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Dive Review of Caribbean Explorer II in
Caribbean (General)

Caribbean Explorer II: "Explorer Ventures Caribbean Explorer II", May, 2017,

by Steve Dussault, NH, US (Contributor Contributor 18 reports with 4 Helpful votes). Report 9611 has 1 Helpful vote.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 3 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 4 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 3 stars
Advanced 3 stars
Comments BOOKING:
The booking process for the Caribbean Explorer II (CEXII) was easy and straight forward and they charge in US funds. The staff at Explorer Ventures is very helpful and prompt to respond to email inquires and questions.

TRAVEL and ARRIVAL:
We were able to fly non-stop from Boston to St. Maarten. We were greeted at the airport by a representative of CEXII. After a few more guests arrived at the airport we were transported to the boat but since it was before 3:00 PM we were not able to board. This gave us the opportunity to have lunch and explore the stores and shops of Simpson Bay, St. Maarten.

At 3:00 PM we were able to board and the check in process on the boat went smoothly and easily. Staterooms were assigned, paper work completed, and SCUBA gear set up.

THE BOAT:
The Caribbean Explorer II can accommodate up to 18 divers and our trip there were 14 divers. All diving is done from the boat and entrance can be from the side or the dive platform. The air conditioning works well and the plumbing can be a bit finicky.

MEALS:
A continental breakfast is put out at 6:30 AM with a hot breakfast severed from 7:00 AM - 7:45. Lunch and dinner are served buffet style and are hearty meals. There are fresh snacks in between the dives. Soda, juice, and alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and liquor) are included in the cost of the trip.

Friday night dinner is at a local restaurant that is not included in the cost of the trip.

DIVING:
Five (5) dives a day are available. Two in the morning, two in the afternoon, and one night dive. Most live aboards do the night dive before dinner. On the CEXII the night dive is after dinner and we typically like to relax after dinner so most night dives were out for us.

Bottom time is 60 minutes and 111 feet maximum depth for NITROX. All the diver dove 32% NITROX so everyones bottom time was about the same.

A variety of dive sites were dove. Walls, reefs, pinnacles, and wrecks. A typical profile would be to do a loop for 40 minutes then explore the area around the mooring before coming back to the boat.

Rinse tanks for the equipment were changed twice daily with some disinfectant added to keep the dive gear clean.

ISLAND TRIPS:
You have the option to skip an afternoon dive and do a short tour of Saba and St. Kitts.

SUMMARY:
Explorer Ventures and CEXII does a very good job of ensuring that you have enjoyable and safe week of diving. The crew and captain are very personable and professional.
Websites Caribbean Explorer II   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 501-1000 dives
Where else diving US, Canada, Alaska, Caribbean, South America, South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, Indian Ocean
Closest Airport St. Maarten Getting There Non Stop

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm
Water Temp 82-84°F / 28-29°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 50-75 Ft/ 15-23 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile no
Enforced diving restrictions 60 min / 111 ft
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters 3 stars Large Fish N/A
Large Pelagics N/A

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

Subject Matter N/A Boat Facilities N/A
Overall rating for UWP's N/A 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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