Galapagos Aggressor III Liveaboard Overview

DIVEIN contributor Ami Everett smiling in front of green foliageDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By Ami EverettRebecca Strauss
Galapagos Aggressor III liveaboard yacht cruising past volcanic cliffs
The Galapagos Aggressor III is a 100-foot-long (30 m) vessel built in 1993 and renovated in 2011.
A couple relaxes in the hot tub with champagne aboard the Galapagos Aggressor III
An evening in the hot tub is the perfect way to end the dive day.
Guests play backgammon in the wood paneled salon of the Galapagos Aggressor III
Take five in the air-conditioned salon.
Guest reads on the covered sun deck with dive gear laid out on the table
Relax with a book in the shade on the upper deck.
Diver hovers above a whale shark in open water near the Galapagos
Your chances of seeing a whale shark dramatically increase from June-November of every year.
Ocean sunfish, or mola mola, drifts near a reef in the Galapagos
Lucky divers at Punta Vicente Roca have a great chance of spotting a mola mola.
Wide school of hammerhead sharks silhouetted against blue water in the Galapagos
The money shot: dozens of hammerheads school in the blue.
Marine iguana perches on volcanic rock on a Galapagos shoreline
Included land excursions mean divers can see plenty of topside animals.
A Galapagos sea lion rests on the beach beside a small marine iguana
Iguanas and Galapagos seals share space amicably
Blue footed booby stands on red dirt showing its bright blue feet
The iconic blue-footed booby is resident on several islands in the Galapagos
Tour group watching giant tortoises wallow in a muddy pool in the Galapagos
No visit to the Galapagos would be complete without spotting a few giant land tortoises

Where to book

Visiting some of the world’s most famous dive sites, the Galapagos Aggressor III is described as a “sanctuary for exploration.” Some of the highlights include dives at Wolf and Darwin Islands, chef-prepared meals, an onboard hot tub, and complimentary local beer and wine.

The Galapagos Aggressor III operates on a 7-night, 8-day itinerary and has room for up to 16 guests in nine staterooms. Divers will log up to four dives daily at famous locations including Wolf, Darwin, Punta Carrion, Cabo Douglas, Punta Vicente Roca, and Cousins Rock.

Charters run Thursday to Thursday, departing from and returning to Santa Cruz, Baltra. Divers can expect to see megafauna such as manta rays, whale sharks, hammerheads, and more. Additionally, guests aboard the Galapagos Aggressor III can explore on land with two included excursions to see Galapagos tortoises. This charter is best for divers with more than 50 dives, as currents can be extremely strong.

Let’s dive into our review of the Galapagos Aggressor III.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Recommended in: Liveaboards in Galápagos

Disclosure: We are reader supported, and may earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.

Things we like:

  • Offers the chance the see megafauna including whale sharks, hammerheads, and manta rays
  • Friendly crew and clean rooms
  • Guides provide presentations about the marine life
  • Complimentary local beer and wine
  • Chef-prepared food and homemade desserts
  • Two land excursions
  • Hot tub and ample lounging areas
  • Warm, freshwater showers and rinsing stations

Things we don't like:

  • Best for advanced divers
  • No internet
  • Night dives are contingent on the trip and may not occur

Where to book

Galapagos Aggressor III liveaboard yacht cruising past volcanic cliffs
PADI TravelSecure online bookingLiveaboard.comNo booking feesDivebooker.comFree DAN insurance

Diving on the Galapagos Aggressor III

Marine iguana clings to a rocky reef underwater in the Galapagos
Giant manta ray glides through open blue water in the Galapagos
Whale shark swims near the surface trailed by remoras in the Galapagos
Large school of scalloped hammerhead sharks circles in the blue near Galapagos reefs
A hammerhead shark passes over a coral reef as a diver watches from the school above
A camouflaged sarcastic fringehead fish rests on sandy seafloor in the Galapagos
Hawksbill sea turtle glides over a coral reef in the Galapagos
Curious sea lion swims close to the camera underwater in the Galapagos

The Galapagos Aggressor III charter runs on a Thursday to Thursday, 7-night, 8-day itinerary departing from and returning to Santa Cruz, Baltra. Divers can expect to log up to four dives a day at world renowned dive sites, with two morning and two afternoon dives at various sites. Additionally, two night dives will be offered.

Dives will vary in depth from 40 to 130 feet (12 to 40 m) and will, at times, have strong currents and marginal to moderate visibility. Two distinct dive seasons offer different opportunities to see megafauna.

From June to November, water temperatures range from 60 to 75 F (16 to 24 C). The cooler temperatures coincide with an increased chance to dive with whale sharks. From December to May, water temperatures range from 70 to 86 F (21 to 30 C). Waters are typically warmer and clearer and divers have a greater chance to see hammerheads, manta rays, and eagle rays. Regardless of the time of year, divers should plan on a 5 to 7 mm wetsuit.

All dives are done from two 20-foot tenders. Dive sites include Punta Carrion, Wolf and Darwin, Cabo Marshall, Cousins Rock, Punta Vincente Roca, and more. Rental gear and nitrox are available for extra costs. This vessel also features two warm, freshwater showers for post-dive, battery charging and rinsing stations for cameras, and field guides to help with fish ID. Gear can be stored in personal lockers. Two land excursions include hiking to Bartolome Summit, a panga ride to Pinnacle Rock, and a trip to the Santa Cruz highlands to see the Tortoise Reserve.

Highlights:

  • Up to four dives per day
  • Diving with megafauna including whale sharks, manta rays, and hammerheads
  • Two land excursions included

Onboard the Galapagos Aggressor III

Guests play backgammon in the wood paneled salon of the Galapagos Aggressor III
Dining area set with tablecloths and flowers aboard the Galapagos Aggressor III
Cabin bed with breakfast tray and pillows aboard the Galapagos Aggressor III
Twin cabin with wood paneling and TV aboard the Galapagos Aggressor III
Sun deck lounge chairs overlooking the coastline aboard the Galapagos Aggressor III
Divers suit up on the dive deck with wetsuits hanging aboard the Galapagos Aggressor III

The Galapagos Aggressor III is a 100-foot-long (30 m) vessel built in 1993 and renovated in 2011. It can accommodate 16 divers in eight staterooms, which are split into four deluxe staterooms with twin beds and four master staterooms with twin or double beds. All cabins have an en-suite bathroom, individually controlled AC, TV, and hairdryer. The master staterooms offer ocean views. The deluxe staterooms have portholes.

Social areas include a large salon with a dining area and a top deck with shade, a hot tub, lounge chairs, and bar and grill. Each night the Galapagos Aggressor III staff offers entertainment including lectures, movies, and games. An onboard library is available and accepts donations. No internet is available.

Highlights:

  • Air-conditioned rooms with windows
  • Ample deck space, including a covered deck with hot tub
  • Ensuite bathrooms

Dining onboard the Galapagos Aggressor III

Crew member plates a seafood spread for guests aboard the Galapagos Aggressor III
Platter of grilled vegetables and peppers served aboard the Galapagos Aggressor III
Sauced meat with cucumber and a hash brown patty on a dinner plate aboard the ship

All meals are chef-prepared with a varied menu of American and local cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style. Dinner is chef prepared and plated. Snacks, sodas, coffee, tea, and juices are complimentary, along with complimentary local beer and wine. Wednesday night dinner is at a local restaurant, and is not included in the price of the charter.

Breakfast typically consists of fresh fruits, hot entrees, cereals, and juices. Lunch consists of hot soups, homemade breads, salads, and sandwiches. The dinner menu includes salads, vegetables, seafood, an entree (beef or chicken), and a homemade dessert. Dietary and vegetarian requests may be accommodated. Breakfast is served on Thursday before divers depart for the airport.

Highlights:

  • Chef-prepared meals
  • Homemade desserts
  • Complimentary juices, sodas, local wine, and beer
Key facts
Year built:1993
Max divers:16
Rental equip:Yes ($)
Camera station:Yes
Internet:No
Min logged dives:No minimum
Nitrox:Yes ($)
Aircon:Yes
Trip length:5-7 Nights
Price range:Luxury

Where to book

Galapagos Aggressor III liveaboard yacht cruising past volcanic cliffs
PADI TravelSecure online bookingLiveaboard.comNo booking feesDivebooker.comFree DAN insurance
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