Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Diving Fleet (explorerventures.com) has a 4.8 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 64 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Travel & Vacation and its reputation is excellent. Praise is nearly unanimous, with 94% rating it 4 stars or higher; The business has replied to 100% of negative reviews; 62 of them were added in the last 12 months. Last updated 2026-08-10.
Excellent crew and amazing food! The dive masters were great. They were knowledgeable, aware of the group, competent, and above all excited for the dives they had planned. I loved the layout of the boat and the ease we were able to get geared up, into and out of the water. Great dive locations with something for all diving levels. The warm towels and hot chocolate after each night dive were a wonderful touch.
My entire liveaboard experience was great! I was the only non-diver in the group and while the divers were gone, I felt like I was in a luxurious yacht all to my own. I spent a lot of time doing cardio and yoga on the deck. Simon always had a clean towel ready for me. Saul made sure I had water and I had the sole use of the jacuzzi (which was very clean and had the perfect temperature). The crew was very respectful of my workout space. I also enjoyed laying on the shaded areas, reading while resting on the comfortable lounge chairs and couches. I was able to get on the panga a few times when some divers just wanted to take a ride to the rocks to see all the natural wonders and creatures of the Galapagos Islands. I also got to go on a hike at the Seymour Island and at a tortoise farm in Santa Cruz Island. The meals, snacks, drinks, coffee, dessert were top-rate 5-Star quality. Dining service was comparable to any fine dining restaurant. The crew was perpetually cleaning here and there (such as emptying the waste trash a few times a day). The Captains were very professional and modeled impeccable manners to the rest of the crew. I've already told my non-diving friends and family to check Explorer Ventures if they want top-rate experience in the other-worldly Galapagos Islands.
The people are what made this a great experience. I already knew the captain Ramon from a previous trip to the Socorro Islands. He is always so cordial and very passionate about his job and his crew and truly does want us to have a great experience. It’s a relatively small boat and therefore it was easy to get to know everybody, including the two DM’s Robyn and Damien. They did an excellent job of guiding and picking the dives and they have two distinct personalities that really makes the experience wonderful. Both my wife and I have been having troubles with our knees and the crew accommodated us so well. Not only captain Ramon, but also Jonathan and Jerman we’re really helpful in getting us in and out of the boat and really have very pleasant personalities. Meagan was helpful and very accommodating both on the dive deck and upstairs in the lounge. As an early riser, it was great to say good morning to Tevin and good evening as he was the night guy. As for the food, it was really quite spectacular with Julian constantly working day and night to feed us. For a dive boat, the food was varied and always tasty. The boat itself wasn’t the most luxurious we’ve been in, but actually was very functional, however, again because of my bad knees, it was difficult to get around with the high threshold of the door into the quarters, and all the narrow steps to go up and down. Not the boat’s fault and I guess technically I got some physiotherapy in. However, the dive deck was excellent, first time that I’ve seen a barrel with soap for rinsing off your gear between each dive. Very generous camera table an amazingly fast nitrox refill. I have to say The entry point was great, I like jumping, and the dive deck was big enough that I could take off my weights and BCD before climbing up the ladder. Again, the crew was amazing in helping me up. I gotta say that having Percy as our consistent taxi driver to and from the boat, and the short days was really great it gave us a personalized service that often is not seen in other boats. Overall, we had a great time, and I would love to do another trip with the captain at some point in the future. Thank you very much from Harold and Cathy.
Galapagos - Tiburon Explorer "Trip of a Lifetime". The boat was beautiful, spacious, well outfitted and clean. I loved our room with the window in the shower so I could look outside while in the shower. The bed was very comfortable I slept so good on the trip. We had a main deck cabin - I looked at the lower deck rooms and had a little bit of "room envy" they are HUGE. Definitely grab a lower deck room if you are traveling with a non spouse/partner. The crew was amazing! They were super nice, friendly, helpful and fun. The food onboard was fresh and delicious. Fish, chicken some beef dishes - fresh fruit at every meal and desserts, too. One person in our group was vegan and her food options looked delicious. One night they made a whole turkey WOW. I was very impressed with the safety briefing and boat walk thru upon boarding initially. These were done one on one, showing us exits and safety equipment. They also did a group emergency drill with life jackets on the top deck. Well done!! Everyone knows that all real sailors wear life jackets :) Dive site briefings were informative, our guide Jonathon and the ponga drivers were spot on. We enjoyed great dives, easy in and out of the water and back to the boat. It was great how the entire crew worked together all week to make our dive vacation effortless. I love that the boat issued us all Nautilus Lifelines and showed us how to deploy in emergency. Their safety procedures are top notch. I will tell everyone who asks about the Galapagos to be sure to go on the Tiburon Explorer! I was feeling queasy a couple days and the chef made me chicken soup... I felt so special. It was a sad day to leave - they all made me feel like family. Prior to boarding the boat we did some land excursions and stayed in Quito and on Santa cruz island. Jennifer helped arrange our hotels and tours and made excellent suggestions on local restaurants and things to do. This trip far exceeded my expectations. 6 stars for the Tiburon.
We spent a wonderful week of diving and fun on the Sea Serpent, scuba diving in the Red Sea. The boat staff was attentive, fun, and very friendly! The dive staff was exemplary, professional, showed us many things and kept us safe. Our zodiac crews were helpful, supportive, and always there to get us! The food was superior! These were not your usual buffet meals! Food was plentiful, had great variety and taste. We had Egyptian favorites as well as International cuisine. Cabins were clean, nicely appointed, and maintained daily! You will not be disappointed with this trip and company!
This was an awesome week. We saw so much life in the water and on land. The Tiburon Explorer was great and the crew was even better. From the food to the diving to the accomodations I'm not sure it could have got any better. We ate like kings and the service was some of the best out there. The diving and dive masters were great. All on hands on deck when getting ready to dive and when we came back from diving. Very detailed briefings and safety was their priority. The service while not diving was top notch. I would definitely recommend this boat to anyone and will probably be back soon to take more divers.
Hi Nick. Thank you for such a great review, what a week. We’re so glad to hear your time aboard the Tiburon Explorer delivered across the board, from the diving and marine life to the food, service, and overall experience. It’s great to know the crew, dive team, and strong focus on safety all stood out. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with the team, they’ll really appreciate it. Thank you as well for the recommendation, and we’d love to welcome you and your divers back onboard again soon.
Seeing the whales is a once in a lifetime event. Excellent!! To sum it up. The staff was amazing. Very helpful above and beyond in every way!!!!!! They, Tom and Gillian, went well out of their way for me. I lost an item at the hotel stay before boarding the boat. They made the very special trip to the hotel to recover my item. I wouldn't trust that another company would be so kind. I can't thank them enough for taking special care of me. They took care of everyone with the most caring and genuine manner. Everyone was made to feel special. The guides were amazing. Taking care of everyone on the tenders and in the water with the whales. They made it a truly special vacation. I would recommend this trip to anyone that ever considered a trip to Silver Banks. I would never even consider any other company. You shouldn't either. The boat and tenders were very well maintained. They worked diligently to resolve any issue quickly. It was very comfortable. The food was good and the variety was nice. Preparing special food for those with dietary needs. The service was excellent. Everyone worked so well together. Everything was so perfectly in order. Not a thing out of place. A little piece of chocolate on your bed at night time was such a sweet touch.
Hello Penney, Thank you for the kind words and glowing review. We’re so glad your time aboard the Turks & Caicos Explorer II was such a special experience—being in the water with humpbacks is truly unforgettable. It’s great to hear how well the crew took care of you throughout the trip. From the guides and tender teams to the service, food, and all the thoughtful touches onboard, it means a lot to know it all came together for you. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with the team. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are so glad you chose to experience this trip with us. We’d love to welcome you back onboard anytime.
My week aboard the Black Pearl was fantastic! The rooms were comfortable, the food was great, the staff was attentive and personable. The diving was fantastic and I felt that the guides were safety focused and wanted to ensure we had great dives. One of the things I was not expecting and absolutely LOVED was the boat coats on both of the boats we would dive from each day. It made a huge difference in comfort and was just an amazing touch that was above and beyond. My only suggestion is to bring down the price for beer, wine, drinks. We would likely have had 1 or 2 for happy hour each day or a glass of wine with dinner, had it not been so over the top expensive ($14 for basic drink like rum and coke, for example). But that is a minor thing compared to the amazing overall experience.
Hi Janelle, Thank you for sharing, we’re so glad to hear you had such a great week aboard the Black Pearl Explorer. It’s great to know the diving, crew, and overall experience all delivered, and that the focus on safety stood out. And we love that the boat coats were a highlight—those small touches really can make a difference so we love to hear it! We’ll be sure to share your kind words with the team. We also appreciate your feedback on drink pricing. While operating in a remote region does come with added challenges when it comes to sourcing certain items, we always aim to clearly communicate what to expect ahead of time, with details and pricing available on our website and in pre-trip materials. We’re so glad it was an amazing trip overall and would love to have you back to dive with us again anytime!
Tiburon Explorer... We've been on many liveaboards over the past 11 years. This was one of the very best!
Hi Stewart, Thank you for sharing this with us. We’re so glad to hear your time aboard the Tiburon Explorer ranks among the very best after so many liveaboard trips! That means a lot. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to the crew, and we’d love to welcome you back onboard anytime!
The boat is in need of a vacation. The time to renew it. It is worn and tattered. The beds are hard as a rock, but the rooms were clean and tidy. I felt that the crew should listen more to the customers when they express their wants on dives. We asked for particular diving and were taken only to the larger sites with 20 other boats, and never to the shallower sites after two deep dives to look for smaller species. All other liveaboards we have experienced, at least 5, have 4 dives per day and one night die on the trip. This one had lots of downtime and the boat move very very little. From Port, to a short distance behind a reef where you couldn't see port. Very little time was saved from the other option of land based dive shops. And last, all other liveaboards we have used, beer and wine were free. Yours were like paying for a drink at the airport. $8.00 for a beer $10.00 for a small glass of wine. $4.00 for a coke and $15.00 for a mixed drink. Lots of down time to lay on the tattered cushions, and after the cost of the liveaboard, sure hated to spend another $300 on sodas and wine. Not many perks while on your boat. Just a little disappointed in the experience with your liveaboard over all.
Hi Kim, Thank you for taking the time to share about your time aboard the Black Pearl Explorer. We're glad to hear you found the cabins clean and tidy, and we appreciate you outlining your experience. While details on dive operations and what to expect are provided in advance through our website and pre-trip materials, we understand that each guest comes with their own preferences and expectations. Dive plans and site selection in Palau are shaped by conditions, safety, and logistics, with a focus on accessing the area’s unique sites, which can influence how each day is structured. In the same way, the dive schedule is built around those factors. And it’s important to note that many of the sites in Palau are on the deeper side, so the number of dives per day is planned accordingly with safety in mind. Inclusions and onboard pricing are also outlined ahead of time. While offerings can vary across liveaboards, operating in a remote region does come with added challenges when it comes to sourcing certain items. We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and experience with us and have passed your comments along to the team. Thank you and happy diving!
Excellent crew, every one of them was very helpful, polite, willing to assist na dvery good seamen!! The food was also excellent!! and the dive masters exceptionally good, with great sense of humor!! we had a wonderful time hope we will be able to join yu again soon!!
Hello Anna, Thank you for the great review! We’re so glad you had such a wonderful time aboard the Humboldt Explorer. It’s great to hear the crew, dive masters, and food all delivered, and that the team’s energy made your time exploring the Galapagos even more enjoyable. We look forward to welcoming you back to dive with us again soon!
The dive deck was spacious and easy to move around. The box under the seat could be a bit bigger. There was a good selection of food for all meals. The dive guides were attentive and good under water.
Thanks for the great review! We’re so glad Caribbean Explorer II delivered across the board—from the dive deck setup to the food and dive team. That’s what makes a great trip come together. Hope to have you back onboard again soon!
The crew were truly impressive! So attentive, knowledgeable and personable.
Hi Juene, 5-star reviews like this make our day! We love knowing that your time on Caribbean Explorer II was a standout experience. The crew works hard to make every trip smooth, fun, and full of incredible dives. Hope to see you back on board for another adventure soon!
What an incredible trip aboard the Tiburon Explorer in the Galapagos! This beautiful, modern yacht (built in 2020) is truly the premier liveaboard for scuba diving here—spacious, comfortable, and perfectly set up for divers. The 9 air-conditioned staterooms with private bathrooms and ocean views made every day feel luxurious, and the sun deck with the hot tub was the perfect spot to relax after epic dives. Daniel and Kebin were amazing—thorough, safe, and incredibly knowledgeable dive masters who made every dive feel secure and exciting. They really know the sites and looked out for everyone. The entire crew of 9 (plus the wonderful Captain) was so attentive, polite, and genuinely caring—always ready with a smile, helping with gear, and making sure everything ran smoothly. The food was outstanding: very tasty, fresh, and varied—every meal felt like a treat. The diving itself was absolutely epic—schools of hammerheads, whale sharks, playful sea lions, marine iguanas, turtles, and so much more. The Galapagos underwater world is unreal, and this boat gets you to the best spots flawlessly. Everything from the large dive deck with camera tables and charging stations to the pangas for easy entries made the experience seamless. This was one of the best dive trips of my life. I can't wait to return—highly recommend the Tiburon Explorer to anyone serious about Galapagos diving. You won't be disappointed!
Hi Patricia, Thank you for such an incredible review and recommendation, we’re so glad your time aboard the Tiburon Explorer was everything you hoped for and more. It’s great to hear the vessel, crew, diving, and overall experience all came together the way they did. The team takes a lot of pride in delivering a safe, well-run trip while making sure every guest gets the most out of the Galápagos diving experience. It’s great to hear this ranks among your best dive trips, that’s what it’s all about! We’d love to have you back onboard for another adventure anytime.
Great staff…. Wonderful food…plenty of diving!
Hi Alan, Thank you for the fantastic review! We love knowing that your time on Caribbean Explorer II was a standout experience. The crew works hard to make every trip smooth, fun, and full of incredible dives. Hope to see you back on board for another adventure soon!
We were welcomed on the boat by the boat director, Cedric, who was really helpful with regard to the boat, kit set up and very entertaining and knowledgeable dive briefings. The diving was exceptional and made easy by the fact that you only have 4 divers per dive guide, who are all Divemaster's. Our Guide was "Rolly" who could not do enough for us and was superb at finding everything on the dives. The rooms are spacious and well looked after daily and food variation for all meals was excellent. Breakfast and lunch being buffet style and the evening meal served to you. This was a bucket list trip and we were not disappointed. Thoroughly recommend.
Hi Ralph, Thank you for such a great review. We’re so glad your time aboard the Blue Manta Explorer lived up to a true bucket list trip. It’s great to hear the team made you feel welcome from the start and that the diving, guides, and overall experience delivered across the board. From the diving to the accommodations and food, it’s great to know it all came together for you. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with the Cedric, Rolly and all the crew. We truly appreciate the recommendation and would love to have you back onboard anytime!
The food is freshly prepared, different each day and very tasty. Compliments to the chef :-) The accommodation clean and comfortable. The crew are all friendly and helpful, and did their best each day to find us whales to watch and swim with where possible. Whales are wild animals, sea conditions are variable, and safety is top of the agenda. There were 9 outings on the tenders during the week I was there, I was able to swim with whales on 3 of those outings. I missed the first opportunity due to sea-sickness on the outbound crossing. I was helped by two really lovely crew members when in the water as I had difficulty keeping up with the group. The whales are like huge, magical, mystical beings. It was extremely humbling to be in their presence. Definitely 5* I found one member of the tender team to be rather over zealous with regards keeping guests in line in the water, physically pushing and pulling folk, and constantly swimming in front of guests which was really annoying, and put me off getting in the water. Perhaps the team need to find a better way to keep guests in a line if it is that important? It's an expensive trip, something I had to save hard for, and I didn't like being told how much gratuities to give. I should be able to give what I can afford, and what I felt was deserved, and I would have liked to have been able to reward those that I felt helped me most rather than the gratuities being split equally... whilst I appreciate the crew work as a team, I felt certain members of the crew did more and deserved more than others.
Hi Shelley, Thank you for taking the time to share about your experience aboard the Turks & Caicos Explorer II in Silver Bank. We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the food, accommodations, and the overall support from the crew, especially those who helped make your time in the water more comfortable. Moments like those with the whales really are something special, and it’s great to know that came through during your trip. We appreciate your feedback as well. Safety and the overall guest experience are always our top priorities, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on gratuities and your experience in the water. We truly value hearing from all of our guests, and we’re glad this was a special and memorable trip overall.
Snorkelling with humpback whales at Silver Banks in February 2026: Comfortable boat. Experienced and friendly crew. A great adventure.
Hi Martin, Thank you for sharing! We’re so glad you enjoyed your time aboard the Turks & Caicos Explorer II at Silver Bank. Snorkeling with humpbacks is an incredible experience, and it’s great to hear the crew and overall comfort onboard made it even better. We’d love to have you back for another adventure!
Mohamad helped us out the most. He saw we were having troubles with our guide, Jake. Jake was not very professional. Mohamad stepped in and helped us out.
Thank you for sharing about your experience aboard the Black Pearl Explorer. We’re glad to hear that Mohamad did a great job in assisting you—it’s always wonderful to hear when a crew member makes a positive impact. We’ll be sure to pass your comments along to the team, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We hope to have you back to dive with us again soon!
64 reviews matching