Dive Review of
Explorer Ventures in
Saba

Varied Carribean sites

Dive Conditions

At Statia, all dives on reef were required to be supervised by park rangers
from Statia.  Otherwise, normal recreational limits were enforced.  Dives
had a maximum time limit of 75 minutes.  

Seperate rinse tank provided.  Charging area provided.  Large workspace
available for cameras only.  Crew was prepared and able to help with camera
handling.  

Overall Rating

Carribean Explorer II is in good condition.  The cabins are comfortable but
the boat's diesel is relatively noisy, even in the most forward cabins.  I
think light sleepers may have some difficulty.  Thankfully there were only
11 divers on board.  The boats' capacity is 18 but the cabins would feel
extremely small for two persons and there is not seating for 18 at meals. 
Compared to places such as Lighthouse Reef in Belize and West Cacios, the
condition of the coral is not that good.  Diving on the pinacles off Saba
feels more adventurous but not one in eleven wanted to do more diving there
when offered.  I think this is because at the depth, the dives are short,
currents somewhat stronger and much less in the way of reef life.

Overall, there is a great variety of crabs, lobsters, eels, worms, shrimp
and sea slugs; things you may not see often at other locations.  Perhaps
due to the recent storms, much of the shallower areas were covered in a
layer of silt giving much of the reef a brown tinge.  Visibility ranged
from good to murky, despite the very calm conditions on the surface and
little current at depth at most of the other dive sites.

The Carribean Explorer crew does not pamper the way that Peter Hughes boats
are known to do.  Captain Jim was personable enough as well as John the
cook.  The crew is turning over almost completely except for the captain. 
John the cook is moving down to the dive deck and should be a welcome
replacement.  Dominique is now aboard as cook and hopefully that will be a
welcome change as well. 

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