Dive Review of
Explorer Ventures/Caribbean Explorer II in
Saba

Cozumel, Yucatan, Pensacola

Dive Conditions

Divemaster accompanied each dive, but did not ride herd on group; no deco
diving only; back on boat with 500 psi; dive with buddy if not following
divemaster (but not strictly enforced).  

Large central table and towels for cameras on dive deck; dedicated barrels
for rinsing; air hose at table.  

Overall Rating

The Good: CEX II dive operation was well worth the money. It was my first
liveaboard, and I went alone. Enjoyed every minute of it!  There were only
8 divers; only one new, inexperienced diver. It just happened that 7 of us
were in the over-45 age group, which we all really enjoyed. The crew was
friendly, experienced and informative.  Rachel and Claire were terrific
divemasters. Zack, the cook, provided lots of delicious homemade soups,
breads (yes, he baked fresh bread most days!!), casseroles, steak, fresh
grilled fish, veggies. Cabins were comfortable and each had private head.
Great hot water shower and warm towels on dive deck.  Unlimited Nitrox was
reasonably priced ($150 for the week); up to 5 dives/day.  With central
lines for air and Nitrox, you set up your tank only once.  There was plenty
of room to store all your gear.  The weather was perfect, but the water was
cool (it was winter...).  I really loved being able to dive my computer and
not being herded.  They treated you as competent, experienced divers and it
was appreciated greatly.  Thanks CEX II!

The Bad:  the diving wasn't that great. Viz was marginal the entire trip. 
We went from St. Kitt's to Statia, Saba, then St Maarten.  St Kitts had
loads of trash, some from Hurricane Omar, some was already well
established. Two days at St Kitts was one day too much.  Statia was better,
having a marine park and some nice spots, but Saba had the best diving and
well worth the 2 1/2 days we spent there. I was surprised at how few fish
and critters I actually saw--and nothing really big except the nurse
sharks. Few turtles. But the sponges, sea fans and soft corals were
impressive.  I would not recommend a liveaboard for beginners.

Wish I had known:  didn't need to bother bringing a shorty.  Only one dive
had 80 degree water. If you're doing 5/day, bring a 5 mil as well.  Book a
room at a local hotel for the last day, if possible.  They literally kick
you off the boat at 9 a.m. and got rather testy about you coming back on
board for anything--even your luggage--before the taxi came to take you to
the airport in St. Maarten.  And the airport...that was a saga in itself. 
Just don't plan on doing anything quickly or effortlessly in an airport at
Christmas.  Would I do it again? Absolutely. 

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