Belize Aggressor III
We spent 10 days on the Aggressor and had a marvelous time. This was my first live aboard trip, so I really have nothing to compare it to. The room was snug but comfortable, and always clean. The common areas were very nice, salon included large couch, big screen for movies (many available), dining area was tight but comfortable. Upper deck had hot tub, loungers, and beer on tap.
The crew was absolutely top notch, worked very well as a team, efficient, and we often wondered when everything was getting done. They bent over backwards to make sure that all guests had anything we needed (including the Captain making a special effort to get me the world series scores that I was missing). Smiles were common, and they seemed to really enjoy their jobs. The food was excellent, tasty, served timely, and had a nice variety, including a full turkey dinner. There was certainly plenty of food.
As to the dive operation, it was as good or better than anything I had experienced before. Tanks were usually refilled before we had time to change into dry clothes. Bench lockers to keep your stuff, hangers above for wet suites and rash vests, camera table enough for all. Good rental equipment. Large prep area and two hot showers at the dive platform. Easy stride entry, solid ladders for exit. It was incredibly effortless to dive, even after four or five dives in the day.
As to the diving itself, it was marvelous, even despite some marginal weather (storm front came through). But then, what's a little rain when you spend most of the time at 45-90 feet. The crew altered the schedule to move to sites that were better protected and dive-able until the storm past by. We lost no dive time, although the visibility was down a bit (30-60ft). The reefs were rich with corral, fish and lobster everywhere, sting and eagle rays, octopus, morays galore, turtles, reef, white tip and nurse sharks, even a pod of 30 or so dolphin came by to visit...incredible. And of course, lionfish.
This is definitely a trip for serious, focused divers, since that is what you will be doing most of the time. The wall diving was the best part, most starting at an easy 40ft and down to the depths. I thought the best areas were between 50-70 ft.
This trip has definitely opened up my eyes to the ease and pleasure of live-aboard diving. Absolutely worth every penny. We are already planning our next trip.
Aggressor is a top-notch value
