Whales Of The Silver Bank

Accommodations

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Our vessel on the Silver Bank, the M/V Turks & Caicos Explorer II, is a 124 ft. custom-designed liveaboard dive boat housing 20 guests in 10 well-appointed cabins. Two upper deck staterooms each feature a queen-sized bed, desk with chair, and picture windows. Staterooms 3 and 4 on the main deck each have twin beds and desk with chair, and large windows. Staterooms 5, 6 and 7 on the main swim with whales deck each have twin/queen beds, desk with chair, and window. The lower passenger staterooms 8, 9, and 10 are accessed via a circular staircase from the main salon; each includes twin upper/lower beds and large portholes. All staterooms have hanging closets, wardrobe, ample storage space, individually controlled air conditioning units, and private bathrooms with shower.

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On the main floor, the air-conditioned salon contains an entertainment center with TV/DVD and stereo, comfortable couches, and several tables for dining. It can be accessed directly from all staterooms and the galley. Aft of the salon area, the dive deck is equipped with individual gear lockers, wet and dry camera tables, a recharging station, and freshwater spinning head breach rinse baths for wetsuits and cameras. It also has a wetsuit hanging area, freshwater showers, and a bathroom. One floor up from the dive deck, a large sun deck area features comfortable lounge chairs, and provides access via an outside walkway to the two upper deck suites and the pilothouse forward. The awning-covered fly bridge is accessed via semicircular stairs from the sun deck, and features settee seating for 12 to 15, a barbecue, wet bar and helm station.

The vessel is equipped with modern instrumentation and communications including 48-mile Simrad radar with proximity alarms, autopilot, GPS and location alarm, digital depth sounder with alarm, digital bottom recorder, computerized chart system, and Satellite phone with data link. The electricity provided is 220 V and 110 V AC power (110 V AC 3-prong grounded outlets are available in all cabins and heads).

The M/V Turks & Caicos Explorer II crew is composed of certified dive masters and instructors who have undergone rigorous STCW 95 training in shipboard firefighting, sea survival skills, CPR, first aid and crowd control. Ship stewards offer unparalleled service including daily housekeeping, and the chef offers an excellent variety of delicious cuisine, from locally sourced produce, fish, and meats. If you have a special request regarding diet, please let us know so that we may advise the ship directly. They will do their best to accommodate your wishes. If you have a favorite snack or libation, please feel free to bring it along.

You may pay for your onboard expenditures with credit cards, cash or travelers check. No personal checks please.

M/V Turks & Caicos Explorer II

Our vessel on the Silver Bank, the M/V Turks & Caicos Explorer II, is a 124 ft. custom-designed liveaboard dive boat housing 20 guests in 10 well-appointed cabins. Click here to view the ship specifications.

View Specifications

Flybridge

The awning-covered flybridge is accessed via semicircular stairs from the boat deck, and features settee seating for twelve to fifteen, a barbeque, wet bar and helm station.

Boat Deck

The boat deck features a large sunning area with comfortable lounge chairs and chairs, and provides access via an outside walkway to the two VIP staterooms located amidships, as well as the pilothouse forward. Transit storage for the vessel’s tenders is located at the stern. A serving area for buffet meals is located next to the semicircular staircase leading up to the flybridge.

Master Stateroom $4,695.00

Main Deck

The dive deck is equipped with individual gear lockers, camera table, recharging station, air and nitrox filling station, tank racks and separate freshwater rinse baths for dive equipment and cameras. Large stairways lead down to the dive platform.

Forward of the dive deck is the air-conditioned main salon, where breakfasts and dinners are served. The salon also contains an entertainment center with TV/DVD, stereo and access to all five staterooms and the galley.

Main Deck Stateroom $4,495.00

Lower Deck

The lower deck of the vessel includes three passenger staterooms, accessed via a circular staircase from the main salon; each includes twin upper/lower beds, wardrobe, hanging closet, individually-controlled air conditioning, and private bathroom and shower.

Lower Deck Stateroom $4,295.00

Tender

Tenders

Aquatic Adventures utilizes two 25-foot fiberglass Privateer Tenders to transport you during your days of whale watching. They are the second generation of whale watching boats designed by Aquatic Adventures, and encompass a wealth of informed design. We corrected many flaws that were made with the first version (utilized by another operator) and added numerous improvements providing the driest most comfortable platforms for whale watching available on the Silver Bank.

Tender Sights

Tender Features

Each tender comfortably accommodates ten guests, with cushioned bench space, splash rails to minimize spray, covered bow to protect dry articles and cameras, and an abundance of under seat storage space for snorkeling gear and other equipment. Large Bimini tops shield the seating area from the sun; heavy-duty ladders facilitate reentry into the tender after in-water encounters; first aid kits, life vests, two VHF radios, and GPS navigation units ensure safety. Plenty of cold water, snacks and fruit are provided onboard to keep you hydrated and energized.

Whale Tender

Tender Specifications

Each extra-wide (10-foot beam) ocean-going tender is equipped with twin four-stroke Yamaha 115hp engines. These environmentally-conscious and quiet engines eliminate exhaust fumes and minimize acoustic disruption on approach to the whales. For your safety humpback whalesand enjoyment, each tender is operated by a guide with multiple seasons of experience on the Silver Bank. Additional experienced guides on each tender ensure that your whale-watching experience is optimal. You will be spending 6 to 8 hours on the tenders each day, so efficiency and comfort are critical. We provide the best custom-designed tenders and the most experienced operating team on the Silver Bank.

From Our Clients

This was an extraordinary experience! It was truly an “Aquatic Adventure” many many thanks for the opportunity!

-- Judith W. Mead