Aggressor Fleet: "Great Liveaboard!", Feb, 2015,by Adair New, MN, US (![]() |
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Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best): |
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Accommodations | ![]() |
Food | ![]() |
Service and Attitude | ![]() |
Environmental Sensitivity | ![]() |
Dive Operation | ![]() |
Shore Diving | N/A |
Snorkeling | N/A | ||
Overall Rating |
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Value for $$ | ![]() |
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Beginners | ![]() |
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Advanced | ![]() |
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Comments |
We have taken three live aboard dive trips; Palau Aggressor was by far our best experience. The boat is well-designed: comfortable staterooms (& lots of hot water!); easy, roomy dive-deck setup, w/camera table; ample common areas. Diving is from a skiff that you just step into & it is then mechanically lowered into the water (same on reverse); super easy! Food was also the best we've had on a live aboard so far. Extensive buffet breakfast with a daily hot special like pancakes or french toast, & always eggs to order. Lunch is a buffet with two main protein choices, ample sides, & usually soup to start. Dinner is plated and served at the table -- starter, entree, dessert. We liked everything! Cookies, fruit, drinks available 24/7. All alcohol is included. But the highlight is the crew; they were amazing! Everyone chips in on whatever needs doing; just by watching you would never have known who the captain is. They really seem to enjoy working with each other, & that creates a very positive, happy environment. Dive guides allowed freedom to dive as we felt comfortable, but were aware of everyone & quick to help as needed. This was my first "hook-in" diving (with reef hook for strong currents); I was a little nervous, and Ernan was right beside me at hook-in time -- showed me the good type of places to hook, made sure I was OK. Crew was always around & easy to find. Every time we approached any staff with a concern, question, etc., it was answered immediately. And only ONE mention of tipping was made the whole trip!! And with no "suggestions" as to percentage (though the printed material in our cabin did include that information, which I think is a nice, unobtrusive way to do it). And when I discussed with the captain (Zach) our need to give the tip later than usual, after an ATM run, he actually stressed that the tip could be given at any time OR NOT AT ALL. Never expected those words to come out of a captain's mouth, as those of you with liveaboard experience will understand! I'd give them a 5++ if possible. |
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Websites | Aggressor Fleet | ||
Reporter and Travel |
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Dive Experience | 251-500 dives | ||
Where else diving | Mostly the Caribbean; also Galapagos, Hawaii, other sites in Micronesia | ||
Closest Airport | Koror, Palau | Getting There | Both Delta (Tokyo) and United (Guam) fly to Palau |
Dive Conditions |
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Weather | sunny, windy, rainy, cloudy | Seas | calm, choppy, surge |
Water Temp | -°F / -°C | Wetsuit Thickness | 3 |
Water Visibility | - Ft/ - M | ||
Dive Policy |
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Dive own profile | yes | ||
Enforced diving restrictions | Aggressor limits depth to 110 feet, no deco diving. Maximum dive time one hour. | ||
Liveaboard? | yes | Nitrox Available? | yes |
What I Saw |
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Sharks | Lots | Mantas | 1 or 2 |
Dolphins | None | Whale Sharks | None |
Turtles | > 2 | Whales | None |
Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best): |
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Corals | ![]() |
Tropical Fish | ![]() |
Small Critters | ![]() |
Large Fish | ![]() |
Large Pelagics | ![]() |
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Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best): |
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Subject Matter | ![]() |
Boat Facilities | ![]() |
Overall rating for UWP's | ![]() |
Shore Facilities | N/A |
UW Photo Comments | As stated above, a dedicated camera table on the dive deck with chamois & air hoses. Dedicated rinse tank. Camera table on the skiff. Staff carried cameras on & off the skiff, handed them to divers in the water if desired. Cameras for rent -- great because mine malfunctioned! |
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