Medio Reef features spectacular shallow diving including mini-walls that rise out of 50 to 60 feet to within 25 feet of the surface. The sea mount is much too large for a single dive and it is possible to make a dive on the plateau and not realize that you are even on an underwater seamount. The plateau is coral covered and features dense fish and pelagic populations of all manners giving the illusion of diving in a tropical aquarium. The miles of edging to the seamount varies from a very distinctive sharp break into a 20’ to 40’ mini-wall with a flat base to rolling and sloping shoulder reefs all of which provides interesting terrain and habitat for the resident biomass.

The relatively shallow diving in gin clear water provides a color experience for all divers and a photographer’s paradise. Because of the easy shooting conditions even newbie photogs will see professional type results. The extreme remoteness and uncharted location has resulted in a virgin dive destination only visited by a few fortunate Nekton guests. Be one of those few to experience Medio Reef.

While the itinerary varies from week to week due to diving and weather conditions, the outline below will give you a good feel for the exciting week of diving in store for you.

Saturday Enjoy dinner ashore on your own prior to boarding. Nekton Rorqual embarkation begins in Ft. Lauderdale at Approximately 7:00 pm with Captain’s briefing at 8:00 pm after which the vessel will depart for the Bahamas. If you arrive in Ft. Lauderdale earlier in the day, we’ll pick you up and transport you to the Riverfront while taking your luggage aboard the boat. Note: Port Everglades’ tight security restrictions require that our guests be accompanied to the boat by our designated ground agent.

Sunday Cat Cay - Clear Bahamian customs in Cat Cay. Dive South Tuna Alley and Victory Reef. Upon completion of the afternoon dives, we will set sail for Medio Reef 120 miles south.

Monday thru Wednesday Medio Reef - Dive and snorkel sites on Medio Reef on the western edge of the immense Great Bahama Bank. Enjoy ancient staghorn coral grottos, colorful spur and groove formations and a giant sea mount. One site proved to be a real challenge at which to set a mooring, but the mooring crew was so impressed by the teeming fish life that they switched to a different type of mooring. In the end, the site was so full of life that even though the crew got a mooring in, they felt that “Nature Prevails”, hence the site name. At dinner time, we’ll set course for Cay Sal Bank

Thursday Dive the spectacular mysterious blues holes of Cay Sal Bank and Damas reef. These holes were most likely formed during the ice age when the area was dry land. As the earth collapsed forming a sink hole, a limestone substrate become exposed. Millions of years later as water began to cover the bank, these narrow ridges of limestone became a perfect base for corals and sponges to attach. Today, divers can enjoy the ancient coral that covers the rims of the blue holes that begin in about 20 -30 feet of water. Colorful tropical fish dart in and out of the coral. Octopus and huge basket stars come out after dark.

Friday Morning dives at Tuna Alley. In the afternoon, explore a shallow reef near Bimini before an optional shore excursion which would no doubt include “refreshments and Calypso music. If you still haven’t had your fill of scuba adventures continue diving throughout the afternoon and even a Friday night dive to permanently set that vacation smile on your face.

Saturday You’ll arrive back in Ft. Lauderdale at 8:00 am. After clearing customs and immigration, the vans will transport you to the Fort Lauderdale International Airport or a local hotel. Please schedule flights for after 12:00 noon and REMEMBER DAN’s recommended waiting period between repetitive diving and flying.