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Dive Review of Sea Seacher II in
The Continental USA/Texas Gulf Coast

Sea Seacher II, Aug, 2002,

by Larry Day, TX, USA . Report 50.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 5 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 3 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 1 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments The Sea searcher II operates out of Freeport, Texas and makes runs of approximately 100 miles to the Flower Gardens Marine Sanctuary. Departures are typically Friday evening with return on Sunday evening.
We were able to do up to eight dives during the trip. We were at four different locations during the trip which included The Flower Gardens East bank, Stetson Bank and a deep oil rig. Stetson Bank was my personal favorite due to the unique geology and the wall diving.
From the moment we boarded, the crew did everything possible to make sure we had a safe and enjoyable trip. We were briefed regarding dive operations before we ever left the dock and there was a thorough briefing priior to each dive. We were issued a number tag which we wore on our BC throughout the trip and was used to monitor entrance and exit times, depths, and air consumed. Our nitrogen loading was estimated since we were doing eight dives over two days. The dive deck had fresh water shower with plenty of water and cold drinks.
The boat was immaculate and roomy for up to a maximum of 16 divers. Four to a cabin with fresh linens, towel, and pillows provided. Food was well prepared, varied, and plentiful.
This trip is not recommended for newly certified divers. The conditions can quickly vary from dead calm to strong currents, surge. and 5-6 foot waves. We saw all of those conditions. The giant stride entrance is 6-8 feet above the water. Navigational skills are essential for safe diving. A zodiac boat is used to retrieve divers that get carried away from the mother ship. The crew said they would rather pick you up than have you try to stress yourself to swim to the boat.
This was a very enjoyable trip and our group is alredy planning next years trip. July-September is thr preferred time for the trip with the coral spawn being in late August full moon.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 101-250 dives
Where else diving Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale, Belize, Roatan, Cozumel, Texas
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy, rainy, cloudy Seas calm, choppy, surge, currents
Water Temp 84-85°F / 29-29°C Wetsuit Thickness 1
Water Visibility 75-100 Ft/ 23-30 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Strict buddy rules. Logged depth (max130),air consumed,Time in/out. Monitored Nitrogen loading since we were able to do 8 dives over two days.
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas 1 or 2
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 2 stars
Small Critters 4 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics 4 stars

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

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 3 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments [None]
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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.

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