MV Turks and Caicos Explorer II dive boat review
The MV Turks & Caicos Explorer II is from the ground up a purpose built vessel to explore the amazing marine environment and reefs of Turks and Caicos and longer excursions to Silver Bank off the coast of The Dominican Republic.
The electrifying wall dives and drop-offs, reefs and warm, clear, turquoise waters of the Turks and Caicos have for many years attracted divers. Located approximated 575 miles to the south east of the USA coast from Miami, great visibility and nutrient-rich waters attract Jacks, Groupers, Eels and larger pelagic animals in to feed in it’s healthy waters. There are corals and sponges in abundance making it great diving for all levels of divers.
Explorer Ventures operates the MV Turks & Caicos Explorer II.
Turks & Caicos Explorer II is 124ft (37.8m) long and 22ft (6.7m) wide. Built in 1995 and renovated in 2005, she has Naiad stabilisers and a heavy keel. These features help at sea, but do not remove the possibility of movement on an offshore crossing.
You can check the availability and prices for this Boat here.
Cabins and Boat Layout
Turks and Caicos Explorer II has berths for 20 guests, with seven crew listed for the regular diving programme. There are 10 luxury staterooms, including two ‘VIP’ staterooms.
Each stateroom has port lights and/or windows, private ensuite bathrooms for your comfort and privacy and, as you may expect, individually controllable air-conditioning. VIP staterooms have even more space to make use of and their own entertainment systems.
The vessel has a spacious and inviting salon which spans the full width of the vessel next to the galley. This offers ample space to relax and unwind in a comfortable chair. Or to make make use of the the CD/DVD entertainment system.
Moving upstairs two levels to the Fly Bridge deck there is a spacious sun deck and loungers for absorbing the vitamin D. Also on the Fly Deck you’ll find a wet bar where you can enjoy a drink while simultaneously enjoying the amazing views.
Meals are mostly buffet-style, with a mix of local and international cooking. Between-dive snacks make a welcome pause in a busy day. The regular scuba package excludes Friday dinner ashore. Dietary requests belong on the booking form; availability of particular foods on the islands can be limited.
Diving onboard Turks and Caicos Explorer II
The warm, turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean offer some stunning diving.
For those addicted to blowing bubbles there are up to 5 dives available each day. With that in mind, if qualified (or you wish to train to qualify) Nitrox is available for suitably certified divers at an additional charge. The choice of gas and depth still follows the diver’s training and the briefing.
On the dive deck you’ll find recharging facilties and a camera table for the photographers. And, for all, there are individual gear bins and rinse tanks.
There is the usual diving tenders for pick-ups and a large dive platform at the rear of the main vessel.
Reef diving and Silver Bank whale expeditions
The regular scuba week runs Saturday to Saturday from Providenciales, visiting the walls and reefs of Turks & Caicos. Diving is normally directly from the main vessel. The exact boarding point can vary with tides and weather.
A separate seasonal programme with Aquatic Adventures takes Turks & Caicos Explorer II to Silver Bank in the Dominican Republic for guided whale watching and passive in-water encounters. These are snorkelling expeditions, not scuba cruises. The published 2027 season runs from 16 January to 9 April; the final departure has a shorter schedule. Flights and transfers should follow the confirmation for the specific expedition.
What the trip costs
| Programme and basis | Published reference | Extras to allow for |
|---|---|---|
| Turks & Caicos scuba, seven nights, per person | From US$3,495, 2026 regular fare | US$95 hotel/port fees; fuel US$225, rising to US$240 from 28 November 2026 |
| Silver Bank, 2027, per person by cabin | US$4,495 / US$4,695 / US$4,895 | Expedition-specific charges and travel costs require the dated quote; the scuba package is not the whale package |
The scuba reference fare plus the listed port and fuel charges totals US$3,815, or US$3,830 from 28 November, before flights, transfers, Friday dinner ashore, insurance, tips, equipment and optional courses. Nitrox is US$150 per week. Promotions and cabin choice can change the fare; these are planning examples, not a held booking price.
Travelling with a non-diver?
The regular diving programme publishes a 10% non-diver discount and a 65% single-occupancy supplement. These terms should not be assumed for Aquatic Adventures whale expeditions. Silver Bank is specifically organised around whale watching and snorkelling, so a non-diver can share the central activity rather than simply waiting aboard.
Questions before booking
Is the Silver Bank programme scuba diving?
No. It centres on whale watching and guided passive in-water encounters using snorkelling equipment.
Does the regular scuba fare include Nitrox?
No. The published weekly supplement is US$150 for suitably certified divers.
Are scuba and whale-trip prices comparable?
They cover different programmes and extras. The destination, departure date, cabin and total mandatory charges all matter.
Programme and cost references checked 9 November 2026. Affiliate link: Divezone may earn a commission if you book.
Where does this liveaboard dive boat go?
Check out the fabulous places where this dive boat travels to.
Note: some destinations may not be listed below, please enquire for more details.
Jamaica
Local reef dives from Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, with current operator and resort checks.
Aruba
The island of Aruba is surrounded by outstanding reefs, and has a number of wrecks.
Cuba
The marine protection programs in Cuba has resulted in pristine coral reefs.
U.S. Virgin Islands
The United States Virgin Islands – America’s Caribbean. Outstanding scuba diving in a vacation haven.
Cayman Islands
You can dive a different dive site every day for a year!
Bonaire
Bonaire has been voted the Best Shore Dive Destination 22 consecutive times by the readers of Scuba Diving Magazine.
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis has excellent scuba diving that is close to shore meaning short boat rides. Being a small island, dive boats can always find a sheltered dive site in poor weather.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean is one of the most dived destinations in the world. A great destination for beginners as well as experts. With thousands of dive sites it offers something for just about everyone.
Saba
Saba offers Scuba divers site sites that are pristine and loaded with marine life.
Turks & Caicos
The Turks & Caicos Islands provides Scuba divers with a dive experience not easily matched.
Saint Martin
A great selection of wrecks and reefs for divers of all skill levels.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a lessor known dive destinations with outstanding diving from both the north and south coast. It is also the kick off point to the nearby Silver Banks.
Bahamas
The Bahamas offer a wide range of diving sites. There are sites that are great for learning to dive and others for experienced divers. Cave divers will find many opportunities.
- If you have been diving on board this liveaboard dive boat in Caribbean & Turks & Caicos, please share your review and let us know what you thought. Please post your comments in the review section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next diving trip
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