Escape the hectic holidays with a fun dive vacation to the Turks and Caicos Islands. This is one of the few locations in the Caribbean that is known to have a healthy Nassau Grouper population, and because this trip falls right after the full moon, you may even see grouper migrating to spawning sites, or get to view them in their breeding colors! The Turks and Caicos Islands are also known to have resident Reef Sharks, frequently sighted on numerous dive locations. In addition, many other fish finds await discovery on the walls and reefs throughout the islands. Several major US airports fly directly to Provo, which means your travel will be hassle-free during this busy time of year. The Turks and Caicos Explorer II is a favorite of many REEF members due to its easily accessible diving, done directly from the ship, as well as the comfortable staterooms. You'll return from this trip relaxed and ready to enjoy the holiday season!
Trip Type: Fish Survey - click here to learn more!
Pricing: Lower Deck Stateroom: $2,595 per person; Main Deck Stateroom: $2,795 per person; VIP Stateroom: $2,995 per person. All rates based on double occupancy.
Accommodations: The Turks and Caicos Explorer II sleeps 20 passengers. The boat has 3 Lower Deck Staterooms with two twin beds, 5 Main Deck Staterooms with queen or twin beds, and 2 VIP/Boat Deck Staterooms with queen beds. All Staterooms are air-conditioned with private bathroom and shower, hanging closet and a wardrobe.
Diving: The Turks and Caicos Explorer II offers up to 5 dives a day for 5.5 days. Average water temperature during the time of the trip is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. All diving is done directly from the dive platform of the mothership, which has two in-water ladders for easy access to and from the water. There are few moorings in these areas, so some of the dives in this area may be done as drift dives.
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 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 in Providenciales 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.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN.
About the Trip Leader: Alli Candelmo, Ph.D. is REEF’s Invasive Species Program Manager. Alli has studied the population dynamics and management strategies of invasive lionfish in the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos, working with the local stakeholders and communities on both islands to help improve removal efforts and gain a better understanding of invasive lionfish. She has also been a member of the research team for the Grouper Moon Project since 2016. She is a strong advocate for conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems, regularly volunteering for local community programs.
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: . Participants should book round-trip flights to Providenciales (PLS), arriving on Saturday, Dec. 14 and departing on the following Saturday, Dec. 21.The vessel is available for boarding beginning at 3pm on Dec. 14, and participants will disembark the boat the following Saturday at 9am. Participants are responsible for booking their own airfare. REEF is not able to book air travel for participants.
Transfers: Explorer Ventures will arrange transfers to and from the boat for all participants. The cost of these transfers will be paid directly to the driver onsite. All transfers will be arranged in advance.