I'm really happy for Kevin! The boat is waaay too big for only 6 divers, but he seems determined to keep the "limited load" thing going. Great for us as customers, though! I've always had a great time diving with him on Delta's Splash, and I expect more of the same on Explorer, only with more room.
Explorer is a really unique concept, at least in S. Florida anyway. This is the only 6-pack I've dived on that has both a Captain and Divemaster on board, and the owner of the boat is down on the deck where he can make sure you are having a good time.
Here is Krista enjoying Kev's site briefing.
Kevin & Jason were really helpful, and were very good with my cameras. The boat is laid out nicely, with lots of room up front on the engine box for lounging, a big dashboard for dry storage, and more dry storage in the cabin. I keep my cameras on the deck, but they could also ride on the engine box. This operation feels like diving from a private boat, only with a crew to drive, tie in, carry your float, and unload your gear. Not too shabby...
Please excuse my lame goliath grouper shots, but they were everywhere!!! Not so approachable, though. I think I'll go back on closed circuit next weekend... This aggregation was out in the sand off the starboard rail. There were about a dozen total, but the school split as you swam into it.
Conditions on the wreck "weren't too bad", and the goliaths were there too. One in every hole in the deck. Interestingly enough, this was the first time I've ever NOT seen them in the engine room. Somebody must have scared them out before I went in there.
Out on the reef we had pretty blue water, and the typical friendly gold coast marine life. On my second dive I had some great monster loggerhead encounters, but no pics to show for it because of a camera operator malfunction.
