Caribbean Explorer Adventure
By Paul Janosi
For the diving vacationer who has searched in vain through the travel ads and brochures for a perfect, hassle free, warm and exciting holiday, there are few better choices than living and diving aboard the 106 foot custom designed floating dive resort the M/V Caribbean Explorer.
The Caribbean explorer was originally converted into a live-aboard dive boat in 1985. Designed to into account every need of the diver, the vessel was completely refurbished in 1990. In 1995, the vessel's capacity was reduced to 16 guests, full-size double beds and private sinks / vanities were installed in each cabin. In addition, the entire vessel was once again refurbished from top to bottom.
The upper deck has a spacious sundeck with lounge chairs offering guests plenty of room for relaxing and enjoying a meal prepared on the built in barbecue. It also includes a covered entertainment area with TV, VCR, stereo and a bar with comfortable seating for 10. There are 3 air-conditioned cabins, each with full size double bed, private sink and vanity, and a full bathroom with shower.
The dive deck is located on the aft half of the main deck. It is equipped with individual gear lockers, tank racks, air filling station and separate rinse tanks for both camera and diving equipment. Photographers can take their camera equipment right from the rinse tank to a carpet covered camera table. There are three fresh water rinse showers located on the dive deck and on the swim platform. Space is available to hang wetsuits, swimsuits and wet towels. Dry towels are stored above the charging table. Two ladders provide access down to the dive platform, where two in-water ladders hang for easy access to the vessel.
Forward of the dive deck, the enclosed salon includes the galley, dining room, TV, VCR, video library and retail store. A full time chef prepares three delicious meals a day and has snacks ready for you when you come out of the water after diving. Videographers can plug their tapes into the VCR right after the dive for an immediate play back of their underwater adventure. The dive masters are always willing dive buddies and models. They also offer photo and video instruction, camera rentals and E-6 processing. Should you wish the crew could produce a professional video of your dive vacation to take home to show to your family and friends.
The lower level houses the engine and compressor room and E-6 mini lab. Crew quarters are at the bow of the vessel, There are five air conditioned cabins located centrally, each cabin has a full-size double lower bed, and single upper berth, closet, and private sink and vanity. Located at each end of the passenger companionway there are two full bathrooms with showers.
The guests board the Caribbean Explorer at Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. After "checking in", you are free to explore Philipsburg up to dinnertime and afterwards 10 PM.
St. Maarten enjoys the joint sovereignty of Holland and France. Any day, any hour, visitors are welcomed on either side, the border marked only by a signpost. Philipsburg, the Dutch capitol with its boutiques and duty-free shops amuse and divert the avid shopper. Shops are well stocked with imported duty free luxuries from all over the world. On Front Street, you will discover a shopping Mecca with boutiques brimming with attractive merchandise. Japanese cameras, electronics, Swiss watches and British cashmeres are a few examples of the many goods available.
Boutique windows in the French capitol, Marigot, display the finest crystal, porcelains and perfumes as well as the latest styles in jewelry and swimwear. St. Maarten comes alive at night. Choose from dancing under the stars in one of the many discotheques, try your luck in the casinos on the Dutch side, or indulge in a relaxing stroll on the beach.
Onboard, after the managers briefing, the Caribbean Explorer departs for a one-week excursion to the islands of Saba and St Kitts.. The Caribbean explorer offers 4-5 dives daily, including night dives. Sunday and Monday are usually spent diving Saba, , Tuesday and Wednesday in St. Kitts., Thursday and Friday are back in Saba.
The Caribbean Explorer returns to St. Maarten on Friday afternoon around 4 PM. Passengers spend Friday night shopping and dining in Philipsburg, or just relaxing onboard watching a slide show or video.
Saturday morning, after a continental breakfast, it is time for farewells as the guests depart reminiscing about the exciting and adventures time they had aboard the M/V Caribbean Explorer.