St Kitts / Saba / 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).
