10 Best Aggressor Liveaboards

Torben LonneSylvia Jenkins
By
Torben Lonne
Editor and Co-founder at DIVEIN.com
Torben traveled to South East Asia for scuba diving and never really stopped his search for new adventures. His affinity for gear that works and his...
Summer Worsley
Collaborator at DIVEIN.com
Summer is a former dive instructor from New Zealand that has the Great Barrier Reef as her playground. She has been writing for DIVEIN about scuba...
Sylvia Jenkins
Staff Writer at DIVEIN.com
Coming from London, UK, Sylvia has always loved traveling. During a family trip to Thailand in her early teens, it was of course a no-brainer to...

With more than 20 vessels operating around the world, it’s safe to say that Aggressor liveaboards one of the world’s favorite ways to go diving in almost any sea.

Since the Cayman Aggressor was first launched in 1984, the adventure company has launched one after another successful boat, and if you’re choosing a liveaboard dive trip, you’ve probably seen the Aggressor name come up time and time again.

But with so many dive-soaked adventures in the sun to choose from, which of the Aggressor liveaboards should you pick?

Fear not, underwater adventurer, DIVEIN.com is here to help you. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best Aggressor liveaboard trips for your consideration, and explained why we love them so much. For each vessel there’s a link to an in-depth review if you’re interested in learning more.

Following are our picks of the top 10 Aggressor liveaboards. Let’s kick things off with our No. 1 choice, a liveaboard trip on a new boat and one that is well off the beaten track…

Bahamas Aggressor

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Diving in the Bahamas offers some of the most thrilling and diverse encounters in the Caribbean. Boasting the third-largest barrier reef, there is endless opportunity to explore across this archipelago. Your journey on the Bahamas Aggressor will take you to some of the most iconic dive sites in the region, each with unique charm. Dives are made from the easily…

Key facts

Year built: 2012
Max divers: 14
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range

Things we like:

  • Highly experienced and knowledgeable crew
  • Intimate setting
  • Photo and video center for photographers
  • Diverse dive sites and marine life

Things we don’t like:

  • A couple of people noted that the liveaboard was worn and tired
  • Limited space in staterooms
  • Nitrox not included in cost

Belize Aggressor III

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The Belize Aggressor III offers week-long trips in the divers’ paradise of Belize, leaving every Saturday throughout the year. Guests can dive up to five times daily, and expect to encounter dolphins, eagle rays, tarpon, and various shark species. With visibility often exceeding 100 feet (30 meters), divers will enjoy crystal-clear views of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second-longest.…

Key facts

Year built: 1987
Max divers: 18
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range

Things we like:

  • Well-equipped photo center
  • Hot tub and wet bar
  • Warm and consistent water conditions year-round
  • Varied menu to suit all preferences

Things we don’t like:

  • Limited space in staterooms
  • Ship is in need of maintenance
  • Faint odor coming from bathrooms on some cruises

Belize Aggressor IV

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From playful dolphins to eagle rays, turtles, and several shark species, divers in Belize will have abundant opportunities to see exciting marine life. And, with consistently beautiful conditions and the longest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, there are seemingly endless dive sites to explore—making Belize a world-class scuba diving destination and a perfect option for your next liveaboard…

Key facts

Year built: 2002
Max divers: 20
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range

Things we like:

  • Unlimited diving
  • Welcoming and friendly crew
  • Complete photo editing center
  • Convenience of diving entry from yacht
  • Plentiful menu throughout trip

Things we don’t like:

  • Limited amount of land excursions available
  • Occasional issues with air conditioning in staterooms
  • Nitrox costs extra

BVI Aggressor

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With volcanic coastlines fringed by calm, clear waters, there’s a reason the British Virgin Islands are the sailing capital of the Caribbean. For scuba divers, the BVI lends itself beautifully to a liveaboard trip, with world-famous wrecks, reefs, seamounts, and pelagic marine life awaiting underwater. Topside, the lush hills, quiet cays, cerulean water, and white-sand beaches will impress between dives.…

Key facts

Max divers: 20
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range

Things we like:

  • World-famous wrecks
  • Sailing capital of the world
  • Night diving
  • Two balcony cabins

Things we don’t like:

  • Murky diving
  • Dives limited 50 minutes
  • Port fee not included ($95pp for seven nights)
  • Nitrox surcharge

Cayman Aggressor IV

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As a year-round diving destination, it’s only fitting that the Cayman Islands have 365 dive sites—one for every day of the year. So, no matter when you go, the Cayman Aggressor IV offers amazing dive tours to see stingrays, fantastic drop-offs, and world-famous wrecks. On the Cayman Aggressor IV 7-night/8-day itinerary around the country’s three islands—Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and…

Key facts

Year built: 2022
Max divers: 20
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range

Things we like:

  • Boat was refurbished in 2022
  • World-famous dive sites at all three islands
  • Suitable for divers of all levels

Things we don’t like:

  • Port fee not included ($95 per person for seven nights)
  • Nitrox is available but not included
  • No airport transfer

Cocos Island Aggressor

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If scuba diving in Costa Rica isn’t on your bucket list, you need to amend the list. Cocos Island is located over 310 miles (500 km) off the Costa Rican coast, and supposedly inspired Treasure Island and Jurassic Park. The real treasure here is the natural beauty above and below the surface, and the prehistoric animals you’ll see are of…

Key facts

Year built: 2022
Max divers: 22
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 8+ Nights
Price range: Luxury

Things we like:

  • Welcome cocktails
  • New boat launched in 2022
  • Excursions to Cocos Island always offered if conditions are safe
  • Hot tub on board

Things we don’t like:

  • Journey to/from Cocos can be choppy
  • Steep price tag
  • No night dives
  • Boat may be showing some wear and tear already

Galapagos Aggressor III

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Visiting some of the world’s most famous dive sites, the Galapagos Aggressor III is described as a “sanctuary for exploration.” Some of the highlights include dives at Wolf and Darwin Islands, chef-prepared meals, an onboard hot tub, and complimentary local beer and wine. The Galapagos Aggressor III operates on a 7-night, 8-day itinerary and has room for up to 16…

Key facts

Year built: 1993
Max divers: 16
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Luxury

Things we like:

  • Offers the chance the see megafauna including whale sharks, hammerheads, and manta rays
  • Friendly crew and clean rooms
  • Guides provide presentations about the marine life
  • Complimentary local beer and wine
  • Chef-prepared food and homemade desserts
  • Two land excursions
  • Hot tub and ample lounging areas
  • Warm, freshwater showers and rinsing stations

Things we don’t like:

  • Best for advanced divers
  • No internet
  • Night dives are contingent on the trip and may not occur

Jardines Aggressor II

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Jardines de la Reina forms a sweeping archipelago south of Cuba, 124 miles (200 km) long and featuring countless pristine beaches, islands, and reefs. Indeed, this secluded spot is home to some of the best diving in the Caribbean, with nearly guaranteed shark encounters, diverse dive sites, and the odd crocodile or two. This protected national park, 60 miles off…

Key facts

Year built: 2018
Max divers: 24
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range

Things we like:

  • Well-protected dive sites
  • Environmental education presentations
  • Abundant marine life, including plentiful sharks
  • Photo center with editing computer

Things we don’t like:

  • Nitrox costs extra
  • Not very informative dive briefings
  • Limited space in staterooms

Maldives Aggressor II

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A gem in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a world-renowned scuba diving destination, offering divers of all levels the opportunity to experience some of the most diverse and stunning underwater scenery on the planet. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, the Maldives is a diver’s paradise. Highlights of diving in the Maldives include large…

Key facts

Year built: 2006
Max divers: 22
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: Yes ($)
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range

Things we like:

  • Large sundeck with hot tub
  • Delicious food, beer and wine included
  • World-class diving from dedicated 28-person dhoni (tender)

Things we don’t like:

  • Port fees not included:$340 for 7-night cruise or $425 for 10-night cruise
  • Nitrox is available but costs extra
  • Not all dives are guided

Okeanos Aggressor II

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Costa Rica conjures up images of tropical forests and cerulean waters, but the real treasure for scuba divers lies 36 hours offshore at Cocos Island, uninhabited save for several national park rangers on rotating shifts. Allegedly the inspiration behind Treasure Island and Jurassic Park, Cocos may not be home to any dinosaurs, but the population and diversity of sharks here…

Key facts

Year built: 1985
Max divers: 22
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 8+ Nights
Price range: Luxury

Things we like:

  • Secluded location with abundant marine life
  • Hammock on the sun deck
  • Unlimited beer and wine included

Things we don’t like:

  • High price tag for amenities included
  • 36-hour journey to/from Cocos can be choppy
  • Visibility under 80 feet (24 m) during rainy season

Palau Aggressor II

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Famed for its incredible biodiversity, crystal-clear waters, and stunning dive sites, Palau offers drop-offs, walls, reefs, wrecks, and caves. Divers can expect to see a huge diversity of marine life, including sharks, mantas, rays, turtles, dolphins, and an array of fish and coral species. Some of the standout dives sites include Blue Corner, German Channel, Chandelier Caves, Jellyfish Lake, and…

Key facts

Year built: 1994
Max divers: 18
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: < 5 Nights
Price range: Budget

Things we like:

  • Friendly and professional crew
  • Chef-prepared meals with complimentary beer and wine
  • Up to five dives a day
  • All diving done from a skiff

Things we don’t like:

  • Port fees not included: $240 per trip

Philippines Aggressor

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Turquoise waters, whale sharks, schooling jacks, and sardines—what more could you ask for as a diver? Perhaps you’re an underwater photographer more interested in the tiniest of marine creatures? Fear not: liveaboard diving in the Philippines has it all. The Tubbataha Reef is part of the famed Coral Triangle and home to around 400 species of corals and nearly 600…

Key facts

Year built: 2020
Max divers: 24
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Luxury

Things we like:

  • Brand-new, comfortable, and spacious boat with modern facilities
  • Suites with ocean views and private balconies
  • Access to rarely visited areas in the Philippines

Things we don’t like:

  • Relatively small dive deck for the number of passengers
  • No option to purchase Wi-Fi

Raja Ampat Aggressor

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Diving doesn’t get any better than in the Coral Triangle, home to the world’s richest coral reef ecosystem. The region boasts over 1,500 fish species, 600 coral types and 600 mollusk species, and the Raja Ampat Aggressor puts you right in the middle of it. Divers can choose from four unique itineraries, lasting from 7 to 12 nights, and covering…

Key facts

Year built: 2009
Max divers: 16
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 8+ Nights
Price range: Mid-range

Things we like:

  • Healthy coral reefs, whale sharks, manta rays, and lots of macro life
  • Knowledgeable and safety-conscious dive guides
  • Welcoming and attentive crew
  • Spacious, clean cabins and relaxation areas
  • Free hotel pickup
  • Nitrox available for an additional fee

Things we don’t like:

  • Boat needs maintenance
  • Limited diversity in local cuisine
  • Minor disturbances from AC and engine noise
  • Challenging dive exit ladder

Red Sea Aggressor II

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The Red Sea in Egypt holds its place as one of the world’s top dive destinations. Offering outstanding visibility, easy conditions, historical shipwrecks, and incredibly diverse marine life, the Red Sea is suitable for divers of all levels. However, picking a specific boat or operator can sometimes be confusing as there’s such a wide range of options available. One favorite…

Key facts

Year built: 2017
Max divers: 22
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Budget

Things we like:

  • Well-planned itinerary
  • Variety of marine life encounters, such as hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, mantas, and dolphins
  • Helpful and attentive crew
  • Boat and cabins are kept in immaculate conditions
  • Passengers can snorkel during downtime

Things we don’t like:

  • Food can be repetitive

Red Sea Aggressor IV

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Divers flock from all over the world to dive in the Red Sea. And while many decide on shore diving, most advanced divers prefer the access a liveaboard provides. With popular dive sites stretching from Sharm El Sheikh to Hurghada, and including highlights like Brothers Islands, the Straits of Tiran, and many wrecks such as the Salem Express and Thistlegorm,…

Key facts

Year built: 2014
Max divers: 26
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range

Things we like:

  • Phenomenal crew focused on safety
  • Variety of marine life encounters, including oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerheads, manta rays, and dolphins
  • Helpful and attentive dive guides
  • Exceptional onboard hospitality and food

Things we don’t like:

  • Crowded dive sites
  • Hot tub sometimes unheated

Roatan Aggressor

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The Bay Islands of Honduras are a hidden gem in the Caribbean, and the Roatan Aggressor is the only liveaboard allowing you to discover the best of these beautiful islands. Dive sites are scattered among Roatan, Utila, and Cayos Cochinos, and offer some of the most tranquil and beginner-friendly dive sites in the region, making them perfect for divers of…

Key facts

Year built: 2017
Max divers: 18
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: < 5 Nights
Price range: Mid-range

Things we like:

  • Diverse marine life and healthy reefs
  • Experienced and knowledgeable crew
  • Photo and video center for photographers

Things we don’t like:

  • Limited space in staterooms
  • Occasional repetition in dive sites

Turks and Caicos Aggressor II

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One of two liveaboards in the Turks and Caicos, the Turks and Caicos Aggressor II delivers divers to sheer wall ledges covered in colorful sponges and coral as well as sand flats featuring garden eels and stingrays. The itinerary’s diversity in dive sites also allows divers multiple opportunities to see and photograph megafauna such as sharks, turtles, and eagle rays.…

Key facts

Year built: 2000
Max divers: 18
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range

Things we like:

  • Helpful crew
  • Hot tub on the top deck
  • Freshwater shower on dive deck
  • Outstanding food
  • Fresh towels provided after each dive
  • Non-diver/snorkeler friendly

Things we don’t like:

  • Upper bed is close to ceiling in some staterooms
  • Only one dive on Friday

Aggressor Liveaboard Trips

Calling all pelagic lovers, pay attention because here’s the trip for you. The Revillagigedo Islands, commonly called Socorro, are three barren volcanic outcrops — Socorro, San Benedicto, and Roca Partida. Because these seamounts are so far offshore, they’re a beacon to large pelagic species, including giant manta rays who are quite happy to cruise along right beside divers.

It’s not only the mantas that are friendly either; bottlenose dolphins also seem content to swim with divers, and the whale sharks aren’t reticent. This trip is definitely one for the bucket list. Mexico has quite a few actually. But, it’s not higher on our list for one reason only: the strong currents and unpredictable waters mean Socorro is best reserved for experienced divers chasing some serious wet and wild action.

Need to Knows

  • Itineraries: 8-night trips available
  • Home port: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
  • Passengers: 26
  • Number of cabins:13
  • Boat length: 135 feet
  • Must-dive site: The Boiler, San Benedicto
  • Night dives are not allowed on this trip
  • Bring a warm (5 or 7 mm) wetsuit as the waters here are temperate
  • Humpback whales can be spotted between November and June

That completes our list of the best 10 Aggressor liveaboard trips. Click on the Aggressor yacht that interested you most and read the in-depth review that will outline more of what you can expect.

We’re working on getting someone onboard the Arabian Aggressor and will review it as soon as possible.

We hope you’re inspired for your next adventure! For further information on these trips and more, head to the Aggressor website here.

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