BVI Aggressor Liveaboard overview

By
Elena Vivaldo
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Traveller. PADI scuba diving instructor. SEO copywriter working with many clients across different time zones since 2018. Elena has been hooked on diving since she was...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

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.

On the 8-day/7-night journey of the BVI Aggressor, you’ll visit all the diving hotspots around the islands and get your fill of sharks and wrecks. The varied dive sites and easy conditions in these idyllic islands are ideal for divers of all levels,  including beginners.

Keep reading as we dive into our review of the BVI Aggressor.

About this review

To help you find a that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of s

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

Diving on the BVI Aggressor liveaboard

The 8-day itinerary starts and ends in Tortola, and you can log up to 27 dives at dive sites scattered around the islands of Norman, Peter, Salt, Cooper, and Virgin Gorda. If wreck diving is your thing, the BVI Aggressor will take you to some of the best wrecks in the Caribbean, if not the world.

At the top of the list is the RMS Rhone, a UK Royal Mail ship sunk by a hurricane in 1867, followed by the Kodiak Queen, a WWII Navy fuel barge, one of the five ships that survived the Pearl Harbor attack. Other notable wrecks include the pirate-themed Willy T Wreck, and three airplanes doubling as art installations, remodeled to look like a bull shark, hammerhead, and nurse shark respectively.

Most wrecks are in relatively shallow waters, but some rest at a maximum depth of 105 feet (32 m). Nonetheless, being an advanced diver with a wreck specialty qualification is highly recommended.

To get the most out of these shallow dives, the BVI Aggressor also offers nitrox at an extra cost.

Aside from the structure itself, each of these wrecks is also home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, turtles, barracudas, and seahorses. Seamounts and coral gardens are also a diving highlight, but for an extra thrill, don’t miss the chance to go night diving in the BVI. Remember to bring your dive torch and to follow night diving rules and etiquette.

For easy access to the dive sites, all dives from the BVI Aggressor are tender dives. Both of the two custom-built, 25-foot (7 m) tender boats feature dive racks and ladders. Divers can enjoy up to five dives per day (two on the last day), including night dives.

 Highlights:

  • World-class wreck dives
  • Shark sightings including bull sharks and hammerheads
  • Up to 27 dives (including multiple night dives)

Onboard the BVI Aggressor

Measuring 110 feet (33 m), the BVI Aggressor has all the space, amenities, and elegance of a private liveaboard. This luxurious dive boat sleeps up to 20 guests in two balcony suites, five deluxe staterooms, and three twin staterooms—all with a private bathroom, TV, and air conditioning.

All staterooms also incorporate a nautical design and homely details to create a private space that is both comfortable and stylish.

Similarly, the interior spaces are designed for comfort rather than luxury. The salon and dining area are spacious and air-conditioned. There’s also a small library and an entertainment system.

Outdoor spaces onboard the BVI Aggressor include a sun deck complete with deck chairs, a shaded wet bar and grill, an outdoor sound system, and even a hot tub. You’ll find another open-air cocktail lounge on the upper deck.

The dive deck has a large changing area with individual storage space, a platform with two hot-water showers, a camera table with low-pressure air hoses, and a photo editing computer for guests to use—perfect if you don’t have your laptop or are new to underwater photography.

 Highlights:

  • Homely, nautical atmosphere
  • Small library, hot tub, and wet bar
  • Photo editing computer available for guest use

Dining onboard the BVI Aggressor

The BVI Aggressor offers buffet-style meals, and the menu includes American dishes, barbecues, and local delicacies.

For breakfast, choose from fresh fruit, hot entrees, and a variety of juice. At lunch, you’ll find hot soup, homemade breads, salads, sandwiches, and/or entrees. And, at dinnertime, chef-prepared meals include salads, vegetables, seafood, beef or chicken, and a fresh homemade dessert. If you have any dietary requirements, be sure to add them to your booking form.

The drinks menu is just as good and includes fruit juices, soft drinks, iced tea, coffee, and a limited selection of local beer and wine. You can also bring your favorite spirits onboard—but if you do drink, then you agree not to dive until the following day.

 Highlights:

  • A wide variety of cuisine
  • Complimentary beer and wine
  • You can bring your own alcohol onboard

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 ($95pp for seven nights)
  • Nitrox surcharge
Key Facts
Max Divers 20
Price Range Mid-range
Trip Length 5-7 Nights
Internet No
Nitrox Yes ($)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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