|  Galapagos Eco Explorer I's first trip
On February 26th, 2007, 14 lucky passengers boarded the brand-new Galapagos Eco Explorer I in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, for the inaugural week-long voyage of Explorer Ventures' newest and most luxurious vessel!
Arriving in San Cristobal aboard an Aerogal jet from the mainland, we all loaded onto a bus for the 5-minute trip to the port, where we boarded pangas (tenders) for the quick trip to the vessel, anchored in the harbor. It may not look all that large from a distance, but looks can, as always, be deceiving! Completed in late January in Guayaquil, Ecuador, the Galapagos Eco Explorer I is a 95 foot long, 32 foot wide power catamaran, designed to be the roomiest, fastest and most stable way for 16 divers to join the vessel's 10 crew and 2 naturalists/dive guides to visit the remote diving meccas of Wolf and Darwin Islands. With all of the very large staterooms located on the main deck or above and featuring twin or queen beds, desks, large bathroom with tub and shower, TV/DVD, plenty of storage and full-length windows which can be opened to feel the ocean breezes and listen to the cries of land- and seabirds, the vessel rates among the most comfortable and luxurious dive vessels in the world. The owner's suite, available to guests as well, is a true suite, with a separate sitting room for relaxing... more about the first trip aboard the Galapagos Eco Explorer I and photos. >> 
 Are you a liveaboard 'first-timer?' - If you've never taken a dive trip and spent the entire time on a boat - try it, you'll like it! Consider Caribbean Explorer II, which travels between St. Maarten and St. Kitts. The itinerary offers a wide variety of diving - as well as with some outstanding land tours filled with history and special cultural experiences.
Here is what one 'first-timer' said.
"Hi there,
I just returned from a week trip on the Bahamas, Caribbean Explorer I (March 17-24). I organized and lead a group of 11 divers on this trip and I just had to write to you to let you know what a great time we all had.
I am the owner of AquaSub Scuba Diving Centre in Canada and organize 4-8 trips a year but this was my first liveaboard. I was always wary of doing liveaboards, afraid of being bored stuck on a boat all week. I am so glad I decided to run this trip because it has completely changed my opinion of liveaboards.
I was pleasantly surprised by the accommodations which were comfortable and clean.
The crew was great! We had a lot of fun with them and they were always very helpful. I've had nothing but great feedback from my customers. The captain was very nice and we all felt very safe with him at the helm. The crew was helpful all week and kept everything running smoothly. They're a great team. The chef cooked up a storm all week. I don't think any of us have ever eaten so well. The dive crew made the diving easy and fun. They were always right there to give us a hand, helping divers in and out of the water, and identifying creatures divers had seen.
I just can't say enough. Thanks for a wonderful week! We will definitely be back for more!"
Jessica Templin; AquaSub Scuba Diving Centre
World's first carbon-neutral liveaboard diving fleet - Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Diving has announced that, as part of our 20th Anniversary celebration, we have begun a far-reaching environmental initiative designed to minimize the company’s impact on the environment. Because of the strong scientific evidence pointing to the negative effects of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide on marine ecosystems, Explorer Ventures has offset the company’s carbon emissions through the purchase of renewable energy credits from NativeEnergy, an internationally recognized marketer of renewable energy credits. All of Explorer Ventures’ worldwide activities, from the fuel use of its vessels to the shipping of parts and supplies, staff travel, office energy usage and land-based staff commutes are now carbon-neutral and have no net effect on carbon dioxide emissions. Read more about our environmental initiatives. >>
Earn a FREE trip - No gimmicks & very few restrictions. Travel with us 5 times and your 6th trip is free! Click here for all the details. >>
Book through your local Dive Shop or Travel agent - Booking an Explorer Ventures vacation through your local Dive Shop or travel agent is a great way to have all aspects of your trip covered without you spending the extra time!
| | NEWS
20% OFF Nimrod Explorer's April trips - For those of you who have been considering a Great Barrier Reef trip, now is the time! Prices range from US$719*/AU$876* for a 4 day/3 night trip to the Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs, to US$1076*/AU$1356* for 7 days/6 nights to the Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and Coral Sea. All prices include a low-level scenic flight between Cairns and Cooktown!
*Based on Quad share price with the 20% discount. Limited Space is still available -
...for select April & May departures, both in the Caribbean boats & Australia. Why not plan a spring trip you won't soon forget?
Call or email either of our reservations offices for more information and available dates.
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The Minke Whales are Coming - Don't Wait!
Dwarf Minke Whale Season in Australia is around the corner. Don't wait any longer to see these magnificant creatures as they begin their annual migration along the Ribbon Reef section of the Great Barrier Reef. Our special Swim With Whales permit lets us provide you with memories to last a lifetime. For more information email us at
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or oz
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. What we are seeing...
Nimrod Explorer - Late January trip guests saw 13 schooling hammerheads at Osprey Reef's spectacular site Raging Horn!!!
Caribbean Explorer II - Late February - Seahorses, Eagle rays, and sharks. Mid-February - Frogfish on Double Wreck, seahorses on Monkee shoals and Man O’ War shoals.
Turks & Caicos Explorer II - February sighting - Eagle rays at French Cay, sharks at the Gully, 2 guests saw 2 dolphins at GSpot.
Caribbean Explorer I - Early March - reef sharks, lionfish. Mid-February - Lionfish, stingrays, turtles, sharks and a dolphin at Conception.
Galapagos Eco Explorer I - Early March - schooling hammerheads, flights of eagle rays, Galapagos and white tip sharks, moray eels, sealions and dolphins. |
