Raja Ampat Aggressor Liveaboard overview

By
Melina Biedermann
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Melina is a dedicated traveler and seasoned divemaster based in the heart of South East Asia. With a flair for discovering hidden treasures, her love for...
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...

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 diverse regions including Raja Ampat, Cenderawasih Bay, the Banda Sea, and Triton Bay.

The Raja Ampat Aggressor is a purpose-built diving vessel, meticulously designed to ensure safety and comfort. This impressive 98-foot (30 m) vessel offers the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. With multiple staterooms, it can accommodate up to 16 divers, ensuring an intimate and personalized journey.

Now, let’s dive into our review of the Raja Ampat 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:

  • 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

Diving on the Raja Ampat Aggressor liveaboard

Diving on the Raja Ampat Aggressor offers an exceptional underwater experience in world-famous locations. Itineraries include Raja Ampat, Dampier Strait, Misool, the Derawan Islands, and Komodo, offering diverse diving conditions like wall dives, drifts, and shallow reefs.

Water temperatures hover around 82 to 86 F (28 to 30 C), making every dive a comfortable exploration. Dive sites in these areas range from tranquil reefs to exhilarating depths of up to 130 feet (40 m). The typical itinerary involves multiple daily dives. Diving is available year-round in Raja Ampat, with optimal conditions from October to April.

These remote and pristine locations promise potential encounters with marine life including mantas, reef sharks, tunas, wobbegong sharks, walking sharks, nudibranchs, seahorses, and more. Strong currents in some areas attract larger fish like tuna, barracuda, and dolphins.

On the Raja Ampat Aggressor, guests will find tanks with both DIN and yoke valves, nitrox for those who are certified, and rental equipment if they don’t want to pack their own. The English-speaking crew is committed to an exceptional diving experience, offering not only onboard dive courses, but also thrilling night dives with unique marine life encounters. Two dive tenders transport guests directly to dive sites.

It’s important to note that there are additional costs for some trips, including national park fees, typically ranging from $250 to $260 USD per trip. These fees are essential to cover entrance and conservation fees for the protected marine areas.

Highlights:

  • Wall dives, drifts, wreck diving, and shallow reefs
  • Encounter mantas, reef sharks, tunas, wobbegong sharks, walking sharks, nudibranchs, and more
  • Knowledgeable, helpful dive staff

Onboard the Raja Ampat Aggressor

Built in 2009 and renovated in 2015, the vessel can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests in its eight cabins. One standout feature is the camera room, complete with a table and charging station. There’s also a souvenir shop for mementos and an onboard library when you’re looking for topside downtime.

The staterooms, including the master stateroom, deluxe staterooms, and twin-bed staterooms, feature climate controls, TVs, private bathrooms with freshwater showers, and either portholes or picture windows. Rooms are cleaned daily to maintain a comfortable and tidy atmosphere.

The air-conditioned salon provides ample seating for relaxation and entertainment, and features a TV, fish identification books, and a stereo system for music. Dive briefings take place in the salon.

The exterior spaces of the Raja Ampat Aggressor offer more spaces for relaxation and socialization. Guests can soak up the sun on the deck, which features a wet bar for cocktails and socializing. There’s also an outdoor dining area where divers can enjoy alfresco meals with a view.

The dive deck is fully equipped with gear bins and rinse tanks for convenient post-dive equipment care. Underwater photographers have a dedicated rinse tank for camera gear.

Highlights:

  • TV in cabins
  • Open-air dining
  • Dedicated camera room and a well-equipped dive deck

Dining onboard the Raja Ampat Aggressor

Stay fueled for your next dive with made-to-order breakfasts, including coffee, tea, or juice. Buffet-style lunches feature Indonesian curries, Western dishes, and homemade desserts. Snacks are available all day to keep energy levels high.

A variety of beverages includes soft drinks, fresh juices, and hot drinks, with complimentary wine served during dinner. The Raja Ampat Aggressor is happy to honor special dietary requests with advance notice.

Highlights:

  • Made-to-order breakfasts
  • Mix of Indonesian and Western cuisines
  • Complimentary wine with dinner

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
Key Facts
Year Built 2009
Max Divers 16
Price Range Mid-range
Trip Length 8+ Nights
Internet No
Nitrox Yes ($)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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