St. Maarteen Liveaboard March 3rd to the 10th

We did this trip the summer of 2011. We had some people that couldn't make it so we are going to do it again on the Caribbean Explorer II.

The Northeastern Caribbean is an intriguing area offering a blend of Dutch, British, French and native cultures on some of the most scenic islands of the Caribbean. The vessel departs Saturday, March 3rd from St. Kitts for 5 1/2 days of diving; 2 to 3 days at St. Kitts and 2 to 3 days within the Saba Marine Park. 5 dives daily are normally offered, including night dives. The schedule also provides for up to 3 island tours during the week, there is ample time to explore forts, rainforests, duty-free shops and museums. Some of the plantations are still working and all are very interesting.

The Northeastern Caribbean itinerary, combining diving and optional island access, has always been unique within the liveaboard diving industry. As a dedicated dive liveaboard, all diving is done directly off of the vessel, using the expansive dive deck covering the aft third of the main deck. Each diver has his or her own dive gear bin; a large camera table, as well as rinse tanks, wetsuit drying racks, charging stations are available for all to use. Water temps vary from 76 to 85 degrees with visibility 75 to 150 feet.

Nitrox is available; tanks are filled in place between each dive, so that there is never any need to disassemble your gear. If you are interested in touring the islands, other guests' can continue diving. We can also arrange additional time ashore to hike the rainforest-covered mountains, horseback ride on the beach, or even play golf, check with the crew when you board. The tour of Saba should not be missed. (Saba spice is...interesting)

Liveaboards offer diving that cannot be done any other way. Plus, since you're eating onboard almost every meal, the food must be good. Caribbean Explorer is known for fantastic meals. Snacks are served after every dive. When Mary & I went I think she was most impressed by the warm towels and hot drinks after the night dives.

Saba, known for its submerged offshore pinnacles, is the 5 square mile top of a dormant volcano towering 3,000 feet above the surface and surrounded by volcanic sand. The abrupt topography above the sea is mirrored below, and the profusion of marine life attests to the early institution of the Saba Marine Park in 1987. The land tour goes up what looks like a verticle slope to get to the town. There is even a rainforest at the top of the island.

St. Kitts offers arguably the widest variety of sites - finger reefs, recent wrecks, and a variety of dropoffs that will capture your imagination. Take a look at some of the pictures from the past trips for an idea of what to expect.

Air to the islands can be arranged through the major carriers. American, US Airways, Continental or Delta serve both St Maarten (SXM) and St Kitts (SKB). When booking your airfare keep in mind that this trip starts on St Kitts and ends on St Maarten. You can also fly Liat Airlines between St Maarten and St Kitts if your flights from the US are round trip.

Regular price for this trip is $1895.00. Book NOW and get $500.00 off. Book after January 5th and get $400.00 off. (double occupancy)

Additionally, there are port fees of $115.00 and a current fuel charge of $125.00 (subject to change).

Thanksgiving 2012 In Bonaire! Updated Feb 3

It's set! Airfare has been booked, weather arranged (warm and sunny), condos held, and good friends notified (that's you)! Oh, and the Turkey has been pardoned.

It's back to our favorite Caribbean dive spot, Bonaire. Of all the places we go, this is consistently the best all around and easiest diving we can find. Just find a yellow rock and get wet.

For 2012 we have improved the trip and added some additional features. Of course, we still have unlimited shore diving with unlimited nitrox. We are using the Sand Dollar because the condos have oversized rooms and full kitchens plus balconies or porches. Eat in your fully stocked kitchen or visit a restaurant and let someone else do the cooking. Our diving allows you to do as many or a few as you wish. No boat to miss, no lost money by skipping a boat dive. Just dive when you want, as much as you want.

This year we added a rental pickup for each room. In the past the whole condo shared a vehicle. To make it more convenient we decided to put a truck per room (double occupancy). However, if you have a couple to share the condo with you, you can opt to only have one vehicle for the four of you and save $75.00 per person.

On our trip to Provo we had a group dinner on Thursday that was enjoyed by one and all. So we are including that in our Bonaire trip. We’ll arrange for a group dinner at one of the many restaurants that we have enjoyed over the years.

We have included airfare from Charlotte to Bonaire in this year's price. For those not wanting to drive to Charlotte we'll offer spots in our touring van.

Plus we'll have the trailer to tranport your luggage. Here's a rare treat when flying, Scuba equipment qualifies you for two free checked bags with a total weight of 110 lbs (yes,110 lbs). Plus your regular carry-ons. If you are not a diver you still get two free bags but only 88 lbs.

Trip price is per person in a 2 BR condo with 2 people per room. If you don't have anyone to share the condo you can opt for a smaller, private condo (extra fee) or we'll try to find you some new firends to share your condo. Each room in the condo will have its' own truck for convenience.