The Vessel
The
Turks & Caicos Explorer II comfortably accommodates 20 passengers in 10 double staterooms, each of which have private bathroom facilities, individually-controlled air conditioning, hanging closet and wardrobe. The air-conditioned main salon on the main deck includes dining tables, TV, VCR, CD/DVD, video library and lounge area. A large sundeck with lounge chairs and buffet area is located aft of the upstairs deckhouse, which contains two additional passenger staterooms, pilothouse, and Captain's cabin. A large, awning-covered flybridge with wet bar, barbecue and seating for 12 to 15 is accessed from the sun deck as well. The dive deck is equipped with a bathroom, individual gear lockers, camera table, recharging station, air and nitrox filling stations, tank racks, freshwater showers, and a separate fresh water rinse for both scuba and underwater camera equipment. There are two large stairways accessing the dive platform, where two in-water ladders hang for easy access to and from the water. The
Turks & Caicos Explorer II is also equipped with a satellite telephone for outgoing calls worldwide.
Diving Conditions
The weather in the Turks & Caicos Islands is remarkably consistent year-round. The temperatures range from the 70's F or higher in the winter months to the low 90's during the summer, with nearly constant sea breezes. Water temperatures range from a low of about 72 degrees F in winter to a high of about 82 degrees F in summer. There is normally little appreciable current at the sites we visit, and visibility is generally between 75 and 150 feet. Most divers are comfortable with a 3 mm wetsuit in summer and a 5 mm wetsuit with hooded vest in winter.
Diving Logistics
The majority of dives aboard our vessels are offered at scheduled times, up to 5 times daily. This is to allow adequate surface intervals, provide the option for guided dives in as many sites as possible, and allow the vessel to travel on schedule to different locations. It also permits us to offer the widest variety of dive sites possible.
Minimum Age Restrictions
The minimum certifiable age of divers is 10 for most SCUBA certification agencies; normally, the agencies restrict 10 and 11 year olds to a maximum depth of 40 ft. Explorer Ventures therefore allows children as young as 10 years to participate in our trips, with the following restrictions:
- All children under the age of 15 must travel and dive with their parent or guardian, unless undergoing active training with an instructor.
- Our itineraries offer very few diving opportunities at depths less than 40 feet; diving opportunities for 10 and 11 year olds will be significantly less than those for older divers. For this reason, a minimum age of 12 for divers is strongly suggested.
Safety Standards
To ensure your safety, we require the following of all divers:
- All divers must be certified by an internationally recognized accrediting organization.
- All divers must have logged at least one dive within the 12 months prior to boarding the vessel, or participate in a refresher course on board.
- All divers must adhere to the buddy system, unless certified, equipped and adhering to standards for solo diving.
- All divers must log in and out of the water with a member of the diving staff.
- All divers must have a submersible console. In addition, a timepiece must be worn by at least one diver in a buddy team.
- On night dives, a cyalume lightstick or marker beacon must be worn by each diver.
- Decompression diving is not allowed under any conditions. The maximum allowed depth is 130' (110' on nitrox).
- Diving activities must cease when the consumption of alcohol begins.
- Please note that, due to a combination of staff and equipment logistics, insurance requirements and local diving regulations, neither rebreathers nor diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) may be used aboard Explorer Ventures vessels.
What To Bring
Packing for a liveaboard trip is much easier than packing for a land-based vacation. The climate doesn't require much more than shorts, T-shirts, and swimsuits (you may consider slacks, dress shorts or sundresses for dinner ashore, though all restaurants are "casual"). Soft luggage is recommended as it takes up very little space when empty. Sun screens, sunglasses, a visor or hat is recommended. In case of rough weather or if you have a tendency towards seasickness, come prepared with motion sickness medications or Transderm patches from your doctor. If you have favorite CD's or DVD's, feel free to bring them.
All linens (including sheets, comforters, bath towels, hand towels, dive towels, and wash cloths) are provided on board.
If possible, pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, a swimsuit, change of clothes and toiletries in your carry-on bag. Having these few items with you will make an unexpected luggage delay far more bearable.
Equipment List
The vessel provides tanks, weights, and weight belts for your use. If you prefer to rent the rest of your equipment from us, we have all of the equipment that you will need. Please indicate on your application form what equipment you will require.
Otherwise, the following items are the diver's responsibility:
- Certification Card (required to avoid a $100 checkout fee for certified divers)
- Diving Log Book (strongly encouraged; required for solo diving course)
- Mask *
- Snorkel *
- Fins *
- Booties (if you wear them)
- Buoyancy Control Device (required) *
- Regulator w/alternate air source *
- Submersible pressure and depth gauges (required) *
- Underwater time piece (required)
- Dive light *
- For solo divers: pony bottle (or independent or isolated-manifold twin tanks), whistle, knife, compass, and safety sausage or flag deployable from safety stop depth *
- Dive computer (recommended) *
- Wet suit (3mm to 5 mm) *
- Hooded vest during winter months
- Repair kit w/ spare parts
* Available for rent on board
Arrival
All US Citizens traveling by air to the Turks & Caicos are required by the US Government to have a valid US passport. Canadian visitors may enter without a passport, if they have an original or notarized birth certificate and a photo id. Visitors from other countries do require passports, but no visas are necessary except from countries of the former Eastern Bloc. They are advised to contact the nearest British Consulate Office. A valid return or onward ariline ticket is also required.
For Arrivals in Saturday of Boarding: Though transfers are not included in the package, you will be met at the airport by a local driver who will be aware of the boat's location. Due to tides, weather conditions and her size, the vessel's weekend location and schedule is tide-dependent, and she may be located either in Caicos Marina or anchored offshore. If you are not met at the airport and are unsure where to meet the boat, simply ask your cab driver to call the boat's cell phone number (+1.649.242.8267) or VHF Channel 16 and ask for instructions. Cab rides can vary from $15 to $30 per person depending on the time of day and number of people. Since you may be picked up by dinghy at a beach, you will be more comfortable if you wear sandals or deck shoes and either shorts, or trousers or pants that can be rolled up.
If you are staying overnight on Providenciales prior to boarding: While the vessel normally docks at Caicos Marina, tides and/or weather may dictate an early departure. Please be sure that your application form has included your hotel information on Providenciales, and call the vessel (+1.648.242.8267) prior to checking out of your hotel to determine where and when to board. Normally, the boat is available for boarding after 3 p.m.
If you experience travel difficulties and are delayed, please contact the vessel on Saturday and notify them (see Communications).
Meals
Aboard the Turks & Caicos Explorer II, evening meals usually consist of lots of fresh vegetables, rice, pasta, chicken, beef, turkey, pork, and fish. Breakfast is the usual fare of eggs, bacon, pancakes, French toast, muffins, danish and fresh fruits. Lunches vary from soup and sandwiches, burgers, pasta, assorted salads, and quiche. Homemade baked breads, cookies and brownies are offered between dives.
If you have any dietary restrictions or requests, please indicate so on your application form. Please note that specific brands of drinks, dressings and foods are often unavailable in the islands, and that it can be very difficult for us to find low-fat or soy products, fresh fruit, fish, and other items common elsewhere. While we will do our best to accommodate your requests, please be realistic and consider bringing some of your own foods if the lack thereof may constitute a health risk.
Currency
The U.S. dollar is the official currency; travelers' checks and most major credit cards are accepted widely throughout the island.
Departure
The Turks & Caicos Explorer II arrives back in Providencials at midday Friday. Transportation will be provided for a casual dinner on Friday evening; passengers spend Friday night and have Saturday breakfast on board; there will be sufficient time to catch a flight out at any time on Saturday. There is a departure tax, payable in cash, upon leaving.
On Board Charges
Though all meals (except Friday's dinner), beverages, and much more has been taken care of with your trip payment, there are additional items which you may charge to your on board bill. These include retail items (shirts, scuba accessories, etc.), incoming and outgoing telephone calls, photographic and scuba instruction, rentals, crew gratuities, a temporary fuel surcharge, departure tax , and a hotel tax.
Communications
Turks & Caicos Explorer II has a satellite phone for incoming and outgoing calls. Please be aware that a charge is assessed for both incoming and outgoing calls on the satphone.
Crew Gratuities
Crew gratuities are not included in your package. The crew works very hard, 7 days a week and up to 12 weeks at a stretch, providing the best possible service for our guests. The industry standard for crew gratuities on dive trips (if of course you are happy with the service which you have received) is between 10% and 15% of the package price per passenger. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.
Package Information
Packages Include:
- 7 nights/8 days aboard vessel
- 3 meals daily, plus between-dive snacks
- 5 dives daily
- Use of tanks, weights and belts
- All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Packages Do Not Include:
- Airport transfers
- Friday evening dinner
- Rental, instruction and retail charges
- Crew gratuities
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Departure taxes (approximately US$25)
- Port taxes (US$85) - payable on board
- Temporary Fuel Surcharge
