Explore the islands the Northeastern Caribbean aboard the Caribbean Explorer II, one of the only liveboard dive boats that visits this area year-round. Participants will begin the trip in St. Kitts and end the week in St. Maarten, allowing us to visit a variety of sites throughout the week. This special REEF itinerary will feature diving around Montserrat, which is known for being home to an active volcano. Less than 50 REEF surveys have conducted in the area surrounding Montserrat, and participants will have an opportunity to contribute much-needed data to REEF's online database. Weather permitting, several land-based tours will be offered throughout the week as well.
Trip Type: Fish Survey - click here to learn more!
Pricing: Main or Lower Deck Stateroom: $2,095 per person based on double occupancy.
Accommodations: The Caribbean Explorer II liveaboard sleeps 18 passengers. There are 4 staterooms located on the main deck, and 5 staterooms on the lower deck. All staterooms are air-conditioned and have private ensuite bathrooms with shower. All 4 Main Deck Staterooms and 2 Lower Deck Staterooms have a window.
Diving: The Caribbean Explorer II offers up to 5 dives a day for 5.5 days. Average water temperature during the time of the trip is approximately 76 degrees Fahrenheit. A 3 or 5mm wetsuit is recommended. All diving is done directly from the dive platform of the mothership, which provides easy access to the water. Visibility is usually between 50-150 ft.
Price Includes: The trip package includes 7 nights of double occupancy accommodation, 5 full days of diving plus one half day of diving, three daily meals and snacks (except Friday night dinner which is ashore), all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, tanks, weights, and weight belts.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $300 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar and REEF survey materials.
Additional Fees: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF - Port tax and fuel surcharge to be determined (subject to change until 30 days prior to the trip departure) all flights, transfers to and from the boat dock, dinner ashore on Friday night, optional Nitrox, optional rental equipment, and optional souvenir purchases onboard. Gratuities for the crew are not included in the cost of the charter and are at each individual's discretion. Insurance is not included, however REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. More information about dive travel insurance can be viewed here.
About the Trip Leader: Janna Nichols is REEF's Citizen Science Program Manager, focusing on member relations, field stations, and working extensively with the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. She coordinates REEF's social media and was also the creator of the popular REEF Fishinar (webinar) program. Janna is passionate about underwater photography and marine life identification, and many of her photos appear in west coast marine life ID guides, publications, and online resources. She has completed over 1,000 REEF surveys and is an expert level REEF surveyor in the Pacific Coast and Tropical Western Atlantic regions.
How to Sign Up: To reserve your space or find out more, e-mail us at trips@REEF.org, or call us at 305-588-5869. A $500 deposit will be collected at the time of booking. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
How to Get There: Please note that this trip will embark in St. Kitts and disembark in St. Maarten. Participants should make arrangements to fly into Robert L. Bradshaw airport in St. Kitts (SKB) arriving on Dec. 1, and fly out of St. Maarten (SXM) departing on Dec. 8. Participants are responsible for booking their own airfare. REEF is not able to book air travel for participants.
Transfers: Airport transfers are not included in the price of the package, but participants will be met at the airport by a driver. The transfer cost is $20-$30/person each way, depending on the size of the transfer group. Participants will board the boat at Port Zante marina in St. Kitts. The boat is available for boarding at 3pm on Dec. 1.