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Bahamas Caribbean Explorer I


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10 replies to this topic

#1 landlocked

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Posted 19 May 2007 - 08:26 PM

Tstormwarning and I just returned from the Caribean Explorer I Bahamas trip (booked through SD Travel of course). It was true to Explorer Ventures quality. We had an absolutely fantastic time. The weather didn't always cooperate, but that kept me from getting too much sun.

As with most EV trips our crew was absolutely wonderful. Our Captain Eamon (not sure of the spelling there) did an excellent job and our purser, Nicola (Eamon's wife) was delightful. Zack, our chef took total care of me and my picky vegetarianness and I guarantee I gained weight! We had 4 excellent DM's - Bob, Rob, Johnny and Cindy.

As far as passengers, well, they were as great as the crew. We met 2 father son teams and a father daughter team. One was a dive instructor from the UK (Simon) and his father (Fred) who had just recently learned to dive and hit his 35th dive on this trip. We celebrated his 76th Birthday. If that isn't inspiration, I don't know what is. The other father son team Ty and Terry (we called them the T's) were our spotters. Ty pointed out (and dad Terry video'd) several hammerheads, octopus, decorator crab, juvenile lionfish, reef sharks, and so many other things I'll have to refer to my log book to remember them all! Brad and his Daughter Nyssa were also with us. I wish my dad had taken me diving when I was in college! We also met several couples from all over. All of whom were absolutely hysterical and I can't wait to dive with them again!! Johnnie and Bert (Johnnie could give Ms. Starfish a run for her money, she was hysterical), Elaine and Jeff, from up north in Michigan. Hope and Scott from the Florida Keys. And Missy and Gary from Florida. We celebrated Gary's 40th in combo with Fred's 76th with a big birthday bash complete with balloons, water balloons and lots of funny stories. There were two singles on the boat (besides TStormwarning and I) - Andy, and absolutely delightful young man from Singapore studying at Johns Hopkins. And Billy who liked his first Bahamas EV trip so much he booked again and this was his 2nd trip in 10 weeks!

The diving was fantastic. Very easy diving. I would definitely recommend for a beginner. This was my first blue water trip since I got sick last year and I was a little nervous since I haven't been quite up to par. The crew made me feel very safe (as EV trips do!) and the diving was a great way to get back into it.

There's absolutely NO question. I would recommend this to anyone. Newbie or experienced. You'll enjoy it!

...did I mention the Hammerheads! Oh YEAH!!!!!!

Edited by landlocked, 20 May 2007 - 01:07 PM.


#2 DandyDon

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Posted 20 May 2007 - 11:33 AM

Thanks for the report. So the exotic Lionfish from the Pacific are doing well in the Bahamas? Hate that....

Where did you stay the night before the trip...??
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#3 landlocked

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Posted 20 May 2007 - 01:04 PM

yes, sadly. The lion fish are beautiful, but they are extremely invasive and quite prolific. Two years ago it was unheard of to see a lion fish in the Atlantic. We saw a dozen on this trip.

We stayed at Peace and Plenty the night before the trip. We also met the owners of St. Franics resort. We happened to be on the same flight as the son of the owners and shared a cab with him to downtown. We had dinner at St. Francis Friday night after the boat trip and it was really nice. I would certainly consider staying there as well. A little forwarning; Peace and Plenty has a DJ on Friday night and the music is LOUD until 1 am.

#4 dustbowl diver

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Posted 21 May 2007 - 03:22 PM

Thanks for the trip report!!
"Yesterday's gone, tomorrow never knows, today will never be the same again!"-Jibe

#5 Starfish Sandy

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Posted 21 May 2007 - 05:11 PM

Glad you had a good time Mandi!!!
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#6 tstormwarning

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Posted 21 May 2007 - 05:32 PM

Here's my report. Sorry,it's about 10 pages long, but I tried to capture a lot of detail. Thanks Kamala! We had a great time! I'd use SD for another trip anytime.Attached File  2007_Caribbean_Explorer_Trip_Report.doc   44KB   55 downloads
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#7 shadragon

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Posted 22 May 2007 - 06:49 AM

Here's my report. Sorry,it's about 10 pages long, but I tried to capture a lot of detail. Thanks Kamala! We had a great time! I'd use SD for another trip anytime.

Great report. Thanks! I hope to get on this trip over New Year.
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#8 divzac

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Posted 22 May 2007 - 08:38 AM

[quote name='DandyDon' date='May 20 2007, 01:33 PM' post='180338']
Thanks for the report. So the exotic Lionfish from the Pacific are doing well in the Bahamas? Hate that....

I have heard that they are up as far as North Carolina..... scary
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Check out the SPREE...come dive with us!


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#9 landlocked

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Posted 22 May 2007 - 08:50 AM

Glad you had a good time Mandi!!!



I really did have a good time. I missed you guys though :cheerleader:

#10 Scubawishes

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Posted 10 June 2007 - 09:18 PM

Glad you had a good time. So, did ya all share a bathroom on the Explorer? I can’t see that being very practical. lol Did you see big creatures in the sea? I am looking into the Nekton Pilot for a Bahamas trip. I'm familiar with the boat and crew as I was apart of the SD group in Belize at the end of April. I can't wait.



~K


~K

#11 nurseshark

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Posted 10 June 2007 - 09:29 PM

Thanks for the report. I will be on this boat on June 23rd through the 30th
Can hardly wait to getaway! Sounds like it is worth it!
Will miss my SD buddies though!
Karen




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