Dive Review of
Palau Aggressor II in
Micronesia/Palau

Throughout Pacific, all coasts USA, Gulf, Caribbean

Dive Conditions

130 istr dive; 100 subsequent dives; those depths not necessary usually  

Vessel well set-up to handle cameras from camera table on mother-boat to
table on skiff and getting cameras to and from divers in the water.  Crew
skilled at handling cameras exactly as the photog wanted - dome dorts were
NEVER placed down!  

Overall Rating

My wife and I have more than 65 years of diving experience between us
around the world on live-aboard and land-based operations.  EAT, SLEEP and
DIVE!  The Palau Aggressor II lives up to its slogan.  Captain Mike Farmer
and his crew provide a memorable diving and living experience of the best
of Palau outer reef diving.  The catamaran Aggressor II is a
well-appointed, stable and extremely comfortable home for a week of
world-class diving.  The large salon and huge galley allow for living
comfort that exceeds most land resorts.  All diving is from a large, fast
skiff.  The skiff is secured in a lift cradle across the stern of the
Aggressor.  Boarding it is as easy as entering the ship’s galley.  Once all
divers are on-board, the skiff is lowered into the water and pulls free of
the mother-boat.  Each diver’s equipment – tank, regulator, fins, mask, etc
– remain on the skiff.  Thus, the between dive chore of managing loose
equipment is eliminated.  A short run to the dive site and an easy backroll
entry drops you into spectacular water.  Reef sharks, Napoleon Wrasses,
Eagle Rays, and Turtles are found intermixed with a huge variety of reef
fish.  The soft corals are beautiful.  The walls seem to drop off forever. 
Most diving is drifting in the current, with three crew members in the
water acting as guides.  Blue Corner, Blue Holes and New Wall are always
close.  Ulong Channel, two days before the full moon on the incoming tide
was the most exciting drift dive we have ever done.  The fast current, the
coral and the fish created a kaleidoscope of images diverse images.  The
same channel two days later was good, but nowhere near the first trip.  We
did not go to Peleliu because of the weather.  According to the crew, the
spring and fall are the best times to go south to this island of World War
II infamy.

The Palau Aggressor is certainly among the best of the excellent Aggressor
fleet.  Captain Mike was totally involved with his guests and joined the
diving activity two or three times a day.  He understood what each guest
was interested in seeing and worked hard to make each dive an exceptional
experience for every diver.  His enthusiasm and professionalism was
reflected by every member of the crew.  It will be a real challenge for
other ships in this fleet to meet the standards set by the Palau Aggressor
II.

 

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