Maldives Aggressor II
Accommodations: the accommodations were quite nice. Not as large as some other boats operating in the Maldives, but definitely larger than other boats I have been on in the US and Australia. Most cabins were configured with one double on the bottom and one twin above. The en suite bathroom was large and had plenty of hot water and water pressure in the shower.
Dive conditions: we had bad weather (high winds, large seas, and rain) during the first part of our trip and were unable to make the scheduled crossing to Ari atoll. We spent the week mostly in South Male, where the diving was good but not as varied as in Ari. Visibility was typically around 30-50 feet, though there were times in strong currents when it was less than that. The current was generally medium or strong, bringing in the plankton and the mantas and the sharks. Temps were typical Maldives, mid 80s, so a dive skin, polar tech, or shorty is all that was needed.
Food/service: the food and service on board were excellent. Made to order omelettes every morning after the first dive, served 3-course meal each night for dinner, and if you ask nicely, the chef will bring out hot & spicy curry for lunch and dinner too. Wine and beer are free, and one of the crew greets you after the last day with a tray full of ice cold ones to grab right when you get back on the boat.
Dive operation: the dive operation needs some improvement. One of the divers on the boat did not have an octopus as part of his personal gear, and even though this was pointed out to the dive staff, it wasn't until the second day of diving that they made him get one and use it. That put all of us at risk. I was also disappointed that they failed to enforce the dive rules they had posted in the briefing area. Many divers were using gloves and grabbing on to the reef for buoyancy control, even though the boat's own instructions said gloves were not permitted to be used. Generally, though, the dive guides did the best they could to take us to interesting sites, show us interesting things to take pictures of, and gave us freedom to dive in buddy teams if we wanted to.
I think this boat and itinerary are perfect for people who place importance on the personalized service (food, fresh towels after every dive, served meals, etc.) when they are on a liveaboard. That service costs a bit more than other similar luxury boats in the Maldives, so I can only give the Aggressor 3 stars for value.
