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PRESS WELCOME!
For all Press and Media related inquiries, please contact Leesa Fountain directly at leesa@biminiscubacenter.com.
Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center Now Offering February, March, April and May Tiger Beach Trips — just in time for Valentine’s Day
February 9, 2021
West End, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas ⏤ Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center’s Tiger Beach operation at Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour will offer both Tiger Beach Day Trips and Hotel Packages during the month of February, March, April and May 2021 — just in time for Valentine’s Day. Pricing and details to follow.
Tiger Beach Day Trips (Dive-Only): $399 + 12% Value Added Tax (VAT)
Available: February 10-20, 2021, March 11-24, 2021, April 3, 2021 to May 15, 2021
Package Includes: Tanks + Weights.
Tiger Beach Hotel Packages: Starting at $729pp (Based on Double Occupancy)
Available: February 10-20, 2021, March 11-24, 2021, April 3, 2021 to May 15, 2021
Package Includes: Stay at Old Bahama Bay in a Standard Room, Diving with Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center; Lunch, Snacks + Drinking Water; Use of Tanks, Weights + Belts; All Taxes + Fees.
For more information about NWBSC’s Tiger Beach Day Trips and Hotel Packages, please visit www.biminiscubacenter.com/tigerbeach
About Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center
Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center operates several different dive boats including a 60-foot glass bottom boat well-suited to accommodate divers, snorkelers and sightseers alike. In addition to reefs, wrecks and wall diving, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center offers Great Hammerhead Shark Safaris, Wild Dolphin Safaris, Reef Shark Safaris and Stingray Safaris from Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina — and now, Tiger Beach Safaris from Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Habour, West End, Grand Bahama. PADI certifications and courses are also available. For more information, please visit www.biminiscubacenter.com
About Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour
Situated directly on the beach on the western-most tip of Grand Bahama Island, Old Bahama Bay is just 56 miles due east from Palm Beach, Florida and is the ultimate getaway for tranquility, relaxation and friendly service. The resort has a barefoot elegance ambiance with an out-island remote feel, but with the convenience of an international airport and major destination amenities in Freeport — just 26 miles away. Combining Bahamian charm and luxury, Old Bahama Bay features 73 spacious beachfront suites, full service marina, oceanfront pool, on site restaurants, stunning beaches and the region's finest fishing, snorkeling and boating activities. Amenities include complimentary paddle boards, kayaks, snorkel gear, tennis courts, bicycles, a fitness center and so much more! For more information regarding Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour, please visit www.oldbahamabayresorts.com
Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center Now Offers Ferry Inclusive Day Trips and Hotel Packages
February 5, 2021
Bimini, The Bahamas ⏤ Bimini based Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center and South Florida based Baleària Caribbean Fast Ferry announced today that they will be partnering to offer Ferry Inclusive Day Trips and 2-Night, 4-Night and 5-Night Hotel Packages.
Baleària Caribbean will resume passenger services to Bimini on February 10th, 2021. The ferry will depart from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 9am. It will return from Bimini at 6.30pm.
Ferry + Dive Inclusive Day Trips will be available every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Guests will have the choice between diving with Great Hammerhead Sharks or exploring the historic Sapona Shipwreck and diving with Reef Sharks. Both day trips will be available to scuba divers, snorkelers and freedivers. Pricing and details to follow.
In addition to Day Trips, Ferry Inclusive Hotel Packages will also be available. 2-Night, 4-Night and 5-Night options will showcase the best of Bimini diving — including (depending on the length of stay) NWBSC’s exclusive Bull Shark Cage Dive, Great Hammerhead Safari, Sapona Shipwreck + Reef Shark Adventure and Stingray + Blacknose Shark Safari at Honeymoon Harbour. Hotel accommodations will be provided by Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina. For more information about BBGC, please visit: https://biggameclubbimini.com
Regarding Baleària Caribbean Fast Ferry’s resumed service, strict sanitation protocols have been put in place to ensure passenger health and safety. Most notably, Baleària is the first shipping company in operation to receive a Global Safe Site Covid-19 Certificate by Bureau Veritas. Other safety measures include:
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Temperature scanning for each passenger prior to boarding.
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Easy access to sanitizer dispensers in the terminals and aboard the vessel.
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Mandatory face masks/coverings.
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Reduced capacity of the vessel by forty percent.
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Required social distancing.
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Plexiglass dividers added on every seat and common areas.
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Deep and extensive sanitation process (on ship and terminals) before, during, and after each sailing.
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Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center and Baleària Caribbean will continue to work closely with US and Bahamas government to follow all travel guidelines and sanitation protocols.
Guests are urged to verify travel requirements before making travel arrangements. For more information, please visit: www.bahamas.com/TravelUpdates and travel.state.gov
Ferry + Dive Inclusive Day Trips
$400 Day Trip: Ferry + Shipwreck/Shark Adventure
Available: Every Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Package Includes: 1-Tank Dive (or Snorkel/Freedive) at Sapona Shipwreck, 1-Tank Dive (or Snorkel/Freedive) with Reef Sharks, Roundtrip Ferry Transportation from Fort Lauderdale via Balearia, Scuba/Snorkel Gear, All Dive + Ferry Taxes.
$500 Day Trip: Ferry + Great Hammerhead Safari
Available: Every Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Package Includes: 2-Tank Dive (or Snorkel/Freedive) Great Hammerhead Safari, Roundtrip Ferry Transportation from Fort Lauderdale via Balearia, Scuba/Snorkel Gear, All Dive + Ferry Taxes.
Ferry Inclusive Hotel Packages
$850pp 2-Night/3-Day Package: Ferry + Dive + Hotel
Available: Depart Friday, Return Sunday
Package Includes: 2-Night Hotel Stay at Bimini Big Game Club*, Roundtrip Ferry Transportation from Fort Lauderdale via Balearia, Bull Shark Cage Dive, 2-Tank Dive (or Snorkel/Freedive) Great Hammerhead Safari, 1-Tank Dive (or Snorkel/Freedive) at Sapona Shipwreck, 1-Tank Dive (or Snorkel/Freedive) with Reef Sharks, All Ferry + Dive + Hotel Taxes. *Based on double occupancy in a standard room.
$1325pp 4-Night/5-Day Package: Ferry + Dive + Hotel
Available: Depart Wednesday, Return Sunday
Package Includes: 4-Night Hotel Stay at Bimini Big Game Club*, Roundtrip Ferry Transportation from Fort Lauderdale via Balearia, Bull Shark Cage Dive, 2-Tank Dive (or Snorkel/Freedive) Great Hammerhead Safari, 1-Tank Dive (or Snorkel/Freedive) at Sapona Shipwreck, 1-Tank Dive (or Snorkel/Freedive) with Reef Sharks, Stingray + Blacknose Shark Safari, All Ferry + Dive + Hotel Taxes. *Based on double occupancy in a standard room.
$1560pp 5-Night/6-Day Package: Ferry + Dive + Hotel
Available: Depart Friday, Return Wednesday
Package Includes: 5-Night Hotel Stay at Bimini Big Game Club*, Roundtrip Ferry Transportation from Fort Lauderdale via Balearia, Bull Shark Cage Dive, 2-Tank Dive (or Snorkel/Freedive) Great Hammerhead Safari, 1-Tank Dive (or Snorkel/Freedive) at Sapona Shipwreck, 1-Tank Dive (or Snorkel/Freedive) with Reef Sharks, Stingray + Blacknose Shark Safari, All Ferry + Dive + Hotel Taxes. *Based on double occupancy in a standard room.
About Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center
Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center operates several different dive boats including a 60-foot glass bottom boat well-suited to accommodate divers, snorkelers and sightseers alike. In addition to reefs, wrecks and wall diving, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center offers Great Hammerhead Shark Safaris, Wild Dolphin Safaris, Reef Shark Safaris and Stingray Safaris from Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina — and now, Tiger Beach Safaris from Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Habour, West End, Grand Bahama. PADI certifications and courses are also available. For more information, please visit www.biminiscubacenter.com
About Baleària Caribbean Fast Ferry
For more information about Baleària Caribbean Fast Ferry, please visit www.baleariacaribbean.com
Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center Now Offers Daily Tiger Beach Dives
November 10, 2019
West End, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas ⏤ Bimini owned Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center announced today that it will officially be offering daily Tiger Beach dives starting December 15th, 2019 from Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour, West End, Grand Bahama. Both companies expect this partnership to widen its customer base and stimulate tourism on Grand Bahama — especially post Hurricane Dorian.
Daily Tiger Beach Safaris are a complimentary addition to Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center’s reputable Great Hammerhead Shark Safaris — currently offered from its long-time established dive shop at the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina in Bimini, The Bahamas.
“For years, Tiger Beach has been elusive and complicated — requiring scheduling, private charters and/or a week-long commitment to a live-aboard. Cut to now, we are proud to announce daily trips — departing 8 a.m. from Old Bahama Bay (West End). Dive an entire week or just a day — the choice is yours!” comments Neal Watson II.
Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center opened its first scuba diving operation in Bimini in 1975 at the Bimini Yacht Club on South Bimini. For over forty years, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center has had a presence in Bimini and as such, has played an essential role in building the reputation of Bimini and The Bahamas as a top dive destination. More recently, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center has become well known for its Great Hammerhead Shark Safari. As the first scuba diving operation to offer this safari, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center has set the bar when it comes to safety standards for both divers and sharks alike. Not only has the Great Hammerhead Shark Safari been good for local tourism, but it has also contributed to a profound amount of awareness regarding the protection of these magnificent and endangered creatures.
“What we’ve learned over the years from our shark encounters in Bimini — specifically our commitment to safety and protocol — will no doubt parlay into our Tiger Beach dives in West End,” adds Neal Watson II.
Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center’s Tiger Beach operation at Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour will offer both Dive-Only and Dive + Hotel Packages. For more information about our Tiger Beach rates and/or package information, please visit www.biminiscubacenter.com/tigerbeach or call Toll Free (800) 867 4764 or Local BAH +1 (242) 473 8126.
About Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center
Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center operates several different dive boats including a 60-foot glass bottom boat well-suited to accommodate divers, snorkelers and sightseers alike. In addition to reefs, wrecks and wall diving, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center offers Great Hammerhead Shark Safaris, Wild Dolphin Safaris, Reef Shark Safaris and Stingray Safaris from Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina — and now, Tiger Beach Safaris from Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Habour, West End, Grand Bahama. PADI certifications and courses are also available. For more information, please visit www.biminiscubacenter.com.
About Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour
Situated directly on the beach on the western-most tip of Grand Bahama Island, Old Bahama Bay is just 56 miles due east from Palm Beach, Florida and is the ultimate getaway for tranquility, relaxation and friendly service. The resort has a barefoot elegance ambiance with an out-island remote feel, but with the convenience of an international airport and major destination amenities in Freeport — just 26 miles away. Combining Bahamian charm and luxury, Old Bahama Bay features 73 spacious beachfront suites, full service marina, oceanfront pool, on site restaurants, stunning beaches and the region's finest fishing, snorkeling and boating activities. Amenities include complimentary paddle boards, kayaks, snorkel gear, tennis courts, bicycles, a fitness center and so much more! For more information regarding Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour, please visit www.oldbahamabayresorts.com.
NAUI Expands International Association with Facility Crossover
July 17, 2018
Tampa, Florida – The National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI Worldwide) is excited to announce its expanding international presence in The Bahamas with an addition to its growing slate of worldwide affiliates: Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center.
The center became a NAUI Dive Destination in 2017 supporting and welcoming NAUI referrals and divers, and after participating in a NAUI Instructor Crossover Course (ICC) in early July 2018, the facility is now established as exclusively NAUI, offering NAUI support material and certifications.
“We were thrilled to have Bimini Scuba Center come on board as a NAUI Dive Destination last year and now even more thrilled to welcome them 100 percent to the NAUI family,” said Jack Snively, NAUI’s Director of Business Development. “I’m excited to have them join us to serve the needs of our members in The Bahamas."
Instructor Crossover Course candidates included staff members Neal Watson Jr., Alexandre “Alex” De Sarrazin, and Roberta Larosa, a group representing The Bahamas/United States, Italy, and France.
“Over the three-day course, it was amazing watching these candidates progress and begin to absorb the differences between what they were used to doing with other agencies and what NAUI is introducing them to,” said Snively. “There is no doubt that we have an exceptional team of future NAUI Instructors in this group of international candidates."
Operating multiple dive boats, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center is located just 50 miles east of South Florida on the island of North Bimini at the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina. The center provides opportunities for scuba divers, snorkelers and sightseers to explore some of the most beautiful and thrilling dive sites in The Bahamas.
First to discover the recuring presence of hammerhead sharks, Neal Watson Jr. initiated Bimini Scuba Center’s most unique feature: specializing in the Great Hammerhead Safari, which allows divers to experience these magnificent creatures between the months of December and March.
Across the industry, NAUI is known for its emphasis on “Dive Safety Through Education” and the principles of academic freedom and the “Loved One” concept. As such, NAUI leaders and affiliates support a wide range of diving experiences with these concepts serving as the foundation of their training.
“I will enjoy the freedom of being able to use the ‘Loved One’ principle with NAUI. I have to admit that I have certified students in the past that I was not 100 percent comfortable with,” said Alex. “I have never heard of the ‘Loved One’ principle, but now that I have, I will never issue another card without asking myself that one very important question: ‘Would I allow this person to dive with or teach someone I love?’”
NAUI members are known and respected across the industry for the quality of their teaching, focus on the individual student, and safety awareness. With new and revised training programs and business support materials, NAUI expects to see more facilities joining its international network as it expands its reach and impact across the globe.
To learn more about what makes NAUI unique or to find out how to become a NAUI Dive Center or Professional Educator, contact Jack Snively at jsnively@naui.org or call +1 (813) 628 6284.
Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center Sinks Multiple Wrecks Off North Bimini
May 16, 2017
Bimini, The Bahamas ⏤ On April 22, 2017, local dive shop, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center, in collaboration with Resolve Marine, Key Construction and Shannon Bullard and The Rock Shed Crew, sunk the 165 ft long J.P. Kipp Barge just miles off North Bimini. Within the following week, a 90 ft long Tug Manatee, a 70 ft long Landing Craft, dubbed “The Lady in Red” and a 30 ft Cuban Refugee Boat, were also sunk in the same area. All at a depth of 85 ft and within swimming distance, the 4 boats make up what is now called “The Coach Sugar Memorial Dive Site” — named after Bimini’s beloved chief youth mentor, Grathen “Sugar” Robins.
The Coach Sugar Memorial Dive Site is expected to have a booming impact on Bimini dive tourism. Once marine life begins to colonize, the wreck site will become home to a variety of reef fish, marine corals and various pelagic species.
“These artificial reefs provide a great sanctuary for undersea critters, help establish coral growth and recruitment, as well as being an awesome playground for scuba divers and water enthusiasts!” comments Duncan Brake, underwater cameraman and former Bimini Biological Field Station Manager.
The vessels — donated by Resolve Marine, Key Construction and Shannon Bullard and The Rock Shed Crew — are a welcomed addition to Bimini’s wreck dive options. Like the S.S. Sapona and Bimini Barge, the new boats come with their own colorful histories. Starting with the Tug Manatee, built in 1944, this craft was instrumental in the construction of Nassau’s mega resort Atlantis. Next, the Cuban Refugee Boat that ran ashore on Cat Cay in 2015 with 19 Cuban refugees on board — yes, 19! The passengers were said to have been found celebrating on the golf course thinking they had arrived in Miami. They were all sent back to Cuba.
Between the 4 companies — Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center, Resolve Marine, Key Construction and Shannon Bullard and The Rock Shed Crew — an estimated one-half million dollars was donated in terms of cleaning crews, dive crews, dive equipment, monies and physical vessels. The sinking of these four ships was an incredible community effort and will no doubt benefit the entire Bimini — from divers to fishermen to hospitality establishments.
Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center, located at the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, currently offers trips to the new dive site on an on-demand basis. Dive trips can be booked a la carte or as part of a Dive + Hotel Package. For more information about our dive rates and/or package information, please visit www.biminiscubacenter.com or call (800) 867 4764.
About Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center
Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center operates 3 dive boats including a 60-foot glass bottom boat well-suited to accommodate divers, snorkelers and sightseers alike. In addition to reefs, wrecks and wall diving, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center offers Great Hammerhead Shark, Wild Dolphin, Reef Shark and Sting Ray Safaris. PADI certifications and courses are also available. For more information, please visit www.biminiscubacenter.com.
Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center Moves Back to Bimini Big Game Club
April 28, 2016
Bimini, The Bahamas ⏤ Locally owned Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center announced today that it will officially be moving its scuba diving operation from South Bimini to Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina on North Bimini. Both companies expect this partnership to improve the complete guest experience and widen its customer base. In addition to Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center’s reputable Great Hammerhead Shark Safaris and Scuba Diving Packages, the dive shop will now also offer a variety of water sports and excursions for non-divers including Kayak Tours, Stand-up Paddle Board Tours and Sunset Cruises. Plans to open a Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center retail space in the near future have also been discussed.
With Bimini Big Game Club’s support, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center also looks forward to implementing several green, or rather “blue”, business practices to reduce the operation’s local environmental footprint. Plans to implement a paperless check-in process and the use of reusable, 100% recycled water bottles on-board the dive boat are in motion.
“Who could have dreamed that when I started the first dive operation in Bimini in 1975 that it would come full circle and my son, Neal Watson II, would be running the family business over 40 years later. What makes it even more exciting is being part of the newly remodeled Bimini Big Game Club!” comments Neal Watson Senior.
Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center (then doing business as Neal Watson’s Undersea Adventures) opened its first scuba diving operation in Bimini in 1975 at the Bimini Yacht Club on South Bimini. For over forty years, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center has had a presence in Bimini and as such, has played an essential role in building the reputation of Bimini and The Bahamas as a top dive destination. More recently, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center has become well known for its Great Hammerhead Shark Safari. As the first scuba diving operation to offer this safari, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center has set the bar when it comes to safety standards for both divers and sharks alike. Not only has the Great Hammerhead Shark Safari been good for local tourism, but it has also contributed to a profound amount of awareness regarding the protection of these magnificent and endangered creatures.
About Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center
Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center operates a 60-foot glass bottom dive boat well-suited to accommodate divers, snorkelers and sightseers alike. In addition to reefs, wrecks and wall diving, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center will continue to offer Great Hammerhead Shark, Wild Dolphin, Reef Shark and Sting Ray Safaris. PADI certifications and courses will also be available. For more information regarding all of Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center’s offerings, please visit www.biminiscubacenter.com.
About Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina
Located 50 miles east of the Miami/Fort Lauderdale coastline, The Bimini Big Game features 51 modern and comfortable guest rooms and suites located in a central building facing the sea, plus six cottages. The property also features a 75-slip marina with Bahamian customs and immigration clearance built to accommodate vessels up to 140-feet long. Resort guest amenities include a fresh water swimming pool, complimentary Wi-Fi and 3 on-property dining experiences. Air service to Bimini is conveniently available from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Nassau (NAS). For more information regarding Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, please visit www.biggameclubbimini.com.
Shipwreck in the Bermuda Triangle sets spooky stage for underwater thrills this Halloween.
October 2013
Bimini, The Bahamas ⏤ Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center in collaboration with Bimini Sands Resorts double dares you to join us this Halloween season for The Bahamas' first ever underwater haunted house on the wreck of the Sapona.
As the sun sets and the Halloween moon rises, Bimini Scuba Center will be setting sail into the heart of the Bermuda Triangle for the thrill ride of a lifetime. Divers and snorkelers fascinated by the occult and other freakish tales of mystery and murder are in for "trick" - or should we say, "treat."
The Sapona, or concrete ship, is already the island's most storied and haunting wreck, making it the ideal destination for a night of ghouls and goblins on the high seas. Jutting out of the water at a height of forty feet, this majestic ship was first run aground in the Great Hurricane of 1926 and then later used to store illegal rum during the United States' prohibition years. Aside from making an appearance in one of the James Bond Novels and being fired upon by George Bush Senior in a training exercise, this sunken ship was in fact the intended destination of Flight 19 just before it disappeared into the Devil's Triangle.
This season, the Sapona is debuting as The Bahamas' first ever underwater haunted house. The spectral swim through the Sapona will feature devilish dens, lurid lairs, hidden treasure and so much more, if you dare.
The Sapona Haunted House will be open Wednesday, October 30th. The boat will leave from the Bimini Scuba Center (adjacent to the Beach Club) at dusk, around 7 p.m. Participants must be 16 years and older; $85.00 for divers, $39.00 for snorkelers.
After the dive, freak-seekers are invited to Mackey's Sand Bar for their annual Halloween Party, which will include costume prizes, dancing, drinking and karaoke. Happy Hour kicks off at 3:00 p.m. for those who are not brave enough to venture into haunted seas.
About Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center
Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center is located at Bimini Sands Beach Club in South Bimini, The Bahamas. Its custom dive boat, "Dive God," sets out daily to explore some of the most beautiful and thrilling dive sites in The Bahamas. For more information, contact us via email at neal@biminiscubacenter.com.
About Bimini Sands Resort
Bimini Sands Resort & Marina is located just 50 miles from Miami on the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. The resort offers luxury accommodations, full service deepwater marina and spectacular oceanfront location.
World-record diver Neal Watson to open full-service scuba diving operation at Bimini Sands.
December 2012
Bimini, The Bahamas ⏤ We will be adding to our extensive menu of eco-adventure activities in January 2013 with the grand opening of the new scuba diving operation directed by world-renowned diver Neal Watson. The full-service Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center will be based at the Bimini Sands’ Beach Club. The new dive center will feature a 40-foot custom dive boat accommodating 30 divers, all-new Oceanic dive equipment rentals, a commercial compressor for tank refills and the only Nitrox fill station in the Bimini Islands.
“Our new location at the Bimini Sands Beach Club is ideal for a dive operation – the international airport is just a few minutes’ drive away, and it’s a short boat ride to Bimini’s best dive sites, most of which lie to the south,” Neal Watson said, citing as examples the wreck of the Sapona, Victory Reef and Tuna Alley, among other sites. “Bimini Sands’ condos are perfect for our divers’ needs. The resort’s new Infinity Pool is about to open, and its great restaurant, sushi bar and Mackey’s Sand Bar watering hole will be just steps from the door of our new dive shop.”
Daily operations at the Neal Watson Bimini Scuba Center will be managed by Watson’s son, Neal Watson, Jr., a PADI-certified dive instructor with both U.S. Coast Guard and Bahamian captain’s licenses. USA Travel Network, the international travel service operated by Beth Watson, Neal Watson’s daughter, will offer Bimini Sands dive vacation packages combining daily two-tank boat dives with waterfront villa accommodations. USA Travel Network can be reached toll free at 1-800-737-1007 and U.S. local at 954-615-1011, as well as the email address Sales@BiminiSands.com.
“Bimini Sands is already known for our world-class fishing waters and the wide variety of eco-adventures we offer. Adding a full-service scuba operation was the logical next step – and Neal Watson, an old Bahamas hand who holds several Guinness World Records for diving, is the best possible choice to direct it,” said Bimini Sands Resort & Marina CEO Frank Cooney. “As a family-operated company, we know the value of having a family on-site who can provide continuity and consistently excellent customer service for our guests. We’re delighted to welcome the Watson family to Bimini Sands.”
Neal Watson, who has run dive operations based on Grand Bahama, Andros, Chub Cay and Walkers Cay in the Bahamas, as well as in the Turks & Caicos, St. Lucia, Grenada, Bonaire and Belize, already is well acquainted with South Bimini, having established the first scuba diving operation in the Biminis there in 1975. In fact, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center will be virtually on the site of his original dive shop.
“It’s all come full circle, and I’m happy to be back working in South Bimini with my family,” said Watson. “Bimini is a very unique dive destination. It’s known for its big sea animals, like sharks and wild dolphin, and also for its incredible visibility. You could travel around the world and find no better dive site than you can find just a 20-minute plane ride or a two-hour boat ride from South Florida.”