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Dive Review of Explorer Ventures -- T&C Explorer II in
Turks and Caicos

Explorer Ventures -- T&C Explorer II, Jun, 2010,

by Frank Hall, IN, US (Sr. Contributor Sr. Contributor 23 reports with 6 Helpful votes). Report 5532.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 5 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 4 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 3 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 3 stars
Beginners 3 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments Our flight arrived about 1:00pm (no boarding before 3:00pm).We were met at the airport by a crew member. The boat had arranged for the cab to drop us off in front of the cab driver's daughter's restaurant! We had a bite to eat (hadn't planned on that)and killed time until the cab picked us up around 3:30pm. Fare to and from the boat is not included in the trip package. Counting the excursion to the restaurant,it was $20/person airport to the boat, and $18/person from the boat back to the airport when you leave. The island has gotten really expensive compared to when we were there 10 years ago. Prepare for everything to cost more than you had expected.

The boat is in excellent condition and for the most part, the crew was friendly and professional. Our cabin had 2 single beds, private head and shower and was very comfortable. The food was basic fare, but tasted great.

The dive operation could use a little better organization and communication among the crew. They just don't seem as well prepared as live-aboards we've been on previously.

Hurricane damage was evident. The reefs were covered with sand, thus there wasn't a lot of color. We saw numerous sharks, grouper, reef fish, and a couple of turtles. The real eye opener is the number of lionfish. They are everywhere!

The boat swings widely and may or may not swing back (in a reasonable amount of time). Best to use the mooring as your reference. Two down lines to hang onto for your safety stop, but it's a wild ride.
Some tidal currents and a rougher ride in the French Cay area. No current line put out? Overall, great boat, mostly great crew, but I'm not sure it's worth the price.
Websites Explorer Ventures -- T&C Explorer II   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Bonaire, Bahamas, Roatan, Belize, Caymans
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather cloudy Seas choppy
Water Temp 82-84°F / 28-29°C Wetsuit Thickness 1
Water Visibility 40-90 Ft/ 12-27 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Depth limited according to Nitrox percent. Back on the boat with no less than 500 lbs.
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

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

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

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 5 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Large camera table and separate rinse tank. Handled equipment carefully.
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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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