from the Bahamas or Caribbean according to REEF. At the request of Bahamas Fisheries the lionfish was caught and turned over to fisheries to try and determine it's origin.
Christine Owen-Winans of Stratford Upon Avon
Great Catch
Date: June 20, 2004
Jose caught a dolphin (maui-maui)and they are known for their beautiful blue, green and yellow coloring. Meanwhile Chef Bruno, in the back left corner is already thinking about cooking that nights dinner. It doesnt get any fresher!
Judy Roque of Cooper City, FL
Suiting Up
Date: June 19, 2004
Brad getting his gear ready for his next dive off of the Cat Ppalu dive deck.
Beth Olivera-Blizzard of Cooper City, FL
Sharks in the blue hole
Date: June 12, 2004
Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks circling above in the Blue Hole in the Exumas
Paul Barton of Dover, New Hampshire
Caribbean Torpedo
Date: April 12, 2004
On April 12, several passengers were lucky enough to spot a Caribbean Torpedo, a rare type of ray. Only 4 out the 50,000 REEF Caribbean surveys turned have recorded one.
. of .
Great Group Shot
Date: March 13, 2004
Group shot of passengers with the turquoise waters and the Cat Ppalu in the background.
Roy Pask of Gross Ile, Michigan
Mangrove Shot
Date: March 13, 2004
A great photo of a mangrove in the shallow crystal clear water of the Exumas.
Roy Pask of Grosse Ile, Michigan
Nite Coral
Date: March 13, 2004
An up close shot of delicate nite coral.
Paul Barton of Dover, New Hampshire
David Perry's wedding
Date: July 26, 2003
David Perry and his new bride enjoy a sunset wedding.
David Perry of Cordona,TN
Divers with a whale shark
Date: April 21, 2003
Whale sharks aren't common but we see them occasionally.
Rick Frehsee of Miami, FL
Divers Returning to the Cat Ppalu
Date: April 05, 2003
Cat Ppalu moored at Basketstar Reef while divers Ron waxman and Frank Des Rosiers swim back to the vessel.
Gerry Weber of Windsor, ON Canada
Hermit Crab
Date: April 05, 2003
A hermit crab plays peekaboo with photographer Gerry Weber.
Gerry Weber of Windsor, ON Canada
Chuck Lander's happy ship mates
Date: March 27, 2003
The ship mates were enjoying fun in the sun while aboard the CatPPalu.
Chuck Landers of Fairview NC
Cat Ppalu Group
Date: February 16, 2002
Group from London, ON.
Michelle & Remko Brouerius of Windsor, ON
Sunset
Date: February 16, 2002
A beautiful sunset.
Michelle & Remko Brouerius of Windsor, ON
Cat Ppalu Crew
Date: February 16, 2002
The crew of the Cat Ppalu. From left, dive instructor Erika, Capt Steve, chef Brian and engineer Steve.
Remko & Michelle Brouerius of Windsor, On
Diver with lemon shark
Date: February 16, 2002
A snorkeler swimming with a lemon shark at the headquarters of the Exumas Land & Sea Park on Waderick Wells.
Gerry Weber of Windsor, ON
Blue Hole
Date: February 16, 2002
Divers in the blue hole between Nassau and the Exumas.
Gerry Weber of Windson, ON
Kayaking group
Date: February 10, 2001
A group of kayakers in the creeks on Shroud Cay.
Sue Wright of Rocky River, OH
Cruising Through the Creeks
Date: February 10, 2001
A group of kayakers cruising through one of the creeks on Shroud Cay
Sue Wricht of Rocky River, OH
Shark
Date: December 04, 2000
A Caribbean reef shark at Amberjact Reef.
John Moeller of Davenport, IA
Feather dusters
Date: September 30, 2000
Christmas tree worms on a great star coral.
Mark Bailey of Standfordville, NY
Colorful Reef
Date: September 30, 2000
A fairy basslet by some colorfull corals and sponges.
