Galapagos - Aggressor III versus Humbolt Explorer

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explorer1565

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Looking to book a Galapagos liveaboard for mid/late May. Based on schedule/availability, it seems like my choice is between Aggressor III and Humbolt Explorer. I've read through several threads on here already, but still struggling to make a choice. I've seen some negative stories on Aggressor III, but also very positive reviews. Any thoughts? Pros/cons of each?

For context, I'm a single male traveler in my late 20s.

Thanks in advance!
 

Thanks for sharing, I read your post in more detail now. Sounds like an excellent trip (besides American Airlines issues). And, as others noted, a very thoroughly debrief.

Did you travel alone? I'm looking for a sense of how the boat does on assigning dive buddies for solo travelers. And less important, sharing the master room cabin with a stranger.
 
Hi @explorer1565

I traveled alone to the Red Sea in 2016, Cocos in 2017 and to Galapagos in 2018. In each case, I picked out a buddy from among the other divers who were alone. It worked out fine. We often dived loosely, with the group. We dived together when we were not with the group. I had no trouble sharing a room with someone I did not know before the trip.
 
Hi @explorer1565

I traveled alone to the Red Sea in 2016, Cocos in 2017 and to Galapagos in 2018. In each case, I picked out a buddy from among the other divers who were alone. It worked out fine. We often dived loosely, with the group. We dived together when we were not with the group. I had no trouble sharing a room with someone I did not know before the trip.

Thanks again scubadada. Really helpful. Sounds similar to my solo trip on Great Barrier Reef liveaboard last year, which was fine too.
 
I'm leaving on my 8th Aggressor trip this weekend, to the Red Sea. All have been by myself and I've never run into a problem with a roommate, although some have been better than others. I've ended up in a single a couple of times. Chances are you'll be diving as part of a small group with a DM, although you can go off as a pair if you like.
 
Hi Explorer - either of your choices would be good - they are both well run vessels but the significant difference besides cost, are their itineraries. HUMBOLDT spends a full 4 days at Darwin & Wolf, and no time at Isabela & Fernandina. At certain times of the year, spending a full 4 days at Darwin & Wolf is the best option as this is where the most action is, and if the whale sharks are there by May, then Darwin & Wolf offer some of the best diving on the planet. In May the AGGRESSOR offers only 2 days at Darwin & Wolf and they concentrate more time at Cabo Marshal, Cabo Douglas and Vicente Roca - north of Isablea and Fernandina, where you are most likely to dive with marine iguanas and possibly Mola Mola. These are significant itinerary differences and depending on your expectations - might influence your choice. Aggressor is offering $1000 off May 9-16 which puts it at almost the same rate to Humboldt. I would recommend you also look at GPS MASTER which has a discounted trip for May 6-13 and spends 3 days at Darwin & Wolf and also dives with the marine iguanas and mola mola. The Majestic Explorer and Galapagos Sky also have excellent itineraries with a slightly higher rate and if budget is an issue, then the new AQUA has a fabulous itinerary and has a trip at the end of May at an intro rate of $3495. Only 2 spaces left on it and having had many communications with her new owners, I have every confidence in her doing a fine job. Happy to chat with you by skype if you wish.
 
We just got back from AggressorIII in Galapagos. Six of us went and we loved it. The diving was spectacular and the guides worked hard to get you to the best viewing spots. We saw all the critters: hammerheads, Mola Mola, marine iguanas, seahorses, rays or all kinds, reef sharks, turtles, eels. The list goes on! The only complaint we have is the boat rattles and vibrates a lot at night when motoring. Lots of people had trouble sleeping so maybe bring some kind of sleep meds. Oh and we all got a head cold but that’s not the Aggressor’s fault. Bring Sudafed just in case!
 

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