The Northeast Caribbean is an intriguing area offering a blend of Dutch, British, French and native cultures on some of the most scenic islands of the Caribbean.
Departing each Saturday on her 8 day/7 night diving expeditions, Caribbean Explorer II boards alternately in either St. Maarten or St. Kitts. Itineraries include 5 1/2 days of diving, including 2 to 2 1/2 days within the Saba Marine Park, a day within the St. Eustatius Marine Park, and 2 to 2 1/2 days at St. Kitts. 5 dives daily are normally offered, including night dives; the schedule also provides for up to 3 island tours during the week, providing ample time for our guests to explore forts, rainforests, duty-free shops and museums.
The Caribbean Explorer II’s combination of diving and optional island access has always been unique within the liveaboard diving industry. As a dedicated dive liveaboard, all diving is done directly off of the vessel, using the expansive dive deck covering the aft third of the main deck. Each diver has his or her own dive gear bin; a large camera table, as well as rinse tanks, wetsuit drying racks, charging stations are available for all to use.
If you are interested in touring the islands, other guests’ can continue diving. We can also arrange additional time ashore to hike the rainforest-covered mountains, horseback ride on the beach, or even play golf, check with the crew when you board.
Caribbean Explorer II features private ensuite bathrooms in each of the nine air-conditioned double staterooms, as well as nitrox, a larger dive deck, and more on-board space. A crew of seven, including 4 dive instructors, caters to the needs of our 18 guests each week. Each stateroom has a private lavatory, toilet and shower; most have queen beds with a twin bed option, as well.
A large semi-enclosed salon serves as the main gathering place for meals, slide shows and movies; aft of the salon, the sundeck provides a large area and lounge chairs to relax and soak up the rays.
Travel to the area is easy, with St. Maarten (SXM) served by direct flights on American Airlines, USAir, Delta and Continental from New York, Newark, Miami, Atlanta and San Juan. St. Kitts (SKB) is easily reached via either American, American Eagle (from San Juan) or USAir.
Since the inception in 1995 of Scuba Diving’s Reader’s Choice Awards, the Caribbean Explorer (now enjoying her new itinerary in the Bahamas) rated in the top ten liveaboard dive boats worldwide in terms of customer service, and was ranked the best dive operation in the world in 1996. The Caribbean Explorer II continues the tradition!
TRIP REPORT: January 5th - January 12th
There was relatively good weather for the week. The most exciting sighting was a HUMPBACK WHALE at Saba!!! The boat also was also visited by two large pods of dolphins. The resident seahorse was at its normal spot at Paradise Reef in St. Kitts. Passengers also saw an octopus, flying gunnards, reef and nurse sharks, and lots of rays.
By: Ariana on January 14, 2008
at 10:03 am
