Turks & Caicos - Aggressor, Good Boat?

[pwogger]

Hi All!

Does anyone have recent experience with Aggressor in T&C?
Considering a trip and have other options for destinations and boats within the same time frame.

Thanks!

-Paul

 

[drrich2]

I can't help you directly, but I can point out a resource that might. Recently I started a thread asking about Picking a Caribbean live-aboard. T&C came up as a destination a number of people really like. Do note that Explorer Ventures also has a T&C trip, and they allow solo diving and rent the equipment for it (if you've got a solo certification; I think they teach the course if you want to pursue it). While this is a non-issue for some people, it would matter to some.

Another recent thread, asking about going to Belize vs. Turks & Caicos? Help!, talks about the Aggressor and also the Explorer Ventures boat, and might help you figure out which to pick.

Richard.

 

[Hintermann]

I went on the T&C Aggressor in May 2011 and it was one of the best trips that I have been. The boat itself is good without being spectacular but the crew, led by Capt Amanda Smith, are unquestionably the best of the 18 liveaboard cruises that I so far been. The diving is great of course.

 

[wdurr@aol.com]

I have been on both boats, and the Aggressor is just a step above in style, service. A great spot to dive, easy, warm lovely. Spend a couple of days on Grace Bay while there. Aggressor has some specials through out the year, that you can take advantage of.

 

[Hintermann]

The thing I liked about the T&C Aggressor on my trip is that several crew members on board, including the chef, were certified Divemasters. Usually 3 of them came on most dives, one guiding, the other taking video clips and a third hovering around keeping a general eye on things. They were great in finding critters and pointing the out.

No exaggeration but we must have seen over 100 sharks on the trip, some swimming unnervingly close. One of the best dives ever was a night dive at Rock 'n' Roll reef where nurse sharks were sometimes almost going between our legs.

 

[KathyV]

We were on the T&C Aggressor in the fall of 2013 and we had a great time; the boat and crew were terrific and the diving was superb. Beautiful walls, lots of healthy corals and sea life and many large animals, including sharks on just about every dive. We also did a Peter Hughes Dancer livaboard out of Provo many years ago and it was a great trip, too.

We have not been on the T&C Explorer but we did an Explorer trip to St. Kitts and Saba and it was excellent. So I would be very willing to dive with them again, too.

I think that the pricing for the T&C Aggressor and Explorer are approximately the same amount. I've read on this board that the Aggressor rate seems a little higher but it includes some extras like taxes or surcharges that are added later to the Explorer's price. But both operations run specials during the year so I would probably look for the best total cost if I was trying to decide between the two boats.

Do try and spend some time on Provo and Grace Bay; it's a lovely place to visit. BTW, the T&C islands are very expensive so a liveaboard gives you the best bargain for your cost per dive as compared to a land-based dive operation and you avoid long rides out to the best dive sites.

If you do spend more than a couple of days on shore, I suggest getting a kitchenette or an apartment so you can prepare some simple meals and get a rental car because taxi rides are costly; have fun!

 

[parrotheaddiver]

yes the T&C Aggressor is one of the better run boats in the Aggressor fleet IMO...the diving is some of the best and the crew are top shelf...you can't go wrong...have a great trip

 

[BDSC]

I have not been on the Aggressor boat but have heard good things about it. When I went a couple of years ago I was looking at either that one or the Turks & Caicos Explorer II and picked the Explorer one. Overall the price was about $200 cheaper for the week when we went. If your dates are a little flexible, look at their website. Often they pick out certain weeks during the year and offer $400 to $500 off the price. That's a pretty good savings.

The boat, crew, food, and diving was excellent. Wouldn't hesitate to use them again.

Just did a quick price comparison of the two looking at similar room types. It appears the Aggressor boat is about $150 more, give or take, for the week.

 

[LiquidDivingAdventure]

I book both the Aggressor / Dancer fleet and Explorer Ventures charters. My experience is that the Aggressor / Dancer ships are like a franchise and are at the whim of the individual owners. Some are fantastic, others so-so. And if you have a bad experience, Aggressor not being the owner really doesn't stand up for you. However, Explorer Ventures are really customer service oriented and if you have a problem, you get satisfaction, not excuses. I have a small group charter to T&C on the EV Caribbean Explorer this October 10-17 and as mentioned above, they do offer deals. This charter is $200 off plus an additional $100 from us. We are really looking forward to this charter and it will be the first liveaboard for my wife. I have had nothing but good reports from divers on this itinerary and ship.

Liquid Diving Adventures | Explorer Ventures Turks & Caicos Oct 10-17, 2015 - Group Charter

 

[donhealy]

So just got back from the T&C on board the EV T&C II. Been on it 3 times now. The Aggressor went to the same dive spots and both captains made sure they communicated conditions and moorings.

Both boats are great and you can't go wrong with either one. I just like the camaraderie (with the crew) you get on the Explorer Ventures better and the captain (JF) is awesome as well. But then so is Amanda. If you want a video of the week then book the Aggressor T&C II.

If you've been on the Cayman Aggressor IV then you will not be surprised by the T&C boat. They are virtually clones.

And yes, the explorer Ventures does train for solo certification!