HomeSaba, St. Kitts & St. MaartenCaribbean Explorer II, Saba, St. Kitts & St. Maarten
Gallery image
1 / 19

Caribbean Explorer II Liveaboard, Saba, St. Kitts & St. Maarten

4.6Excellent4 verified reviews
from
USD
261
per day
Book now
Large dive platform with camera table, gear lockers, and freshwater rinse stations
Up to five dives each day, including night dive
Off-the-beaten path itineraries of Caribbean

The Caribbean Explorer II liveaboard offers scheduled diving throughout the year in the northern Caribbean. It carries up to 18 guests and operates in the waters surrounding Saba and St. Kitts. The vessel’s design supports extensive dive programs, providing divers with opportunities to explore reefs, wrecks, seamounts, and steep walls in these marine-rich destinations. As part of the Explorer Ventures fleet, this boat delivers structured itineraries with a focus on underwater diversity and dive site access.

Cabins

Accommodation includes nine cabins, each with a private bathroom, individually controlled air conditioning, and either twin or double bedding. Cabins are distributed across the lower and main decks, with storage spaces provided within each room. Five cabins are below deck, while four are located on the main level.

Stateroom

Stateroom 1 includes a queen bed, a window, a cabinet, and a private bathroom. Staterooms 2 and 3 each feature a queen bed with an additional upper twin bunk, along with a window, a cabinet, and a private bathroom. Stateroom 4 offers upper and lower twin beds, a window, a cabinet, and a private bathroom. Staterooms 5 and 6 are equipped with two twin beds that can be converted into a queen, as well as portholes, a cabinet, drawers, and a private bathroom. Stateroom 7 has a double bed, a cabinet, and a private bathroom. Staterooms 8 and 9 each come with a lower double bed and an upper twin bunk, a cabinet, and a private bathroom

Social Areas

Common areas include a sundeck with loungers and shaded zones for relaxing between dives. On the upper deck, guests can use the partially enclosed dining area, which offers ocean views. An indoor, air-conditioned salon is equipped with an entertainment system, providing a space for leisure and group interaction.

Food

Meals include a variety of proteins such as chicken, beef, turkey, pork, and fish, served with fresh vegetables, rice, or pasta. Breakfast selections feature eggs, pancakes, bacon, French toast, muffins, and fresh fruit. Lunches may consist of soups, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, salads, or quiche. Homemade bread, cookies, and brownies are offered between dives. Guests with dietary restrictions, vegan or vegetarian should note them in advance; however, due to a single galley setup, full avoidance of cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed. Specific brands and items may be limited on the islands.

Diving

Divers may complete up to five dives per day, including night dives. Vessel layouts include a spacious dive platform that supports operations, offering individual gear lockers, tank racks, a dedicated camera table with low-pressure air hoses, recharging outlets, and separate rinse tanks for both gear and photography equipment. Nitrox is available, and diving courses can be arranged.

Safety

Safety equipment includes four life rafts, life rings with strobes, 25 life vests with strobes, an emergency position locator, oxygen, and a first aid kit.

Itineraries

The Caribbean Explorer II operates between Saba and St. Kitts diving destinations. Dive sites in Saba Marine Park include vertical drop-offs, coral mazes, and seamounts where divers frequently encounter reef sharks, rays, and turtles. St. Kitts features wrecks like the River Taw, reef sites such as Paradise Reef, and macro life including frogfish and seahorses. Night dives often reveal active reef environments, followed by hot towels and warm drinks on board

Cabins

Stateroom
Main Deck, Lower Deck

Stateroom

2 Guests
Boat plan
Boat deck plan

Boat Specification

Year built / Renovation
1978 / 2016
Number of cabins
9
Groups or charters
Yes
Gear rental
Surcharge
Wi-Fi
No
Nitrox
Surcharge
Fleet/Managing company
Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Diving Fleet
Length and width
35 m / 6 m
Capacity
18
Tenders
16-foot rigid hull inflatable
Material
Aluminium
Languages crew speak
English
Power plugs onboard
220V and 110V AC power
Engines
2 GM 12 V 71 diesel, 450 hp
Generator
2 John Deere Diesels 110 V AC/220 V AC, 75 KW capacity
Tech diving friendly
No
Handicapped Friendly
No
Compressors
2 Bauer K-14 9.7 cfm
Nitrox Membrane
Nitrox membrane, bank storage
Freshwater maker
2 reverse osmosis watermakers, 1,200 gallons per day, 1,500 gallon storage

Dive Facilities

  • Warm Water Showers
  • Compressors
  • Rinse Hosts
  • Tenders for Diving
  • Dive Deck
  • DIN Adaptors
  • Personal Storage Space

Boat navigation & safety

Full safety

Food & Drinks

  • Western Food
  • Local Food
  • Dietary Restrictions
  • Buffet Style
  • Alcoholic Beverages and Spirits
  • Hot & Cold Soft Drinks
  • Snacks All Day

Onboard Facilities

  • Audio & Video Entertainment
  • Air Conditioned Saloon
  • Sun Deck
  • Sun Loungers
  • Open Air Saloon
  • Indoor Saloon
  • Bar
  • Child Friendly

Photographer Facilities

  • Camera & Photography Station
  • Separate Rinsing Tanks for U/W Camera
  • Camera Table
  • Special Storage for U/W Camera
  • Charging Stations

Frequently Asked Questions About Caribbean Explorer II

What is the itinerary for the Caribbean Explorer II liveaboard and which dive sites does it cover?

Caribbean Explorer liveaboard follows two alternating itineraries: one departing from St. Maarten (southbound) and ending in St. Kitts, and the other starting in St. Kitts (northbound) and ending in St. Maarten. Each trip offers up to 27 dives per week, including up to five night dives, depending on weather conditions. A typical day includes a light breakfast, two morning dives, lunch, two afternoon dives, dinner, and a night dive. Divers can also enjoy land tours and visit various islands along the route.

Divers can expect encounters with reef sharks, turtles, frogfish, octopuses, and seahorses, particularly at renowned dive sites like Tent Reef and Ladder Labyrinth.

The itinerary includes dive wrecks such as the Wreck of the River Taw, popular for night dives and macro-life activity. Saba Marine Park features dramatic seamounts, finger reefs, and ancient volcanic terrain, providing excellent scuba diving conditions. Top dive sites around Saba include Diamond Rock, Customs House, and Third Encounter.

St. Kitts offers historic wrecks and coral reefs, with favorites like Anchors Aweigh and Paradise Reef. Dive Green and Green Fins initiatives are supported onboard, and guests can snorkel or relax with library books, wine, tea & coffee, or beer on deck. Vegan and vegetarian meals are available, and allergies can be accommodated if notified in advance.

Are all staterooms on Caribbean Explorer II liveaboard equipped with private bathrooms?

Yes, all staterooms on the Caribbean Explorer 2 liveaboard have private bathrooms. The main deck includes four cabins with varying bed configurations and windows. The lower deck contains five additional cabins, all air-conditioned and equipped with private bathrooms, cabinets, and portholes. Cabin towels and deck towels are provided

What level of diving experience is recommended for Caribbean Explorer II liveaboard?

The liveaboard is suitable for all certified divers, including beginners. Dive sites around Saba, St. Kitts, and St. Eustatius accommodate various skill levels with minimal currents and generally excellent visibility ranging from 50 to 150 feet. Water temperatures range from 24-29°C (76-85F), and a 3–5mm wetsuit is typically recommended. Non-divers are welcome aboard and can enjoy leisure activities, snorkeling, or land tours

What is included in the price of the Caribbean Explorer II liveaboard and what is charged extra?

The base price includes accommodations with air-conditioning, all meals, snacks, tea & coffee, soft drinks, local beer and wine, scuba diving with experienced divemasters, tanks, weights, and SMBs. Not included are dinner on the final night, scuba gear rental, dive computers, snorkel gear, nitrox course or fills, port and national park fees, and fuel surcharge. Optional extras like torch rental, dive insurance, and boat transfers are also available at an additional cost

How can I place my booking or reserve a space on Caribbean Explorer II?

Guests can book online or place their booking online through the platform. Options like "book now, pay later" are available. Accepted payment methods typically include major credit cards. Early booking is recommended due to the vessel’s limited capacity

What safety measures are in place on board?

Caribbean Explorer II is equipped with GPS, emergency rafts, and other critical safety infrastructure. Vessel layouts are designed for efficient access to safety equipment, and safety briefings are provided at the beginning of each cruise to ensure passenger readiness

Caribbean Explorer II Reviews

4.6
Excellent
4 verified reviews
Cabins & Facilities
Food & drinks
Guiding & Safety
Service & Infrastructure
3.8
Not enough dive sites
The staff and condition of the ship were very nice. I presumed from the island of St. Kitts to the island of St. Maarten that here would be an abundant number of dive sites. Dive sites on 360 degrees of four islands to choose from upon the weather conditions. There was no storms. The weather cooperated very nicely. Unfortunately we did not dive anywhere near or around either St. Maarten or St. Eustatious. This limited us to just two islands. Dove a couple sites multiple times. The boat was nice, staff was nice but the diving fell short of expectations.
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
Food & drinks
Cabins & Facilities
2024-04-23by W. David 
4.8
We dove multiple times on the same dive site.
The cabins are a bit cramped. The food was well above average. So far it was the best steak served on a liveaboard that I ate. The boat was only half full which made for a better dinning and diving experience. We dove multiple times on the same dive site. The crew was attentive and fun.
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
Food & drinks
Cabins & Facilities
2022-08-30by K. Vincent 
5.0
Great Experience
It was our first true live aboard trip and it truly surpassed our expectations. The boat was well maintained. Our stateroom had enough room for us both. Bed was comfy and we were surprised by the nightly turn down service. Food was way better than we ever imagined and plentiful. The diving was first class. Many different types of diving with live drops, night dives and a wide variety. A very well run, seamless trip that behind the seams was busy for the staff that went out of their way to ensure our experience was over the top. They were a great team !! We would hands down do this trip again without hesitation !!!!
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
Food & drinks
Cabins & Facilities
2021-11-26by S. Randolph 

Similar Liveaboards

Roatan AggressorHonduras - RoatanRoatan Aggressorfrom
Belize Aggressor IIIBelizeBelize Aggressor IIIfrom
Turks & Caicos Explorer IITurks and CaicosTurks & Caicos Explorer IIfrom
Cuan LawBritish Virgin IslandsCuan Lawfrom
PhoenixBahamasPhoenix
Blackbeard Morning StarBahamasBlackbeard Morning Starfrom
Blackbeard Sea ExplorerBahamasBlackbeard Sea Explorerfrom
Aqua CatBahamasAqua Catfrom
Belize Aggressor IVBelizeBelize Aggressor IVfrom
Cayman Aggressor IVCayman IslandsCayman Aggressor IVfrom
Turks & Caicos Aggressor IITurks and CaicosTurks & Caicos Aggressor IIfrom
Shear WaterBahamasShear Waterfrom
Cat PpaluBahamasCat Ppalufrom
Bahamas Aggressor IIBahamasBahamas Aggressor IIfrom
Bahamas AggressorBahamasBahamas Aggressorfrom

Caribbean Explorer II Liveaboard Itineraries

St. Kitts / Saba / St. Maarten (7 nights) (Basseterre-Philippsburg)

7 nights nights, ±20 dives,
Basseterre
Robert L. Bradshaw Airport (SKB)
15:00
Philippsburg
09:00
Requirements: Minimum 10 dives, OWD or equivalent

Included

  • Accommodation
  • Diving (up to 5 dives per day, 2 dives on the last day)
  • Full board (except Friday’s evening meal)
  • Snacks
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • 12 l tanks and weights
  • Dive guide
  • Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)

Obligatory surcharges

  • Immigration and marine park fees - 135 USD per person
  • Fuel surcharge - 140 USD per person (to be paid on board)

Extra cost

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa
  • Transfers
  • Equipment rental
  • 15 l tanks rental
  • Nitrox
  • Crew gratuities
  • Travel insurance

Program

Submerged offshore pinnacles
The profusion of marine life
The widest variety of sites including finger reefs, recent wrecks, and a variety of dropoffs
Moray eels, turtle and southern stingray are common

Day 1: 

St. Kitts.

15:00 Guests board.

18:30 Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights).

20:00 Captain's Briefing, documents, etc. A night spent at a dock.

 

Day 2-4: 

St. Kitts.

5 dives daily; optional island tour on Monday. Night crossing to Saba (2 hours).

 

Day 5-6: 

Saba.

5 dives daily; optional island tour on Thursday. Nights spent at a mooring.

 

Day 7: 

Saba - St. Maarten

2 dives at Saba before lunch; early afternoon crossing to St. Maarten. Afternoon at leisure and dinner ashore, with a night, spent aboard the vessel at dock.

 

Day 8: 

St. Maarten.

07:00-08:30 Continental breakfast. Check-out from the yacht, group transfer to the airport.

 

Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons

Departure
-Arrival at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport. -You will be met at the airport by a driver (Please note that the transfer is not included in price) -If by chance you miss the driver, simply catch a taxi to Port Zante (St. Kitts) - the vessel will be waiting there
Return
-The boat arrives at the port in the morning. Please arrange your own transfer to the airport

St. Maarten / Saba /St. Kitts (7 nights) (Philippsburg-Basseterre)

7 nights nights, ±20 dives,
Philippsburg
16:00
Basseterre
Robert L. Bradshaw Airport (SKB)
09:00
Requirements: Minimum 10 dives, OWD or equivalent

Included

  • Accommodation
  • Diving (up to 5 dives per day, 2 dives on the last day)
  • Full board (except Friday’s evening meal)
  • Snacks
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • 12 l tanks and weights
  • Dive guide
  • Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)

Obligatory surcharges

  • Immigration and marine park fees - 135 USD per person
  • Fuel surcharge - 140 USD per person (to be paid on board)

Extra cost

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa
  • Transfers
  • Equipment rental
  • 15 l tanks rental
  • Nitrox
  • Crew gratuities
  • Travel insurance

Program

Submerged offshore pinnacles
The profusion of marine life
The widest variety of sites including finger reefs, recent wrecks, and a variety of dropoffs
Moray eels, turtle and southern stingray are common

Day 1:
St. Maarten.
15:00 Guests board.
18:30 Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights).
20:00 Captain's Briefing, documents, etc.
22:00 Depart for Saba (2 1/2 hours) (Sometimes departure is earlier or later, but flights should not be scheduled for arrival after 16:00 on Saturday).

Day 2-4:
Saba.
5 dives daily; optional island tour on Monday. Night crossing to St. Kitts (2 1/2 hours).

Day 5,6:
St. Kitts.
5 dives. Night at a mooring.

Day 7:
St. Kitts.
2 dives and lunch; return to Port Zante. Afternoon island tour and dinner ashore, with a night, spent aboard a vessel at dock.

Day 8:
St. Kitts.
7:00-8:30 Continental breakfast.
Check-out from the yacht, group transfer to the airport.

 

Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons

Departure
-Arrival at Princess Juliana International Airport. Airport transfer is not included in the price. -Please plan to be in St. Maarten by 16:00 on the date of departure in order to facilitate the vessel clearance and timely departure for Saba. -If you're arriving at 15:00 or later, please send a copy of your passport prior to your departure. -If meeting the vessel in St. Maarten, look for the driver upon exiting the baggage claim area; if no one is present, simply catch a cab to Bobby Marina in Philipsburg the vessel will be located near the end of the dock
Return
-The boat arrives at the port in the morning. Please arrange your own transfer to the airport