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Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Diving announces fleet changes
October 2008 - Since 1987, when Caribbean Explorer I inaugurated liveaboard diving itineraries to Saba, Statia and St. Kitts in the Northeastern Caribbean, Explorer Ventures has focused on providing their guests with the best possible diving vacations at the best possible price, and continues to enjoy a very large repeat clientele. From the initial contact with the reservations staff, to the day the crew says good-bye at the end of a charter, their intention and success has been based on their clients finding new-found friends among EV’s staff and crews.
On October 25th, the vessel that started it all, the Caribbean Explorer I, will say good bye to her last guests and be retired. Over 12,000 guests – many of them more than 10 times – have used Caribbean Explorer I as a floating hotel to experience the wonders of the Northeastern Caribbean, the Turks & Caicos Islands, and most recently the Bahamas. Since 1987, she has provided her guests with fond memories both above the water and under the water. Her most recent and very popular itinerary in the Southern Bahamas will be taken over in the spring and summer months by the 18-passenger Caribbean Explorer II, which accommodates all guests in 9 air-conditioned staterooms with private bathrooms and showers. In the fall and winter months, Caribbean Explorer II will return to the Northeastern Caribbean to show her guests the history, culture and outstanding diving of St. Maarten, Saba, Statia and St. Kitts.
In early October, Explorer Ventures said goodbye to another old friend. Nimrod Explorer, their Cairns, Australia-based liveaboard dive vessel, was unexpectedly sold to be used as a mothership for the World Health Organization, and is already on station in the Solomon Islands.
In addition, at the advice of the Galapagos National Park administration and to fully comply with new regulations regarding diving operations in the Galapagos Islands, Explorer Ventures will be bringing a new diving vessel to the Galapagos Archipelago in 2009. The Humboldt Explorer, named for the oceanic current that brings the diverse species to the Galapagos Islands, will commence operation in June 2009 as one of only 4 or 5 liveaboard diving vessels expected to be in operation in the Galapagos Islands in 2009. The Humboldt Explorer is a 100 foot vessel with 8 large, comfortable staterooms on the main and upper decks, and will be capable of accessing the remote islands of Darwin and Wolf in significantly less time than other vessels. Designed by the same architect and designer that created the Galapagos Eco Explorer I, each stateroom will contain two twin beds which can be converted to one large bed; there will be ample closet space in each room, as well as large windows to view the spectacular scenery and unique wildlife found in these islands. The vessel’s interior touts gleaming hardwood floors and a spacious eating and lounge area; a large sundeck and outdoor lounge will also be available for privileged guests.
The incomparable Turks & Caicos Explorer II, based in Providenciales, continues to provide her 20 guests weekly with dedicated diving excursions to the crystal-clear waters and plunging walls of Northwest Point, West Caicos, and French Cay.
Explorer Ventures continues their commitment to providing guests with dive vacations filled with underwater and topside experiences unique in their variety. The ideals of the company remain the same – to provide guests with world-class liveaboard diving vacations at an exceptional value. For further information visit www.explorerventures.com or call 1-800-322-3577; +1.307.235.0683; or email info@explorerventures.com.
Bahamas and Turks & Caicos crew and vessels fine after hurricanes
Sept. 9, 2008 (8a.m.(MST))- The Caribbean Explorer 1 endured some rough weather from the passage of Hanna, but was hauled out of the water in Freeport, and despite lack of air-conditioning while in drydock, the crew and boat are fine. Turks & Caicos Explorer II, after enduring several days of the passage of Hanna, ran to the Dominican Republic to wait out the passage of Ike, which caused significant damage on Grand Turk and a less amount on Provo; boat and crew are fine, and will be returning to Provo near the end of the week.
September 6-12, 2008 Bahamas and Turks & Caicos trips cancelled
Sept 4, 2008 - The Bahamas Diving & Dolphin Expedition departing from Freeport and the Turks & Caicos trip departing from Provo this Saturday, September 6 have been cancelled due to the possibility of hurricane Ike hitting these areas. Ike is forecast to be in the Turks area on Sunday and in the Bahamas on Tuesday as a category 3 hurricane. For safety reasons Explorer Ventures feels this is the most prudent decision.
Explorer Ventures’ 'Ventures into the Reef' Contest
(Sept 2008) - Winners will be announced in the October Explorer Ventures newsletter. If you are not currently receiving our newsletter, please sign up.
Retirement of Explorer Ventures’ first liveaboard dive vessel
(August 2008)
Over 21 years ago, in June of 1987, the 100-foot, 18-passenger Caribbean Explorer inaugurated the Explorer Ventures fleet, beginning operation from St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles and offering week-long itineraries visiting the islands of Saba, Statia and St. Kitts in the Northeastern Caribbean. In April of 2005, her named was changed to the Caribbean Explorer I, providing weekly liveaboard diving excursions in the southern Bahamas.
On November 1, 2008, the Caribbean Explorer I will retire from service as part of the Explorer Ventures fleet. However, all is not lost for those who wish to experience the big-animal action, the pristine walls and reefs found in the southern Bahamas. The Caribbean Explorer II will spend half the year providing diving excursions in the northeastern Caribbean, and the other half in the southern Bahamas.
The Caribbean Explorer II is a 115 foot, 18-passenger vessel and accommodates guests in 9 air-conditioned double staterooms on the main and lower deck. Each stateroom has a private bathroom and shower. The upper deck contains a semi-enclosed dining and entertainment area. The open rear sundeck is furnished with lounges for sunbathing or relaxing. The carpeted bow provides another are for quiet sunning and relaxation. The large dive deck provides guests with ample space to gear up and has a large camera table with low pressure air hose and recharging station. There are two sets of stairs accessing the dive platform, where two in-water ladders hang for easy access.
The Caribbean Explorer II will begin diving excursions in the southern Bahamas on March 21, 2009 through July 25, 2009. It will then return to provide diving excursions in the northeastern Caribbean on October 24, 2009.
The foundation of Explorer Ventures is still the same - providing guests with world-class liveaboard diving vacations at an exceptional value. Our desire is to provide each guest we have aboard our vessels with a unique dive experience to become more than just a guest but a life-time friend.
Ventures into the Reef Contest
(May 2008)
Explorer Ventures announces “Ventures into the Reef,” a series of competitions in recognition of “International Year of the Reef (IYOR 2008).” We are inviting people to share their underwater adventures in celebration of the beauty and excitement that reefs provide to us. There are three categories in which people can participate; best underwater photo, best topside photo and best trip commentary.
The first International Year of the Reef was designated in 1997 by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) in response to the idea that coral reefs were being subjected to increasing threats globally. The goal of the initiative was to increase awareness and understanding of coral reefs.
The goals of IYOR 2008 as specified by ICRI are to:
- Strengthen awareness about the ecological, economic, social and cultural value of coral reefs and associated ecosystems.
- Improve understanding of the critical threats to coral reefs and generate both practical and innovative solutions to reduce these threats.
- Generate urgent action at all levels to develop and implement effective management strategies for conservation and sustainable use of these ecosystems.
To enter the Explorer Ventures “Ventures into the Reef” contests, participants need to fill out a simple entry form and submit their photo(s) and/or trip commentary electronically. The competition is free. Photos must have been taken between August 31st 2007 and August 31st 2008 and the trip commentary must be from a trip taken within the same dates. The winning entries will be showcased online and will be included in a 2009 Explorer Ventures “Ventures into the Reef” calendar.
The winners of each competition will receive a $500 credit* towards a future trip on any Explorer Ventures boat in Australia or the Caribbean as well as five copies of the 2009 Explorer Ventures calendar. Runners up will receive a certificate for free nitrox to be used on any Explorer Ventures boat in Australia or the Caribbean, as well as five copies of the 2009 Explorer Ventures calendar. For entry forms and complete information, please visit the website www.explorerventures.com/common/contest.html or email contest@explorerventures.com.
Several events are planned in celebration of IYOR. Updates on IYOR events and other environmental initiatives are listed on the Explorer Ventures website and the Explorer Ventures Dive Green blog. If you have any questions or comments about the Explorer Ventures Dive Green Program, please feel free to email ariana@explorerventures.com.
*$500 credit can be used on Caribbean Explorer I, Caribbean Explorer II, Turks and Caicos Explorer II, or Nimrod Explorer. The credit must be used before 31 December 2009, is non-transferable and cannot be substituted.
Explorer Ventures celebrates Earth Day
(April 2008)
April 22, 2008 marked the 37th Earth Day celebration. Explorer Ventures employees and passengers on board the boats during the week did a variety of things to celebrate Earth Day.
On the Great Barrier Reef, Nimrod Explorer participated in the Project AWARE Dive for Earth Day. Customers onboard for the April 26th itinerary #2 trip helped with Project AWARE’s Asia Pacific Fish Survey at Steve’s Bommie.
Nimrod Explorer passengers and dive staff identified and recorded all sightings of ten pre-determined fish species including big-eye trevally, lionfish, leaf scorpion fish, white=tip reef sharks, and yellow-fin goat fish among others. The species are chosen because they are recognized as indicator species. Declining numbers of indicator species is nearly always indicative of an ecosystem in peril.
All guests aboard Nimrod Explorer received Project Aware certificates and decals in recognition of their involvement. The surveys were forwarded to Project AWARE for inclusion within their database.
In the Bahamas, passengers and crew of Caribbean Explorer I conducted a beach cleanup. They found enough trash to fill four industrial sized garbage bags, as well as a 44 gallon fuel drum and a variety of other large pieces.
During their Earth Day cleanup, Turks and Caicos Explorer II recovered a recently abandoned refrigerator which they brought back and disposed of properly.
After work on Earth Day, Lynn Rodell and Ariana Arcenas picked up trash around town. Mary Franklin and her sons, Dalton (8yrs) and Elijah (3yrs), went out to the lake to pick up trash. Every time Dalton finds trash he yells “JACKPOT!!” Mary wrote, “They love the concept of being kind to Mother Earth so that she will be around for their future and the generations to come.” For Mary, Dalton and Elijah, this is not only an Earth Day thing, and they have started doing it on a regular basis. “The boys never want to leave. We would love to start a movement!!”
How Explorer Ventures celebrated Earth Hour
(April 2008)
These are some of the things that we at Explorer Ventures did to celebrate Earth Hour
- Caribbean Explorer I was at the dock in Georgetown, Bahamas for Earth Hour. The generator was turned off and everyone sat on the sundeck talking while Geoff played his guitar. Several other boats in the marina also turned off their lights.
- Caribbean Explorer II spent Earth Hour crossing from St. Maarten to Saba. All lights except navigation lights required for safety were turned off. “It was awesome…fantastic” said Captain Fergi.
- Turks and Caicos Explorer II was at the Caicos Marina in Providenciales for Earth Hour. The guests spent the hour enjoying the beautiful night sky from the fly-bridge. Later in the week, while at the virtually unpopulated island of West Caicos, lights on Turks and Caicos Explorer II were turned off. Passenger Heather Dobson commented “I had a wonderful time, not only during that hour (all the STARS!) but during the whole of the trip as well.”
- Nimrod Explorer spent Earth Hour at Cod Hole on the Great Barrier Reef. After the night dive, they switched off all of their lights and their generator. The guests and crew spent the hour telling stories, and Dive Instructor Demi played the Digeridoo.
- Randy Harris and Mary Franklin were at “Beneath the Sea” in Secaucus New Jersey and observed Earth Hour by turning off all of the lights in their rooms.
- Diana Heaton enjoyed a quiet candle-lit evening with her dog Wilco and her cats, Mendel and Huxley. Woody and Pat Wood, the intrepid campers, spent the entire weekend enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Ariana Arcenas enjoyed Earth Hour at home with one candle, relaxing in the peace and quiet of the soft candlelight.
- After turning off all of the lights in their house, Missy Tysver spent the hour relaxing with her husband and her daughter, Lexi. Missy’s comment about Earth Hour was “LOVED IT, can we do it every Saturday?”
- Crystal Hatten shut off all of the lights in her house and then joined the rest of her family at her parents’ house for an evening of card games by candlelight. Her daughter, Teyonna, had a blast running around the house with a flashlight.
- Laurene Best, husband David, son Dylan & pet cat Roxy switched off all lights at home and watched the Aussie Rules Football (St. Kilda vs. Carlton) game on the TV on the back patio. The game was played in Victoria where they were 1 hour ahead of us here in Queensland. One of the commentators did say though, that the Carlton Football Club had done their bit to conserve energy by not scoring a solitary goal during Earth Hour! A number of other residents on the street had switched off lights, but in the same breath, many did not.
Explorer Ventures and Earth Day Events
(April 2008)
The first Earth Day was celebrated in the United States on April 22, 1970. Since its inception over 30 years ago, Earth Day has been raising environmental awareness on a global scale. In celebration of Earth Day 2008 on April 22, Explorer Ventures will be doing several things.
Nimrod Explorer on the Great Barrier Reef is sponsoring a Coral Reef Monitoring Event with Project AWARE. Passengers traveling on Nimrod Explorer will have the opportunity to paraticipate in the Asia Pacific Fish Survey & also complete the Aware Fish ID Specialty course. Nimord Explorer's underwater survey will be conducted at Steve’s Bommie as part of the DAWN DIVE on Monday 28th April 2008.
For the week surrounding Earth Day, the boats in the Caribbean will be conducting an underwater cleanup by collecting all marine trash encountered over the course of the week. After the night dive on Earth Day, all non-essential lights on the boat will be turned off so that passengers can enjoy the stars.
Explorer Ventures participates in Earth Hour
(March 2008)
It all started in 2007 with a question: “How can we inspire people to take action on climate change?” By participating in Earth Hour 2008, each of us can be a part of demonstrating the impact that an individual can have. Last year on March 31, 2007 2.2 million people and 2100 businesses in Sydney turned off their lights for one hour - EARTH HOUR. For that hour Sydney’s energy consumption was reduced by 10.2%, which is estimated to be the equivalent of taking 48,000 cars off of the road for one year. This year, Earth Hour is being held on March 29th, from 8pm to 9pm local time. Cities, communities and businesses around the world have registered to participate. Some participating cities include: Atlanta, Bangkok, Canberra, Chicago, Christchurch, Copenhagen, Dublin, Manila, Melbourne, Montreal, Ottawa, Perth, Phoenix, San Francisco, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Toronto and Vancouver.
Explorer Ventures is committed to proactive environmental efforts, and will be participating in this years’ Earth Hour. Each vessel in the Explorer Ventures fleet in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Australia will turn off as many lights as possible on Saturday, March 29 at 8pm until 9pm. This will allow guests to enjoy and appreciate the beautiful night sky found only while on the ocean. Explorer Ventures is also encouraging its’ guests on these trips to share their perspective and experiences during this worldwide event.
To learn more about Earth Hour, visit their website www.earthhour.org.
Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Diving announces changes and additions to their dedicated US-based staff
(February 2008)
Explorer Ventures is excited to announce several changes and additions to an integral part of their liveaboard diving fleet. According to President Clay McCardell, “the long history of people dedicated to making our guests feel at home with the company has now grown.” McCardell started Explorer Ventures in 1987, and during the company’s 21-year history several people have dedicated over 15 years to their guests’ experiences.
This month Explorer Ventures announced that two new positions have been added to the Wyoming operations office. Wendy Barclay will assist with both sales and accounting tasks, and Melisa ‘Missy’ Tysver will be helping coordinate operational issues. These two new members of the Explorer Ventures team add additional support to their ongoing efforts to cater quickly and professionally to their guests’ needs.
The company’s US Sales Office, located southeast of Dallas, TX, is staffed full-time by Randy Harris, reservations supervisor, as well as Lindsey Bridges and Mary Franklin. The company’s Cairns, Australia office announced in September that John Graziano has been appointed Office Manager; he joined Laurene Best, the long-time Sales Manager for the Cairns-based Nimrod Explorer, overseeing all day to day sales and operations of the vessel.
These additions and changes will enhance the experience of our guests, and accommodate the company’s rapid growth over the past few years. “The foundation of the company remains the same – providing guests with world-class liveaboard diving vacations at an exceptional value – but our hope is that each guest we have aboard our vessels becomes more than just a guest but a life-time friend.” Mr. McCardell said.
Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Diving year-end winner announced
(February 2008)
For the past two years, Explorer Ventures has selected a guest to receive a free trip from a random drawing. This drawing includes all Explorer Ventures guests from the previous year who have filled out the guest review form sent to them after their trip with us. Instead of relying on on-board guest logs, Explorer Ventures emails each guest returning from one of their vessels a link to an online survey form, and requests their honest appraisal and ratings of the facilities, services on board, diving and many other things. Survey responses are shared immediately both with the vessel the client was on, as well as the management responsible for ensuring that everyone’s vacations are up to the company’s high standards.
Explorer Ventures is excited to announce that Becky Hallsmith of Britain, who traveled in February 2007 aboard the Caribbean Explorer II in the Northeastern Caribbean, is the winner of the end-of-the-year free trip. When the sales office recently contacted Becky about winning the trip, she said: “I am having a dinner party tonight! I am celebrating my 4th anniversary of remission from cancer and now I can announce that Explorer Ventures has given me a free dive trip for simply filling out my guest review. I can’t wait to announce to everyone what you have done and the timing could not have been more perfect. Thank you so much for this addition to my celebration!”
Becky, who has been diving for 18 years, is hoping to travel again with Explorer Ventures in March aboard the Turks & Caicos Explorer II. One of her best memories about her most recent trip with Explorer Ventures was the seahorses found at the dive sites around St. Kitts and Statia. Becky has also traveled twice aboard Explorer Ventures’ Nimrod Explorer in Australia. One of these trips was to the Coral Sea to watch coral spawning she considers this “one of the great holidays of my life. And I’m a woman who takes a lot of holidays”
Explorer Ventures announces new dive trip itineraries for Nimrod Explorer (January 2008)
Explorer Ventures ’ Nimrod Explorer has offered dive travelers the opportunity to explore Australia’s magical Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Ribbon Reefs and Cod Hole without the crowds accommodated on larger liveaboard dive vessels for over 20 years. In an ongoing effort to provide great dive trips that suit guests’ schedule needs, Explorer Ventures will be changing their itinerary schedule beginning in mid January 2008. The new itineraries will allow divers 2 days weekly at the world renowned Osprey Reef, known for its large pelagic species, abundant reef inhabitants, sheer walls, spectacular soft corals and excellent visibility. Nimrod will still provide exciting and varied trips to the Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs, with low-level scenic flights to join or depart the vessel as always.
The new itineraries include a 5 day/ 4 night trip departing directly from Cairns on Tuesdays, plus a 4 day/ 3 night trip departing Cairns via scenic flight to Lizard Island on Saturdays- These two new itineraries can be combined to offer a diver an amazing 8 day/ 7 night trip from Cairns. The Nimrod Explorer will continue to offer the unique and highly popular Ocean Outback diving expeditions to the Far Northern Great Barrier Reef in October and November each year. These itineraries travel to one of the most remote and pristine diving areas of the world on Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula.
In March of 2007, Explorer Ventures became the world’s first carbon neutral liveaboard diving fleet and has begun a company wide environmental initiative ranging from purchasing more fuel-efficient equipment to recycling efforts within the operations and sales offices. As part of this company-wide effort, the Nimrod Explorer will continue its ongoing efforts to help understand and protect the marine resources of the Far North. These efforts include providing the Dwarf Minke Whale research foundation with sighting data and research opportunities and supporting the Eye on the Reef program, both with time and continual data collection.
The Nimrod Explorer is one of the most stable diving vessels in northern Queensland and has one of the largest dive decks in Australia. Accommodating only 18 guests in two double, one twin and three quad-share cabins, each with air conditioning and private facilities, the Nimrod Explorer provides all an avid diver could ask. All trips include wonderful food, snacks after each dive, a trained and certified dive staff ready to meet guest’s needs ranging from instruction to personal service.
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