Ships crew from left to right: 
Sergio (launchero), Guillermo (launchero), Ship's Captain Martin, 
Ester (cook), Paloma (cook) and Eliezar (engineer)

The MV Narval was built in  Mayport, Florida 1974. It underwent a complete reconstruction of the hull in October 1992. Between 2007 and  2008 the hull further underwent a 60% hull change and the decks were refitted entirely.

The MV Narval is a Mexican registered, commercial passenger, vessel certified under the "Nacional de Seguridad Maritima", the equivalent to the Canadian Department of Transport. It has the legally required safety inspection certificate, permits to access the area we explore and is registered with the Ministry of Tourism.
 

Captain Martin in the wheelhouse






Outer corridor of the upper deck






Spacious upper back deck

There are 9 staterooms onboard with accommodations varying from 2 - 4 persons per stateroom. Each stateroom is complete with full washroom facilities; toilet, sink/mirror and hand held telescopic shower. 

Below Deck Accommodations - 6 inside staterooms




















Each stateroom is complete with full bathroom 
facilities; toilet, sink/mirror and hand held telescopic shower.



In addition, there will be 2 full bathrooms with walk in 
showers, flush toilets and vanity area located on the upper deck.

The ship tows 2 pangas for ship to shore transport and exploration.

 
Onboard inventory - 3 double kayaks 

The kayaks are not the sea going kayaks where you have to learn how to roll and sit in the hull, they are simply plastic "sit on" kayaks. We do not venture out into in deep waters or from island to island. They are kayaks for beginners and it takes quite a bit to tip them Participants kayak around the shoreline in view of the main ship and in shallow, clear waters.

    In the 24 years of Panterra we have paid out well over a million dollars in charter fees to the various boats in our employ. There are many factors that come into play when choosing the vessels. 

   Not only does the boat have to meet the commercial vessel regulations, safety inspections and certifications of the respective country, we also have to insure the adults (whether it be vessel owners, Captain, crew, cook, or naturalist/biologist) are compatible to the needs of Panterra and the schools involved. 

   The key to the success of our programs can be prioritized by vessel safety and certification, staff certification and experience at sea, and the responsible practices of all of the adults involved in the operation. 

   How does this relate to the MV Narval? The staff's care and safety concern for the passengers is exemplary. They are always aware of our activities, constantly in radio contact during our shore excursions, they encourage students to visit the wheelhouse in order to learn more about navigation and vessel related operations, they assist students with their snorkel and beach gear, they are constantly on the look out for wildlife, the galley staff provide nourishing "home-cooked" meals that incorporate all the main food groups; these are just a few examples.

   However, the most impressive and successful part of the vessel operation is the Captain's need to insure that all of his staff work together helping and supporting each other. Always overseeing and throwing a watchful eye of safety on the group, onboard as well as during off boat activities. The Captain and many of the crew have worked with Panterra for several years. 

   We have thoughtfully created an environment of comfort, respect, safety, and teamwork - a combination that provides a nurturing and caring atmosphere. Once this is accomplished, the stage is set for the educational component and an experience of a lifetime unfolds - quite often changing the lives of the participants in a positive and reflective way. I can say this from the many letters received from parents, teachers and the students themselves.       

    The success of our endeavor can be measured by the relationship of the boat owner and crew of the MV Narval and Panterra. I feel very blessed by this relationship and the company of the people I am doing business with in Mexico.

Lela Sankeralli - Founder of Panterra