Explorer Ventures

What Explorer Ventures does

Explorer Ventures is a privately held, family-owned liveaboard diving operator founded in 1987 and headquartered in Mills, Wyoming (US). The company sells all-inclusive scuba diving vacation packages aboard a fleet of 13 vessels across eight global destinations: Saba/St. Kitts, Turks & Caicos, Palau, Galapagos, Maldives, Red Sea, Indonesia, and Silver Bank. Its primary customers are individual scuba divers — from beginners to advanced technical divers — plus solo travelers, served through a mix of direct website, phone, and email bookings, and B2B distribution via a dedicated dive-shop portal and a password-protected wholesaler portal.

Its core products are the vessels themselves and their itineraries: examples include the Caribbean Explorer II (the original 18-passenger flagship route), the 46m Black Pearl Explorer (Palau), the Tiburon and Humboldt Explorer (Galapagos, both PADI Eco-Center designated), the Grand Sea Explorer and Glory Sea Explorer (Red Sea, in partnership with Sea Serpent Fleet), Emperor Explorer and Emperor Explorer II (Maldives, with Emperor Maldives), and the Blue Manta, White Manta, and incoming Manta X (Indonesia, with White Manta Diving). Three new vessels are coming online between 2025 and 2026. Technical equipment onboard includes Naiad stabilizers, watermakers, nitrox compressors and (on select vessels) dive dhonis and recompression chambers. The Dive Green program, in partnership with The Reef-World Foundation, delivers Green Fins certification across multiple vessels.

The revenue model is asset-heavy and per-trip: trip packages priced $2,395-$6,295+ per person depending on destination and duration, supplemented by onboard transaction fees (marine park/port fees, fuel surcharges, gratuities, equipment rental, nitrox fills, beverages, retail), plus affiliate referral fees from dive-travel insurance providers (DAN, DiveAssure). Pricing follows a unit-per-trip model with single-occupancy supplements of 20%-80% of retail stateroom price by destination, and 2026-2028 is seeing a series of fuel surcharge and route supplement increases that indicate pricing power being exercised in parallel with capacity expansion.

Name

Explorer Ventures

Legal name

Explorer Ventures

Website

https://explorerventures.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Explorer Ventures is a family-owned US-based liveaboard diving operator founded in 1987, running 13 vessels across 8 global destinations (Caribbean, Palau, Galapagos, Maldives, Red Sea, Indonesia, Silver Bank), selling all-inclusive scuba diving vacation packages to individual divers via direct channels and dive-shop/wholesaler partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Liveaboard Diving Tourism

NAICS

Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (48721), Tour Operators (561520)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Dive Centers & Scuba Training (PADI/SSI, certifications) (THAAAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Small-Ship Expedition Cruises (Under ~500 Guests) (THAEADAC), Scuba Diving & Freediving Centers (Training, Guided Dives) (THAAAKAD), Dive & Snorkel Guides / Dive Masters (Boat-Based & Shore-Based) (THAAALAC), Dive & Snorkel Equipment Rental, Retail & Boat Services (compressors, gear hire) (THAAAIAL), Luxury Yacht & Small-Ship Expedition Cruises (THAEABAF)

Keywords

• Liveaboard diving
• Scuba diving vacations
• Dive travel services
• Marine tourism
• Diving expeditions

Headquarters

HQ city

Mills

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Liveaboard Trip Packages: Primary revenue from all-inclusive liveaboard diving trip packages priced per person based on destination, vessel, and trip duration. Package prices range from approximately $2,395 to $6,295+ depending on destination (e.g., Red Sea from $2,395, Silver Bank from $4,395, Galapagos from $6,295).
2. Onboard Charges and Fees: Additional revenue from marine park fees, harbor fees, fuel surcharges, crew gratuities, dive gear rental, Nitrox fills, alcoholic beverages, optional land tours, and retail sales collected during trips.
3. Equipment Rental and Courses: Revenue from renting dive gear (tanks, weights, BCD, regulators), selling dive courses and certifications, and offering nitrox certification fills ($10 per fill or $150 per week on Caribbean vessels).
4. Travel Insurance Services: The company promotes and earns referral fees from dive travel insurance providers including DAN and DiveAssure, though the company explicitly states it does not sell or endorse specific policies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Explorer Ventures operates a fleet of 13 liveaboard diving vessels across 8 global destinations (Saba/St. Kitts, Turks & Caicos, Palau, Galapagos, Maldives, Red Sea, Indonesia, and Silver Bank). The company sells all-inclusive scuba diving vacation packages covering vessel accommodations, meals, guided diving activities, Nitrox for certified divers, and equipment rental options. Supplementary services include onboard dive equipment rentals, dive courses and certifications, and trip insurance referrals to providers such as DAN and DiveAssure.

Product overview

Explorer Ventures Fleet operates a portfolio of 13 liveaboard diving vessels offering scuba vacation packages across 8 global destinations: Saba/St. Kitts, Turks & Caicos, Palau, Galapagos, Maldives, Red Sea, Indonesia, and Silver Bank. The fleet includes vessels for different regions (Caribbean Explorer II, Turks & Caicos Explorer II, Black Pearl Explorer for Palau, Humboldt Explorer and Tiburon Explorer for Galapagos, Grand Sea Explorer and Glory Sea Explorer for Red Sea, Emperor Explorer and Emperor Explorer II for Maldives, Blue Manta Explorer, White Manta Explorer, and Manta X for Indonesia). Services include liveaboard accommodations, guided diving activities, Nitrox for certified divers, equipment rentals, meal service, and environmental sustainability programs through the Dive Green initiative. The company also offers trip insurance referrals and coordinate dive certifications through partnerships with PADI and other agencies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Dive Green: Sustainability program focused on environmental conservation and responsible tourism practices, including partnerships with The Reef-World Foundation and Green Fins.

Products and services

• Caribbean Explorer II Liveaboard diving vessel servicing Saba and St. Kitts in the Caribbean, accommodating 18 passengers in 9 double staterooms with private bathrooms. Features a semi-enclosed air-conditioned salon, large sundeck, boutique, and spacious dive deck with individual gear lockers, camera table, and nitrox filling stations. Offers up to 27 dives per trip.
• Turks & Caicos Explorer II Custom-designed dive yacht servicing the Turks & Caicos Islands and Silver Bank. Accommodates up to 20 passengers and 8 crew with staterooms featuring port lights or windows, individually-controlled air-conditioning, and private ensuite bathrooms. Equipped with Naiad stabilizers and heavy keel; Green Fins certified.
• Humboldt Explorer 16-passenger liveaboard for the Galapagos Islands, completely renovated in March 2023. Offers eight air-conditioned staterooms with private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, and ocean views. Features a partially covered sun deck with hot tub, large dive deck with camera table and charging station, and two large pangas for diving operations. Holds Green Fins certification and PADI Eco-Center designation.
• Tiburon Explorer 16-passenger premier liveaboard for the Galapagos Islands, built in 2020. Provides 9 air-conditioned staterooms on main and lower decks with private bathrooms and ocean views. Features partially covered sun deck with hot tub, large dive deck with camera table and charging station, satellite WiFi, and two pangas for diving operations. Holds PADI Eco-Center designation.
• Black Pearl Explorer 46-meter luxury liveaboard vessel for Palau. Accommodates up to 24 divers in 12 staterooms including two Master Seaview Staterooms, four main deck deluxe ocean view staterooms, and six lower deck standard cabins. Features outdoor salon with whirlpool, indoor dining area with bar, covered sun deck, upper-deck salon and lounge, and free satellite WiFi. Includes famous sites like Blue Corner and Jellyfish Lake access.
• Grand Sea Explorer 43.3-meter luxury liveaboard for the Red Sea. Accommodates up to 28 divers with 14 staterooms including expansive suites and cozy cabins. Features air conditioning, personal fridges, en-suite bathrooms with jet showers, spacious dive deck with individual seating stations, covered sun decks, free WiFi, and free Nitrox for certified divers. Operates in partnership with Sea Serpent Fleet.
• Glory Sea Explorer 40-meter liveaboard vessel for the Red Sea, introduced in 2025. Accommodates up to 26 divers with 13 stylish staterooms featuring air conditioning, personal fridges, and en-suite bathrooms. Features covered sun decks, latest entertainment systems, waterline-level dive deck with individual seating stations, and complimentary Nitrox for certified divers.
• Emperor Explorer 42-meter luxury liveaboard for the Maldives, launched August 2019 in partnership with Emperor Maldives. Features 13 spacious contemporary staterooms across four decks, spa services, open-air dining area, substantial dive deck, complimentary wine with dinner, and free Nitrox for certified divers. Offers up to 22 dives per trip.
• Emperor Explorer II Next-generation liveaboard arriving in the Maldives in August 2026. Designed specifically for liveaboard diving with spacious cabins, ensuite bathrooms, open lounge areas, large windows, and multiple outdoor decks. Features modern dive deck, complimentary Nitrox for certified divers, and a fully equipped 24m dive dhoni.
• Blue Manta Explorer 22-passenger liveaboard for Indonesia operations. Provides 14 spacious ensuite cabins over three decks with air conditioning, stereos, personal fridges, safes, and jet showers. Features salon with plasma TV, DVD, media server, 24-hour satellite internet, dedicated indoor camera room with charging stations, and full equipment rentals.
• White Manta Explorer Indonesia liveaboard with 14 beautifully furnished en-suite staterooms averaging 215 sqft. Accommodates up to 24 guests with 6 single occupancy options. Features 24-hour satellite WiFi, spacious sundeck with long chairs and double day-beds, two dining areas (outdoor alfresco and indoor air-conditioned), chef-prepared Western and Asian cuisine with 4 gourmet meals daily, large dive deck, and dedicated camera room with charging stations.
• Manta X 41-meter steel liveaboard vessel launching November 2026 for Indonesia in partnership with White Manta Diving. Will accommodate up to 20 guests across 12 spacious en-suite cabins including two Upper Deck Master Suites (transitioning to exclusive 12-guest format in 2028). Features expansive indoor/outdoor lounges, camera room with 12 workstations, spacious dive deck, Nitrox capabilities, and chef-prepared cuisine.
• Liveaboard Diving Vacation Packages All-inclusive liveaboard diving vacation packages covering 8 global destinations: Saba/St. Kitts, Turks & Caicos, Palau, Galapagos, Maldives, Red Sea, Indonesia, and Silver Bank. Packages include vessel accommodations, meals, diving activities, Nitrox for certified divers, and equipment rental options. Per-person pricing ranges from approximately $2,395 (Red Sea) to $6,295+ (Galapagos) depending on destination, vessel, and trip duration.
• Dive Equipment Rentals Onboard scuba equipment rental services including tanks, weights, weight belts, and full equipment packages. Nitrox fills available at per-fill or weekly rates ($10 per fill or $150 per week on Caribbean vessels). Camera and underwater photography equipment support including dedicated charging stations and workspace.
• Dive & Trip Insurance Referral Service Insurance referral service directing customers to recommended providers including DAN (Divers Alert Network) and DiveAssure for diver-specific accident coverage, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and dive equipment coverage. The company earns affiliate referral fees from these providers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 75% return guest rate on Caribbean Explorer II
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Emperor MaldivescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 August 2019Partnership with Emperor Maldives to operate Emperor Explorer II liveaboard in the Maldives. Emperor Maldives provides local operational expertise while Explorer Ventures provides marketing and booking infrastructure. The vessel arrived in Maldives in August 2019.
• White Manta Diving (Indonesia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with White Manta Diving for Indonesia operations. Explorer Ventures added Blue Manta Explorer and White Manta Explorer vessels to their fleet through this partnership. White Manta Diving provides local Indonesian diving expertise and operational support.
• Sea Serpent FleetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Sea Serpent Fleet for Red Sea operations. The Glory Sea Explorer operates alongside sister ship Grand Sea Explorer as part of this partnership, providing Egyptian Red Sea liveaboard experiences.
• The Reef-World Foundation (Green Fins)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with The Reef-World Foundation for environmental sustainability. Explorer Ventures' Dive Green program is aligned with Green Fins certification requirements, promoting sustainable diving practices and marine conservation across the fleet.
• Aquatic AdventuresminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNaturalist guides from Aquatic Adventures provide expertise for Silver Bank humpback whale encounters, offering professionally guided snorkel experiences alongside Explorer Ventures' Turks & Caicos Explorer II vessel.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Blue Horizon Diving: Red Sea-focused liveaboard operator (Egypt) competing directly with Explorer Ventures' Grand Sea Explorer and Glory Sea Explorer for Red Sea diving guests.
• Aggressor Adventures: US-headquartered liveaboard fleet operator offering dive vacations across the Caribbean, Pacific, Indian Ocean, and other global destinations. Directly comparable to Explorer Ventures in fleet scale, multi-region coverage, and DTC-plus-channel distribution.
• Emperor Divers: Maldives-based liveaboard and dive operator that is the explicit operational partner of Explorer Ventures in the Maldives (Emperor Explorer / Emperor Explorer II). Direct competitor in the same Maldives liveaboard category.
• Siren Fleet: Liveaboard operator running vessels across Indonesia, Philippines, and Maldives — directly overlapping with Explorer Ventures' Indonesia and Maldives itineraries and competing for the same diving demographic.
• Peter Hughes Diving: Long-established (since 1966) Caribbean-focused liveaboard operator with multi-decade brand history comparable to Explorer Ventures' 37-year track record. Direct competitor in the Caribbean liveaboard segment.
• Carpe Diem Maldives: Maldives-specialist liveaboard operator directly competing with Explorer Ventures' Emperor Explorer and Emperor Explorer II vessels for Maldives diving guests.
• Worldwide Dive and Sail: Liveaboard operator with a multi-region fleet including Indonesia and Caribbean, offering similar all-inclusive diving vacation packages. Direct competitor across overlapping destinations.
• Mermaid Liveaboards: Asia-Pacific liveaboard operator (Indonesia, Philippines, Solomon Islands) competing with Explorer Ventures' Indonesia itineraries for the same diving customer base.
• Solitude Liveaboards: Asia-Pacific liveaboard operator with vessels in the Philippines, Palau, and Indonesia — competing with Explorer Ventures across multiple Pacific destinations and offering comparable premium small-ship diving experiences.

Regional players

• Indo Master Liveaboard: Indonesia-exclusive liveaboard operator with strong itineraries across Raja Ampat, Komodo, and Banda Sea — direct overlap with Explorer Ventures' Indonesia routes (Blue Manta, White Manta, Manta X) within the Indonesian market.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ExplorerVenture
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ExplorerVentures
• Facebookfacebook.com/ExplorerVentures
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/explorer-ventures
• Instagraminstagram.com/explorer.ventures

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Explorer Ventures