Turks and Caicos Explorer 2 | Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic

Boat

Turks & Caicos Explorer II was designed from the ground up and built as a corporate charter and liveaboard dive vessel in 1995, the last time recommissioned was in 2005. It is a strong aluminum vessel, 35 meters long, 7 meters wide. it can reach a maximum cruise speed at 14 knots.

The air-conditioned main salon on the main deck includes dining tables, where breakfasts and dinners are served. There are also TV, CD/DVD, video library, lounge area, as well as a boutique display inside the salon.

Turks & Caicos Explorer II features a large sunning area with comfortable lounge chairs and chairs on the upper deck. the buffet meals area is located aft of the upstairs deckhouse,

The top flybridge features settee seating for 12 to 15, a barbeque, wet bar and helm station.

The dive deck locatd at the aft half of the main deck, and it is equipped with a bathroom, individual gear bins, 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.

Cabin

Turks & Caicos Explorer II has 10 guest staterooms, can comfortably host 20 guests.

All staterooms have private bathroom, individually-controlled air conditioning, desk and chair, hanging closet and wardrobe, 220 V and 110 V AC power (110 V AC 3 prong grounded outlets in all cabins and heads).

VIP Stateroom (no 1, 2):
Located on the upper deck, each cabin comes with a queen bed, TV, large window.

Stateroom (no 3, 4):
Located on the main deck, each cabin comes with two single beds side by side, large window.

Stateroom (no 5, 6, 7):
Located on the main deck, each cabin comes with a double bed or two single beds side by side, large window.

Stateroom (no 8, 9, 10):
Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with two single beds (bunk style), portholes.

Diving (Turks & Caicos Islands)

• Up to 5 dives per day, 27 dives per week (incl. night dives)
• No dive on the embarkation and disembarkation day.
• Only 1 - 2 dives will be provided on the last diving day.
• All diving will provide experienced guide to lead the dive.
• 1- 3mm wetsuit or shorty is recommended year round.
• 5mm for is recommended for winter months (January/February)

Snorkeling (Silver Bank, Dominican Republic)

• No diving certification is need, non-divers are welcome

• Most guests make as many as 2 “whale runs” each day.

• A 3mm wetsuit or shorty (26 - 27C), full-foot fins are suggested.

• Guests must follow all instructions the inflatable operator gives

Other Informations

• Nitrox：Available for an additional charge
• REBREATHER Dive：Not available at the moment
• Dive Equipment Rental：Available with additional cost
• Dive insurance：Divers must have valid dive insurance
• Wi-Fi Internet ：You can use your cellphone signal
• Laundry Service：Not available at the moment
• Massage Service：Not available at the moment
• Payment on board：By cash (USD) or credit card.
• Crew Number：9, include 2 dive guides

The Turks & Caicos Islands

Scheduling 5 dives daily, including night dives, the vessel boards in Providenciales each Saturday and offers 5 1/2 days of diving each week. You'll explore the 5 different black coral species at Black Coral Forest, the reef sharks of Provo's Shark Hotel, the deep-water gorgonians of G-Spot, and the spotted eagle rays of Double D, along with a multitude of other dive sites along the region's plunging walls.

Please note also that this itinerary is an example only, and will change depending on weather and logistics at the Captain's discretion.

Regular Itinerary

Saturday: 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 or VHF Channel 16 and ask for instructions.

Sunday: Provo's Northwest Point. Four to five dives, with the night spent at mooring.

Monday: Two morning dives at Northwest Point, followed by 2-hour trip to West Caicos. Three dives, with night spent at mooring.

Tuesday: Up to five dives at West Caicos, with night spent at mooring.

Wednesday: Two dives at West Caicos, transit to French Cay, three dives at French Cay, with night spent at mooring.

Thursday: Five dives at French Cay, with night spent at mooring.

Friday: Dawn dive and morning dive at French Cay, with departure for the 2-hour trip back to port. Afternoon at leisure; dinner ashore, with night spent aboard vessel.

Saturday: 7AM to 8:30AM Continental breakfast, 9AM Depart the Turks & Caicos Explorer II. Should you be leaving on an afternoon flight, you may leave your luggage aboard for pickup later. However, cabs are very expensive and it can be costly to return to the vessel.

Silver Bank - Dominican Republic

Approximately 130km north of the Dominican Republic, and 160km southeast of the Turks and Caicos Islands lie the shoals of the Silver Bank. Protected by NOAA as the "Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic" these shoals are the world's largest mating & calving grounds for Humpback whales.

Every year the Silver Bank hosts 5000-7000 North Atlantic Humpback whales for mating and calving. Known as the 'Acrobats of the Sea,' the thousands of humpback whales create a dramatic show of breaching, lob tailing, fin slapping, and spy hopping.

The humpback whales start to arrive in the Dominican Republic in December and leave at the end of April, reliably and predictably, creating countless opportunities for passive-in-water snorkel encounters and onboard viewing.

Highlights : 6-8 hours of whale watching per day (weather permitting) / Two tender surface watching sessions daily / Surface whale viewing from two comfortable tenders / Opportunities for passive in-water snorkel encounters / Informational naturalist presentations / Happy Hour festivities

This expedition are naturalist-guided with the utmost care taken in providing you with a knowledgeable guide, ensuring you an exciting, educational, and trouble-free expedition.

Wi-Fi and Communication

You can use your cellphone while onboard (please check options offered by your provider. Local SIM cards with various packages can be purchased upon your arrival). Signal is good in Provo and North West Point. In French Caye, signal is not regular and can be good or poor. In West Caicos, signal is poor.