Invasive Lionfish Control Study – Explorer Ventures Liveaboard

This special Lionfish Research trip is part of REEF’s ongoing program to document the establishment and consequences of invasive lionfish on native fish populations. A great opportunity to dive off the beaten path, this trip will feature a custom research itinerary aboard the luxurious Explorer II liveaboard, and designations will include Provo, Great Inagua, Hogsty Reef Atoll, and Little Inagua. Participants will have an opportunity to be trained in lionfish collection and dissections of specimens to document prey.

Cost Per Person: VIP Stateroom $2,595 (double occ), Main Deck Stateroom $2,395 (double occ), Lower Deck Stateroom $2,195

What is included: Your package includes 7 nights onboard the Explorer II liveaboard, three daily meals and snacks (except dinner Friday night), all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 6 days of diving with a special research itinerary scheduled for Provo, Great Inagua, Hogsty Reef Atoll, and Little Inagua (up to 5 dives per day including night dives and 2 dives on the last day), tanks, weight and weight belts.

Additional fees: A REEF Program Fee of $250 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leaders, seminar and survey materials. Paid on premises: Port tax $85/pp*, Fuel Surcharge $250/pp*, Airport Transfers to boat $45/pp each way for up to 2 people, $25/pp thereafter. *Taxes and fees subject to change up until 30 days prior to travel. Friday night dinner ashore in Provo on participant’s own (transportation provided & included) and crew gratuity at participant’s own discretion. Airline Departure Tax typically included in price of airline ticket. Optional Nitrox available on board for $150/pp for the duration of the trip.

Airport/hotel transfer information: While our itinerary is based in the southern Bahamas, the port for the Explorer II is located in Turks & Caicos. Participants fly into/out of Providenciales International Airport (PLS) on Turks & Caicos. Ground transfers from the airport to the boat will be arranged in advance. Ground transfer cost will be paid directly to the driver on-site. The vessel is available for boarding after 3pm on Saturday. Participants will disembark the following Saturday at 9am.

How to book: To reserve your space or find out more, email us at trips@REEF.org, or call us at 305-588-5869. A $500 deposit will be collected at time of booking. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.

About the trip leaders: Lad Akins, REEF’s Director of Special Projects, is renowned as the leading expert on invasive species, specifically lionfish. He served as the Founding Executive Director of REEF and led the organization in that capacity for 16 years, helping to design and develop REEF’s widely recognized marine conservation programs. In 2005, he stepped down to focus his efforts solely on the lionfish invasion.

Andy Dehart is a Board of Trustees member for REEF. Andy has worked in the public aquarium industry for over 25 years. Andy's specialty is sharks and he has been featured on numerous Shark Week documentaries on the Discovery Channel. He is also passionate about the control of lionfish and worked with Lad closely in the formative days of REEF's lionfish work in the Bahamas.