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[title] => Galapagos Aggressor III Staff Collects 353 lbs. of Coastal Trash
[stinger] => Galapagos Aggressor III Staff Collects 353 lbs. of Coastal Trash
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Galapagos Aggressor III Staff Collects 353 lbs. of Coastal Trash
Augusta, Georgia. April 17, 2024: As a leader in sustainable ecotourism and international adventure travel, Aggressor Adventures® encourages shoreline clean-ups around the world. Recently, Galapagos Aggressor III staff dedicated approximately 20 man-hours to a shoreline clean-up, filling 25 trash bags with 353 pounds of trash.
“Divers love the Galapagos for its amazing wildlife both underwater and on land, so helping to keep the shoreline clean is important to us,” said Samantha Whitcraft, Aggressor’s Director of Conservation and Outreach. She continued, “scientists found that lost/discarded fishing gear (lines, nets, ropes, hooks, traps), bags, and balloons pose the greatest entanglement threats to marine wildlife.” Thankfully, much of the removed trash consisted of fishing-related trash thereby decreasing the potential for life-threatening entanglements of indigenous, coastal wildlife that use the area for resting, feeding, or breeding.”
This was a challenging but important site to access at Itabaca Channel, Isla Santa Cruz. “Due to currents from the south-east, marine debris accumulates there regularly, and it can only be accessed via dinghy. The area provides habitat of many seabirds and reptiles like marine iguanas, land iguanas, and lava lizards,” said Stefan Tinner, Cruise Director, Galapagos Aggressor III who coordinated the clean-up. “Thanks to the municipality of Santa Cruz, all the collected garbage was securely disposed of at the official town dump,” he concluded.
Aggressor Adventure’s CEO Wayne Brown says “We implement the four R’s of sustainable use – Reduce, Re-use, Re-purpose, and Recycle – across all operations because doing so can help reduce the amount of trash entering our oceans to begin with. I’m proud of our staff and their success with this challenging shoreline clean-up. As a company, we will continue to be pro-active when it comes to keeping our adventures environmentally sustainable for our customers, for future generations, and for the planet. And with our Green the Fleet® sustainability initiatives, we can be part of the solution and help our guests understand how they can join us in our on-going efforts to create positive change.”
Belize Aggressor IV Staff Collects 136 lbs. of Coastal Trash
Augusta, Georgia. March 18, 2024: As a leader in sustainable ecotourism and international adventure travel, Aggressor Adventures® encourages shoreline clean-ups around the world. Recently, five Aggressor staff dedicated 10+ man-hours to cleaning-up the shoreline of Treasure Island, Honduras while the Belize Aggressor IV was in dry dock, filling over 17 trash bags with 136 pounds of trash.
“As divers, we know the oceans need our help now more than ever, and here at Aggressor Adventures we get that,” says Samantha Whitcraft, Aggressor’s Director of Conservation and Outreach. She continued, “scientists estimate that more than nine million metric tons of plastic waste enter the oceans every year comprised mostly of everyday items we all use and discard, usually after only one use.” For example, most of the items cleaned-up during this effort were discarded, single-use plastic from food service such as plastic bottles/caps, straws, plastic cutlery, and to-go containers (5 large garbage bags of it). Another whole bag of more durable but discarded plastics was also collected. The second-most common items that were cleaned-up were paper and metal items – discarded newspapers and magazines; and cans and scrap metal.
With Earth Day right around the corner (April 22), let’s all remember the four R’s of sustainable use – Reduce, Re-use, Re-purpose, and Recycle. Implementing these in our daily lives can help reduce the amount of trash entering our oceans to begin with.
Aggressor Adventure’s CEO Wayne Brown says “We strive every day for excellence in our green operations that are already in place, yet as global adventurers, we witness first-hand the impact pollution has on our surrounding environment, especially our oceans. It’s our responsibility to change that. I’m so proud of our staff and their success with this shoreline clean-up. As a company, we continue to be pro-active when it comes to keeping our adventures environmentally sustainable for our customers, for future generations, and for the planet. By adding a yearly clean-up to our Green the Fleet® sustainability initiatives, we will continue to be part of the solution and help our guests understand how they can join us in our efforts.”
Welcome Back the Thailand Aggressor Offering Two Andaman Sea Itineraries
Luxury Liveaboard Cruises Dive Surin, Similan and Lanta National Parks
Augusta, Georgia—Thailand is often called the “land of smiles.” Adventure travelers have a lot to smile about as we welcome back the Thailand Aggressor with scuba expeditions exploring the magnificent reefs of the country’s national parks beginning November 2, 2024.
November through April (North Andaman Sea), seven-night charters depart from Thap Lamu Pier, Thailand, and cruise north, stopping at Similan National Park dive sites, including Anitas Reef, East of Eden and Christmas Point. The week culminates with dives at Koh Tachi, Koh Bon and Richelieu Rock in Surin National Park.
May through October (South Andaman Sea), Thailand Aggressor guests will board the 16-passenger yacht at Chalong Pier, south of Phuket. The week’s diving begins at Anemone Reef and the Cruiser Wreck before cruising south to Phi Phi, Racha Noi, Hin Daeng and sites in Lanta National Park.
Thailand’s rich waters are home to whale sharks, manta rays, leopard sharks and over 500 species of spectacular hard and soft corals.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Thailand Aggressor back and offer two exciting itineraries. The marine life, the culture and the beautiful, smiling people of Thailand make this one of my favorite
destinations,” says Aggressor Adventure® company CEO Wayne Brown. “We are so committed to sharing this amazing region with our guests that we will soon offer Aggressor Signature Lodges spa packages in the Chiang Mai district in northern Thailand. An extended stay in this remote, eco-friendly lodge is the perfect complement to an Andaman Sea Thailand Aggressor scuba adventure.”
The Thailand Aggressor is a 16-passenger yacht with three master staterooms and five deluxe staterooms. This 115-foot (35-meter) liveaboard is a floating resort complete with state-of-the art diving amenities, hot tub, sun deck, onboard chef and five-star personal service. The Thailand Aggressor operated in the Andaman Sea from 2013 – 2020 and since has undergone a drydock refit and will launch her maiden voyage Nov 2, 2024.
For additional information, or travel reservations, visit aggressor.com or call 800-348-2628 or 1-706-993-2531.
Wayne Brown shares his passion for boutique adventure travel on television and internet.
Augusta, Georgia—Americans are traveling in record numbers and Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures, is inviting thrill-seekers to experience off-the-beaten-path boutique adventures. Television audiences across the country from Arizonia to Colorado to Wisconsin to Florida are hearing how they can snorkel with humpback whales or photograph Asian elephants when they expand their vacation horizons with an Aggressor Adventure®. Company CEO Wayne Brown is sharing his passion for exotic travel in many media outlets including morning television audiences on programs such as Great Day Colorado and Sonoran Living Phoenix.
“Sharing my passion for adventure travel and cultural immersion is the greatest joy of my job, so discussing scuba diving or jungle safaris with television audiences is a pleasure,” says Brown.
“Everyone has a bucket list and I enjoy helping travelers discover that their vacation dreams are within reach. It is possible to scuba dive with giant Pacific manta rays, climb an ancient fortress in Sri Lanka, or walk in the steps of Tutankhamun. Intimate, small group adventure travel is more available and more affordable than most people realize. I just want to spread the word and share the world. Travel creates the greatest moments and greatest memories!”
Aggressor Adventures® and Mares® Announce New Partnership
Mares becomes exclusive scuba gear supplier for Aggressor yachts worldwide
Augusta, Georgia —Aggressor Adventures proudly announces a new partnership with Mares scuba and snorkeling gear for 2024. Mares will become the exclusive supplier and brand of diving equipment for Aggressor’s executive management team, staff and for guests within the rental equipment complement aboard 21 Aggressor Adventures yachts in the world’s most-beautiful diving destinations.
“We are excited to partner with Mares, who shares our high standards, commitment to customer service and passion for adventure travel,” says Aggressor Adventures Chairman and CEO Wayne Brown. “Mares has manufactured exceptional diving gear for over 75 years, and we have been providing adventure travel for over 40 years. We are both committed to the long-term success and growth of scuba diving. We look forward to working together on joint marketing programs and promotions that will benefit dive centers, travel agents and our customers.”
In the coming months, Aggressor guests may rent Mares regulators, BCDs, and dive computers during their scuba vacations. If a passenger’s personal dive equipment fails, or their luggage is lost, Aggressor’s onboard staff may provide them “free Mares loaner” gear during their cruise. Mares and Aggressor Adventures will also host joint promotions throughout the year.
Aggressor Adventures reservations can be made through your local travel agent or online at aggressor.com or call 800-348-2628 or 1-706-993-2531.
Birding Watching Added to Aggressor Adventures® Travel
Small-group birding expeditions in Sri Lanka and Nile River Valley offer five-star amenities.
Augusta, Georgia — Aggressor Adventures® now offers small-group, professionally-guided birding tours from Aggressor Signature Lodges in Sri Lanka and aboard the Aggressor Nile Queen II river cruiser in Egypt. Expeditions include deluxe accommodations, chef-prepared meals, visits to archeological sites and guided tours with expert birders and naturalists.
“For over 40 years, Aggressor Adventures has offered explorers, scuba divers and nature lovers the ultimate in small group expeditions and now we are applying our experience and passion to bird watching,” says Aggressor Chairman and CEO Wayne Brown. “Our guide-to-client ratio and
dedication to service reflects a more intimate travel experience that birders are seeking.”
Northern Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world for watching birds, where you may see a wide spectrum of resident and migratory birds on the island. Aggressor Signature Lodges seven-day,
six-night packages include guided jeep tours in Sri Lanka’s Wilpattu, Minneriya and Kalawewa
national wildlife parks. Sri Lanka is home up to 34 endemic bird species and over 450 recorded
species. The parks are also home to elephant herds, jaguars, sloth bears and crocodiles. These small group adventures also include visits to the ancient city of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Egyptian birds like the Nile Valley Sunbird, Greater Painted-snipe, Red Avadavat and migrating
raptors are a major attraction in the Nile River ecosystem. During six-day, five-night Aggressor Nile Queen II cruises, private guides accompany guests to parks, lakes and Egypt’s archeological treasures. Birding expeditions depart from Luxor and sail to Aswan taking in breathtaking views along Egypt’s Nile River Delta. Transportation to parks and historical sites is included.
For additional information, or reservations, visit aggressor.com or call 800-348-2628 or 1-706-993-2531.
Aggressor Adventures Announces new Signature Lodges Brand
Forty-year Adventure Travel Company Continues Expanding Luxury Brands
Augusta, Georgia —For over forty years, adventure-seekers have trusted Aggressor Adventures® for pampered scuba excursions, and Aggressor’s luxury adventure offerings continue to grow with its newest rebranded, land-based Aggressor Signature Lodges. Travelers will experience extensive cultural immersions, wildlife safaris, birdwatching, archeological tours, hiking and more, at Aggressor Signature Lodges in Sri Lanka, and expansion to Thailand and other destinations in late 2024.
“Our Signature Lodges motto, ‘Life Happens Here,’ encapsulates our goal to deliver world-class experiences coupled with five-star service, meals and accommodations,” says Chairman and CEO Wayne Brown. “Our passion is discovery. That quest is not limited to scuba diving, so we are continuing our expansion to cultural interactions, birding, wildlife safaris, historical expeditions, and photo workshops around the world. We are just getting started, so look for new Lodges in the coming year!”
Aggressor Signature Lodges in Sri Lanka offer six-night itinerates that include cultural interactions, wildlife safaris and guided bird watching in the Wilpattu,Minneriya and Kalawewa National Parks.
All Lodges follow Aggressor Adventures’ sustainability guidelines for eco-tourism. Their Green the Fleet® program strives to make the adventure lifestyle environmentally sustainable for our guests while supporting the health of our oceans and lands.
Aggressor Adventures reservations can be made through your local travel agent or online at aggressor.com or call 800-348-2628 or 1-706-993-2531.
Samantha Whitcraft To Be Inducted Into Women Divers Hall of Fame
Conservation Biologist is Recognized for Her Marine Conservation Efforts
Augusta, Georgia—Aggressor Adventures Director of Conservation & Outreach Samantha Whitcraft will be inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2024. Whitcraft is recognized for her efforts to protect and preserve marine environments worldwide.
“I am so deeply honored and humbled to be counted among the incredible leaders and change-makers in the Women Divers Hall of Fame, many of whom have long been my mentors, role models, and heroes throughout my career. I am and will always be grateful to them for their guidance,” says Whitcraft. “In conservation, success often requires a team, and I’ve been blessed to work with some of the best including the New England Aquarium, NOAA-Fisheries Early Life History Lab, Shark Savers, Oceanic Society, and now the Sea of Change Foundation.”
Every year, the Women Divers Hall of Fame acknowledges women divers who have made outstanding contributions to the exploration, understanding, safety and enjoyment of our underwater world. The Hall of Fame supports the underwater world and its associated careers by promoting opportunities in diving through grants, scholarships, internships and mentoring, as well as providing a worldwide network of industry contacts. The Women Divers Hall of Fame was founded in 1999.
Samantha Whitcraft is a marine conservation biologist, environmentalist and oceans advocate. Logging 5000+ research and educational dives around the world, she created the first classroom-at-sea in Gardens of the Queen National Park, Cuba. After earning her Bachelor’s in natural science at Harvard and her Master of Marine Affairs & Policy at University of Miami, she worked to legally protect endangered marine species, especially sharks, whales, and manatees. She has studied coral reef MPAs’ connectivity and investigated the shark fin trade in China, all while promoting sustainable ecotourism over her 30+ year career. Whitcraft initiated and developed Aggressor Adventures® award-winning sustainability program, Green the Fleet®, and is Executive Director of the Sea of Change Foundation, providing leadership in community-based conservation around the globe. Aggressor Liveaboards® was among the first in the scuba industry to create and maintain a dedicated Director of Conservation & Outreach position.
Philippines Aggressor II Scuba Adventures Begin April 2024
Aggressor Adventures Adds Second Yacht Exploring Visayan and Sulu Seas
Augusta, Georgia —The new Philippines Aggressor II™ is an elegant 26-passenger liveaboard dive yacht offering seven, ten and eleven-night all-inclusive excursions exploring the amazing reefs and atolls of the Visayan and Sulu Seas in 2024.
On April 6, 2024, the Philippines Aggressor II™ begins her inaugural “Tubbataha Reef” itinerary charters, which depart from Puerto Princesa, Philippines. These seven and ten-night excursions dive the Tubbataha Reefs National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through June 2024. In June, the yacht journeys to the Visayan Sea. Guests may join this unique transition charter diving both Tubbataha and the Visayas region. June through February, the Philippines Aggressor II™ and her sister ship, the Philippines Aggressor®, dive sites near Cebu, Malapascua, Apo and Bohol Islands during “Best of Visayas” and “Visayas South” itineraries. Visayas charters depart from Mactan, except on special occasions, they depart from Dumaguete.
“With such high demand for this extraordinary destination, we are pleased to launch a second yacht in the Philippines,” says Chairman and CEO Wayne Brown. “The diversity of the marine life in the Philippines is simply unparalleled. Manta rays, thresher sharks, whale sharks and other pelagics make your adrenaline levels surge, while the profound macro creatures provide awesome photo subjects. The Visayan and Sulu Seas are home to pygmy seahorses, frogfish, ornate ghost pipefish and countless other-worldly, tiny, marinecreatures.”
Built by Almaroon Yacht Builders, the new yacht is 140-feet (43 meters) long, and 26-feet (8 meters) wide with four spacious decks. Five upper-level staterooms feature balconies, which provide panoramic views of south Pacific sunsets. Eight deluxe lower-level staterooms include twin berths and ample personal storage. All staterooms are equipped with a media player, climate control, and ensuite full bathroom. Other amenities include a hot tub and wet bar on the fly bridge, indoor lounge, restaurant serving delicious, chef-prepared meals, and state-of-the-art scuba facilities including Nitrox tank fills and two dive tenders.
Aggressor Adventures reservations can be made through your local dive retail center, travel agent or online at aggressor.com or call 800-348-2628 or 1-706-993-2531.
Aggressor Adventures & SSI Partner to Raise Funds for Conservation
Over $75,000 in auction items
Augusta, Georgia – Aggressor Adventures® and SSI® have partnered to raise funds for the Sea of Change Foundation with an incredible adventure-themed, online auction open for bidding and monetary pledges from October 16, 2023 (8:00 AM EDT) to November 18, 2023 (11:59 PM EST). All funds raised support the Foundation’s mission to create positive change for the natural world we all love to enjoy and explore. The Foundation is a US-based, tax-exempt nonprofit and the official conservation partner of Aggressor Adventures®.
Over fifty auction items are offered at an incredible value with most opening bids starting well below retail value including amazing trips, adventures, water sports and dive gear, original and signed artwork (donated by the Guy Harvey Foundation and Michele Westmorland), camera gear, gift baskets/cards and so much more!
Starting with Aggressor Adventures®, there are four “trips of a lifetime” to bid on:
The auction also includes the best dive gear starting with everything a diver needs, including brand new regulators, BCDs, computers, masks/fins/snorkels, dive bags, wetsuits, and rash guards from leaders in the industry, including Aqualung®, Coltri®, Mares®, SCUBAPRO®, TUSA®, Henderson®, OCEAN REEF®, Shearwater®, and Sharkskin®.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our wonderful sponsors, Aggressor Adventures® and SSI, and for all our generous donors, including California Diving News/Scuba Show, DAN, and Classified Diving. Without the dive and adventure travel community’s dedication to conservation and their generosity, this amazing auction, and the critical conservation it will fund would not be possible,” said Samantha Whitcraft, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “We are so excited to work, again, with Guido Waetzig, SSI’s CEO, and so many conservationists working to preserve our coral reefs, terrestrial ecosystems, and threatened species,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures® CEO and Board Chair of the Foundation. “Please join us in raising funds by bidding in or donating to the auction to help support the Foundation’s excellent work with innovative, community-based conservation projects around the world.” Check out the auction, LIVE NOW, and bid to create your “trip of a lifetime”!
Aggressor Adventures Earns 70 Reader’s Choice Awards Divers, readers voted and rank Aggressor’s luxury excursions among world’s best
Augusta, Georgia — Aggressor Adventures®, the global leader in luxury adventure travel, received 70 Readers’ Choice Awards in Scuba Diving’s annual survey.
More than 13,000 traveling divers responded, weighing in on the top resorts, operators and destinations in the world.
Aggressor Adventures’ Caribbean, Bahamas, Middle East and Indian Ocean excursions all received high honors.
“We are honored to receive so many accolades from our guests and Scuba Diving magazine readers. Thank you!” says Chairman and CEO Wayne Brown. “Our staffs from Belize to Palau to Galapagos work tirelessly to make every moment of every adventure special.”
Here’s a rundown of Aggressor’s awards, which will be highlighted in Scuba Diving’s November edition and scubadiving.com. The World’s Best Dive Resorts and Liveaboards Issue aims to help readers decide where to book their next dive trip.
Aggressor Adventures reservations can be made through your local dive retail center, travel agent or online at aggressor.com or call 800-348-2628 or 1-706-993-2531.
New Nile Queen II® explores Egypt’s treasures in luxury
Aggressor Adventures welcomes new Dahabayia-style yacht
Luxor, Egypt — Aggressor Adventures’ Nile River cruise just got better! The luxurious 155-foot Nile Queen IIcarries up to 20 passengers on six-day, guided excursions to some of Egypt’s most spectacular historical sites.
“The Nile Queen II continues our bespoke small group intimate and attentive experience compared with larger vessels,” said Aggressor Adventures Chairman and CEO Wayne Brown. “Our new yacht offers all the amenities of a deluxe, boutique hotel on the water. To celebrate the launching of this new Dahabayia, we are offering guests special pricing of $999 per person, double occupancy on five-night adventures.”
The Nile Queen II’s eight deluxe staterooms and two master staterooms include large windows with breathtaking views, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs and private, tile bathrooms with walk-in showers. Fourteen staff members offer five-star service with fresh local and international cuisine prepared by an onboard chef. Guests can gather at the lounge or the hot tub on the second level or relax on the upper-level sundeck. At mid-week, guests enjoy an Egyptian barbecue on an island that includes singing and dancing with the crew to local Nubian music.
The Dahabayia-style yacht operates under sail, while solar panels deliver power in port as part of Aggressor Adventures’ Green the Fleet® sustainability program. The solar system can replace up to three gallons of diesel per hour, or thousands of gallons a year, to help preserve the Nile’s water quality and Egypt’s air quality.
The Nile Queen II departs from Luxor and offers guided tours of the Karnak Temple complex, Hatshepsut Temple, Temple of Nekhbet and Colossi of Memnon and other sites before disembarking in Aswan. Cruise reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531.
Aggressor Adventures Reduces Fuel Surcharge and Deposits
Worldwide Adventure Company Saves Guests’ Money on Yacht Fuel Surcharges and Deposit Amounts
Augusta, Georgia—Beginning September 1, 2023, Aggressor Adventures® is lifting fuel surcharges for guests on its worldwide fleet of scuba excursion yachts and Nile River Cruises. This new benefit for Aggressor guests coincides with other potential money-saving offerings from Aggressor Adventures, including 40-Year Anniversary Special pricing and a reduction in individual reservation deposits. New, individual guest reservations now only require a 20% deposit as opposed to the previous 40% deposit.
“Around the world, all of us have felt the pinch of inflation and impacts our travel decisions. At Aggressor Adventures, we value each and every customer, and appreciate them choosing to spend their vacations with us,” says Aggressor Adventures CEO Wayne Brown. “By eliminating fuel surcharges and providing other money-saving benefits, Aggressor Adventures gives our guests even more reasons to book their adventure of a lifetime, and enjoy add-on tours, gear and photo courses to make their adventure even better.”
The temporary fuel charges previously collected onboard the vessel during the charter will be eliminated unless extenuating circumstances beyond the operator’s control require additional charges.
“Join us for a week aboard our floating resorts and you’ll have the adventure of lifetime,” said Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures®, Chairman & CEO. “Our 40-for-40 Anniversary Special is our way of saving thank you to our loyal friends and invitation for new guests to discover the Aggressor lifestyle of adventure travel.”
Aggressor liveaboard expeditions include five-star professional service, deluxe onboard accommodations, scrumptious chef-prepared meals and snacks, and of course, amazing scuba diving on shipwrecks, coral reefs and channels teeming with marine life. Charters are seven, ten, and eleven-nights with a variety of itineraries to choose. Special itineraries feature Mike & Mike Underwater Photo Courses, Conservation Adventures, Family Weeks, and more.
In addition to the Anniversary Special, Aggressor Adventures is pleased to announce effective immediately, all new individual reservations will now only require a 20% deposit for reservations made more than 90 days prior to departure. Guests and resellers can cancel a reservation up until 91 days prior to departure and will incur a 20% penalty verses 40%. These deposit policy changes took effect June 26, 2023 and apply to new reservations only.
Aggressor Adventures reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com, by calling 800-348-2628, +1-706-993-2531, or at your local dive center. Anniversary special savings apply to new, individual reservations only and cannot be used in conjunction with other special offers.
Underwater Photography is Fun and Easy with Mike & Mike
Aggressor Adventures® Photo Courses at Sea Create Masterpieces
Turks & Caicos—Divers boarding the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II® scuba yacht are on a quest to capture amazing underwater photos with the help of veteran teachers Mike Mesgleski and Mike Haber. For over 20 years, underwater photography enthusiasts from beginners to experienced have trusted Mike and Mike’s Photography School immersive courses aboard Aggressor Liveaboards® yachts in the world’s most pristine underwater environments.
“We have seen astounding advances in both dive equipment and underwater photography equipment, but, the most impressive and rewarding things we have seen are the photos our students produce during the week-long courses,” says instructor Mike Mesgleski. “We work with anyone wanting to learn more about underwater photography, from first time shooters to experienced veterans.
“From a clownfish in the Red Sea to a seahorse in Roatan, if you have a ‘must-have masterpiece’ in mind, we can help you compose the shot with the proper camera setting and lighting,” says instructor Mike Haber. “Our classes also include post-production and software tips. This year marks our 20th year of teaching underwater photography exclusively with Aggressor Adventures® and 35 years we assisted our mentor, Jim Church, with his classes.
“Taking a course with Mike & Mike is the ONLY way to learn underwater photography. Not only is it educational, but highly entertaining and loads of fun!” exclaims scuba diver Darlene Titus.
Mike and Mike Photography School courses are now available through 2026 aboard the Cayman Aggressor IV®, Raja Ampat Aggressor II®, Turks & Caicos Aggressor II®, Bahamas Aggressor®, BVI Aggressor®, Roatan Aggressor®, and Red Sea Aggressor IV®. Additional dates, course rates and details are available here.
As the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II®casts off from the dock, students gather on the sun deck for the charter’s first class. Mike and Mike begin with introductions and their trademark wit. Laughter fills the air as the sun sets into the Caribbean Sea. It’s going to be a fabulous week!
Eighty-year-old Cycles Across Continents with help from Aggressor Adventures®
Guinness Record Holder Robert Fletcher Cycles from Alaska to Argentina
May 29, 2023 Augusta, Georgia—Aggressor Adventures® is a proud sponsor of eighty-year-old Robert Fletcher as he resumes his Octogenarian Odyssey of riding an electric bicycle from North Pole, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina, on July 4, 2023, in Cartagena, Colombia. Over the next five months, he will cycle through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. His amazing journey is made possible through sponsorships including those made by worldwide Adventure Travel specialists Aggressor Adventures®.
Fletcher is the official World Record holder for the longest journey on an electric bike as declared by Guinness World Records. The Guinness Record was achieved when he rode from North Pole, Alaska, to Panama City, Panama, an official distance of 14,274.4 km.
“Our company is dedicated to travel, adventure and seeing the world,” said Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures®, Chairman & CEO. “Robert is a kindred spirit and an inspiration to us all that we should never stop in our quest to seek new places and unique experiences. Aggressor is proud to support his Odyssey.”
Once Fletcher reaches Ushuaia around December 11th, he will have cycled approximately 28,000 km and climbed more than 225,000 meters, while visiting fifteen countries on two continents over one and a half years. His support team for South America will consist of his wife, Gloria, stepdaughter, Julie, and his sister-in-law Johana. You can follow Robert’s Odyssey on Facebook, Instagram, and his website: octoodyssey.com.
Plan Your Tropical Aggressor Adventure® without any Worries
Augusta, Georgia—The best scuba diving and snorkeling reefs are in beautiful exotic locations, which are also occasionally in the paths of tropical storms. With 40 years of experience in adventure travel, Aggressor recognizes that tropical weather events have the potential of adversely affecting scuba diving activities during your valuable vacation. For that reason, Aggressor Adventures® offers guest the StormCheck® program, which provides a credit voucher based on the number of days of diving missed due to named meteorological disturbances.
Any Aggressor Adventures guest whose scuba diving or snorkeling is interrupted as a result of a government weather agency named tropical storm will receive a credit voucher based on the number of days of diving missed in the form of a “StormCheck®.” If the entire charter week is canceled in advance due to a storm’s predicted path and landfall as forecasted, guests will automatically receive a StormCheck® voucher for the total amount of their Aggressor charter. StormCheck® vouchers allow guests to return to that destination within one year of the interrupted trip date. The program is not a substitute for a comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance policy.
“We create adventures of a lifetime for our guests, but we can’t control the weather. This is why we crafted our StormCheck® program,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures, Chairman & CEO. “It will compensate guests who lose days of diving on an Aggressor Liveaboard vacation as the result of a named tropical meteorological disturbance that is recognized by NOAA.”
All travelers are strongly encouraged to purchase comprehensive travel insurance. It is best to purchase a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy immediately after confirming a reservation. Learn more about StormCheck® at aggressor.com.
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka—Wilpattu and Minneriya National Parks are home to the largest herds of Asian elephants in the world. Sri Lanka’s amazing wildlife also include sloth bears, leopards, and water buffaloes and Ceylon spotted deer, also known by photographers and wildlife enthusiasts as “Sri Lanka’s Big Five.” These amazing animals and a host of native bird species may be encountered during guided safaris hosted by long-time travel experts Aggressor Adventures®. To make this opportunity more affordable for thrill seeking travelers, Aggressor Safari Lodges® Sri Lanka is offering seven-day inclusive safaris for only $1,499.00 per person, double occupancy for a limited time.
Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for adventurers seeking safe, guided pampered wildlife excursions. Travelers will savor the country’s pristine habitats, extensive indigenous species and friendly, rich, culture.
Minneriya National Park hosts up to 300 elephants during the drier months of June through September. Migrating herds congregate at an ancient water tank that dates to the Third Century AD. Guided, open-air jeep tours allow photographers safe, eco-friendly opportunities to observe the behavior among the multigenerational elephant families. Unspoiled Wilpattu National Park contains over 100 natural lakes which attract leopards, crocodiles, monkeys, Malabar pied hornbills and painted storks. Additional excursions explore the Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beautiful Buddhist stupas and other rich cultural treasures of Sri Lanka.
Nestled in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, the five-star Aggressor Safari Lodges® offers luxury, private, air-conditioned tented chalets; chef-prepared mouth-watering culinary delights and personalized service. Safari packages includes private transfers from the Jetwing Beach Hotel in Negombo to the Lodge, which is north of Anuradhapura. Travel to Sri Lanka is made easy through many international airlines offering service to Colombo’s Airport (CMB).
Solar Panels Installed on Aggressor River Cruises®
Nile Queen II® Dahabayia Generates 3,000kw of Clean Energy
Luxor, Egypt—Aggressor Adventures® recently installed new solar energy panels aboard the 20-passenger Nile Queen II®Dahabayia-style yacht, which will use the sun’s rays to generate up to 3,000kw power rather than relying on carbon-emitting diesel engine generators. Adopting cleaner energy sources at its worldwide safari lodges, liveaboard scuba yachts and floating resorts is just one part of the Aggressor Adventures®Green the Fleet® sustainability initiatives program.
Solar panels mounted above the Nile Queen II’s covered, open-air lounge generate enough power to maintain the vessel while she is in port. This system can replace up to three gallons of diesel use per hour. The cumulative reduction of thousands of gallons over one year is vital to preserving the Nile River’s water quality and Egypt’s air quality. The Nile Queen II’s staff will soon upgrade the solar and battery systems to generate 5,000kw of power.
“Preserving our environment is at the core of our mission and these new solar panels are one of many elements in our global Green the Fleet® environmental program,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures Chairman & CEO. “There are further plans to install 10,000kw solar systems aboard the Red Sea Aggressor IV® and Aggressor Floating Resorts® yachts. We look forward to applying the many innovations available that can reduce our impact while enjoy nature’s wonders.”
The 20-passenger Nile Queen II®offers five-night Nile River cruises departing from Luxor, Egypt. Guests enjoy breathtaking views, chef-prepared onboard meals and guided tours at some of ancient Egypt’s most glorious sites. The Karnak Temple complex, Hatshepsut Temple, Temple of Nekhbet and Colossi of Memnon are just a few of the magnificent ruins explored before disembarking in Aswan, Egypt. Nile Queen II®cruise reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com, or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531.
Every Day is Recycling Day Aboard the Roatan Aggressor
Aggressor Staff Practices Ocean Conservation
Roatan, Honduras—The Bay Islands of Honduras are one the Caribbean’s most pristine ocean environments. To protect the region’s magnificent coral reefs and prolific marine species, the Roatan Aggressor’s staff reduces their environmental impact through a meticulous onboard recycling program.
Common items, such as aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, cardboard and plastics, are collected and stored on the yacht until they can be properly disposed on land. Drinking water is produced through the yacht’s state-of-the-art reverse osmosis water makers. This prevents the use of individual plastic water bottles. Camera and computer batteries, lubricants and oils are sorted and stowed for proper disposal along with any other potentially hazardous materials. Additionally, snorkelers and scuba divers are supplied with coral safe sunscreen during charters.
“The Roatan Aggressor® is just one shining example of Aggressor Adventure’s Green the Fleet sustainability program in action,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures Chairman & CEO. “We strive to recycle and reduce our environmental impacts every day at all our Aggressor Adventures® worldwide scuba yachts, river cruise ships, floating resorts and at our wildlife safari lodges. We are committed to providing environmentally sustainable adventures for our guests while also preserving the health of our oceans and lands.”
The 18-passenger Roatan Aggressor®offers seven-night, liveaboard excursions exploring the reefs and shipwrecks of Roatan, Utila, and Cayos Cochinos. The Bay Islands’ waters are teeming with schooling tropical fish, sea turtles, eagle rays and sharks. Deluxe accommodations, chef-prepared meals, snorkeling, scuba diving and five-star service are all included.
Roatan Aggressor®scuba diving reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com, or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531.
Shark Scientist Dr. Rachel Graham to join the Sea of Change Foundation’s Caribbean Conservation Week 2023 aboard Belize Aggressor IV
Augusta, Georgia. April 5, 2023: Aggressor Liveaboards® is pleased to announce an exciting addition to this year’s unique adventure with the Sea of Change Foundation, the official conservation partner of Aggressor Adventures®. From August 19 - 26, 2023, the Belize Aggressor IV will host our popular, annual Caribbean Conservation Week! this year with Rachel Graham PhD, a leading shark scientist with 25 years of conservation successes in Belize and worldwide.
Dr. Rachel Graham, a Belizean National, is an award-winning conservation scientist focused on community-based research, education, conservation, and policy. Dr. Graham seeks win-win solutions to reverse marine biodiversity loss by empowering local marine stewards and creating thriving shark populations. Her innovative and collaborative work has made marine science worldwide markedly more inclusive and diverse. Her approach has also led to such policy wins, as the creation and expansion of protected areas, marine species’ protections, and the first ban of unsustainable fishing nets in Belize. In 2011, she won the Whitley Fund for Nature’s Gold Award and in 2021, she was awarded the Pew Marine Fellowship and in 2022 Oceana’s Ocean Hero Award in Belize. This year she was recognized by the Explorer’s Club EC50 on their list of “fifty extraordinary individuals changing the world.” She is the founder of the international non-profit MarAlliance, a blended team of scientists and fishers established 2014.
Rachel will provide guests the option to enjoy brief afternoon presentations (between dives) on timely conservation topics such as: Rewilding Belize with Sharks; The Secret Lives of Belize's Sharks and Rays; and When Shark Fishers become Shark Stewards.
“We’re thrilled to have Dr. Graham join us on this adventure. Her expertise and unique, local insights to conservation in Belize are sure to make this year’s Caribbean Conservation Week an adventure of a lifetime®!”,” says Samantha Whitcraft, Executive Director of the Sea of Change Foundation who will lead the trip. Aggressor Adventures' CEO Wayne Brown said, “This is an amazing opportunity for divers to deepen their experience with important conservation context above and below the water. At Aggressor Adventures, combining exploration and conservation is part of our DNA.”
Belize is situated along the Mesoamerican barrier reef ecosystem, the second longest in the world. The reef attracts a wide variety of marine animals supporting healthy populations of vibrant tropical fishes, large nurse sharks and abundant corals making it a true diver's delight in the Caribbean. Join Dr. Graham and conservation biologist, Samantha Whitcraft, in exploring the thriving Belize marine ecosystem while enjoying the ultimate in live-aboards®. The itinerary provides divers access to world-renowned Lighthouse and Turneffe Reefs, Half Moon Caye and the massive deep Blue Hole first explored by Jacques Cousteau in 1972. The spacious 138-foot Belize Aggressor IV pampers 20 guests with legendary service, mouth-watering cuisine, and signature amenities including eight deluxe staterooms with twin beds or one king bed, and two master staterooms with one queen bed. Itinerary, trip, and booking details:
7-night charter, Saturday to Saturday, Aug 19 - 26, 2023
Average up to 27 dives (multiple day dives + night dives); Nitrox available
Average water temperatures range: 78 - 82F/ 25 - 28C
All dives are from the yacht; tender is available for optional shore excursions
Embark/Disembark: Radisson Ft. George dock, downtown Belize City
Aggressor Adventures’ Caribbean Yachts Are Hiring Chefs, Captains & Engineers
Ahoy Chefs, Captains, and Engineers, Aggressor Adventures has Caribbean-based employment opportunities for their liveaboard yachts:
Chefs – should have formal culinary school training or equivalent experience, be able to prepare 3 meals a day and two snacks for 20-30 people, be able to create and plan menus that accommodate various dietary requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan, and be able to meet budget targets for purchasing.
Captains – must have a minimum 200GT license (500GT preferred), STCW, Advanced Fire Fighting, and Security Awareness.
Engineers – must have an Approved Engine Course (AEC) 1 or higher, STCW, Advanced Fire Fighting, and Security Awareness. Preference given to those with Dive Professional certifications.
Candidates with Dive Professional SCUBA certification receive preference. Candidates with a Divemaster-level SCUBA certification are eligible for instructor-level certification through the Aggressor Adventures in-house instructor training programs after completing a probation period.
Preference is also given to non-smokers and those with previous liveaboard experience. Visit our website link at Careers to learn more about the liveaboard lifestyle and the benefits of joining the Aggressor Adventures team!
Since 1984, Aggressor Adventures® has offered travelers liveaboard scuba and snorkeling charters, luxury river cruises and exotic wildlife safaris. Worldwide locations the company explores include Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cocos Island, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Galapagos, Indonesia, Maldives, Mexico, Palau, Philippines, Red Sea, Roatan, and Turks and Caicos. For reservations, visit www.aggressor.com or call (800) 348-2628 or +1 (706) 993-2531.
Captain Monique Lamb Takes the Helm of Belize Aggressor III Belize native achieves her dream to become yacht captain.
Belize City, Belize—Monique Lamb began her career on the Belize Aggressor III®dive yacht as a dive master, but she will soon take the helm piloting the 18-passenger, 110-foot motor vessel on the Caribbean Sea. Lamb recently earner her Master of Yachts 200-ton Power certification from International Yacht Training in Florida, making her the first female Belize Aggressor captain in the operation’s 36-year history. She joins the ranks of many female Aggressor Adventures® yacht captains worldwide. View her interview on Vimeo
“This is a very proud moment for me, my son, my family, my friends and my country, Belize! The way I feel is indescribable. I am so honored to create a path for other females in Belize. How can our local females want to become a boat captain if they haven’t seen it happen before? If I have inspired one young girl, I have done a lot,” says Captain Monique Lamb, Belize Aggressor III®. “My father, who piloted passenger ships in Belize, would refer to me his ‘pirate princess,’ but now he calls me ‘Captain!’”
Lamb graduated from the University of Belize with a degree in Marine Biology. Her career began as a scuba diver restoring coral reefs with the Wildlife Conservation Society and Environmental Research Institute. In 2014, she joined the staff of the Belize Aggressor III®as a dive guide.Through hard work and long nights of study, she completed her International Yacht Training courses.
“From a child, I knew that my career would land me in the ocean. Being able to promote marine conservation awareness, and show off what we have in the pristine waters of Belize gives me great joy,” says Captain Lamb. “I absolutely enjoy my job, and Aggressor Adventures® provides me with the best setting to fulfill my purpose.”
Belize Aggressor scuba diving and snorkeling charters are Saturday-to-Saturday. Activities begin Sunday morning and conclude Friday morning. Each week includes stops at Turneffe Islands, Lighthouse Reef and the world-famous Blue Hole. Weather permitting, guests may visit the Half Moon Caye national park and bird sanctuary to observe nesting sea birds like the red-footed booby.
Belize Aggressor III®diving, airline and mainland tour reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com, or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531.
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About Aggressor Adventures
Since 1984, Aggressor Adventures® has offered travelers liveaboard scuba and snorkeling charters, luxury river cruises and exotic wildlife safaris. To learn more, you may also visit Aggressor’s Media Hub, listen to their podcast series, view videos on Aggressor.TV and browse the new catalogue. Worldwide locations are Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cocos Island, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Galapagos, Indonesia, Maldives, Palau, Philippines, Raja Ampat, Red Sea, Roatan, Sri Lanka, and Turks & Caicos. Reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com, or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531.
Cayman Aggressor IV Scuba Adventures Maiden Voyage New luxury yacht offers seven-nights exploring the Cayman Islands’
George Town, Grand Cayman—On February 4, 2023, the all-new, 110-foot Cayman Aggressor IV® liveaboard cast off from George Town, Grand Cayman, for seven-night adventures exploring the pristine reefs of the Cayman Islands. On each weekly charter, up to eighteen guests are treated to Aggressor Adventures®signature amenities and services including in-room morning beverage service, fresh warm towel after each snorkel or dive, delicious chef-prepared and plated dinner each evening, evening turn down service, and much more.
“For nearly 40 years, our friends have boarded an Aggressor Liveaboard® in George Town to ‘Eat, Sleep & Dive®’. We are kicking off 2023 with a new generation of Cayman Aggressor yachts, welcoming a new generation of adventurers to one of the world’s greatest underwater environments,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures®Chairman & CEO.
“Warm water, shallow walls, and endless visibility make the Cayman Islands a perfect destination for new divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. Experienced divers return again and again to this Caribbean paradise for its many shipwrecks and abundant marine life, like tarpon, sharks and turtles.”
The Cayman Aggressor IV® moors over each dive site, so guests are just a giant stride from some of the Caribbean’s most astounding sheer walls, coral reefs and shipwrecks. Scuba diving and snorkeling begins Sunday morning and concludes Friday. Saturday-to-Saturday charters average up to 27 dives, including fabulous night dives. Each week includes stops at the Kittiwake Wreck, Devil’s Grotto, Bonnie’s Arch, Babylon Reef and world-famous Stingray City. Weather permitting, the Cayman Aggressor IV® also journeys 90 miles to Bloody Bay Wall off Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, home of the massive Russian Destroyer Shipwreck. Guests completing all available dives during the charter are recognized at the Friday sunset party with an Aggressor® Iron Diver award and certificate.
Cayman Aggressor IV®onboard amenities include a sun deck with wet bar, guests’ lounges, restaurant with chef-prepared meals, spacious dive deck, rental scuba gear and a computer station for editing underwater photos. Nine spacious staterooms feature private baths and individual climate controls. Throughout the week, guests receive five-star service from eight professional, experienced staff members, many of whom have been with Aggressor Adventures® for decades.
Cayman Aggressor IV® diving, airline and mainland tour reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com, or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531.
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About Aggressor Adventures
Since 1984, Aggressor Adventures® has offered travelers liveaboard scuba and snorkeling charters, luxury river cruises and exotic wildlife safaris. To learn more, you may also visit Aggressor’s Media Hub, listen to their podcast series, view videos on Aggressor.TV and browse the new catalogue. Worldwide locations are Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cocos Island, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Galapagos, Indonesia, Maldives, Palau, Philippines, Red Sea, Roatan, Sri Lanka, and Turks & Caicos. Reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com, or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531.
ANNOUNCES THE 2022MASTER DIVER CHALLENGE GRAND PRIZE WINNER!
The culmination of SSI’s 2022 Master Diver Challenge is the Grand Prize Winner! The winner was chosen from all SSI divers that completed four SSI Specialty Courses, the Diver Stress and Rescue course, and a total of 50 verified dives to become one of SSI’s most elite divers in 2022 - an SSI Master Diver.
Becoming an SSI Master Diver is the highest achievable rating as a recreational diver in the SSI system of education. SSI Master Divers are an elite group that have dedicated many hours to dive training both underwater and in the classroom. This combination of active diving and education is an essential component of the dive customer/dive center relationship.
This year’s Master Diver Challenge Grand Prize Winner is Kate Eustice from Underwater Connection in Colorado Springs, CO.
Kate Eustice is a devoted wife and mother of three young children. She is a classically trained artist who graduated the University of Maine with degrees in art education and social work. In 2018, after spending 20 years working in mental health, Kate established her own non-profit agency dedicated to expanding the availability of services to underrepresented and disadvantaged members of the Colorado Springs community. In her personal life, Kate is an adventurer and world traveler, having visited Europe, Africa, and Central America. She has also achieved impressive athletic feats, including summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, competing in triathlons, and becoming a Master Diver with certifications in specialties such as Navigation, Search and Recovery, and Marine Ecology within just one year of taking up scuba diving!
Her passions in diving include capturing the diversity of the natural world through painting and photography. She is a vocal advocate for the understanding of sharks and other misunderstood species, and the protection of the marine ecosystem. She enjoys sharing her love of travel and exploring the natural world with her children and looks forward to introducing them to scuba diving in the coming year.
“We are so humbled to host this year's SSI / Aggressor Liveaboard's Master Diver Challenge Winner - Kate Eustice!” States Jessy Robins, Underwater Connection’s General & Travel Manager. “She is why we continue our mission to educate, share, and promote how incredibly fascinating the underwater world is! Kate's dedication and passion to pursue learning more about SCUBA, thriving to be a safer diver, and to learn about the marine ecosystem is why Kate is such a deserving winner for this Challenge. Congratulations Kate!”
ABOUT JUST ADD WATER
Underwater Connection (UWC) first opened its doors in 1989 and quickly became a premier Dive Center in Colorado. After outgrowing their original store front, Troy Juth (Owner) built and moved into a custom built, state-of-the-art Dive Center in 2014 in the heart of Colorado Springs. UWC has a reputation of exceptional instruction, passionate and knowledgeable staff, an impressive retail floor, and a 15-foot-deep indoor heated pool.
Underwater Connection is elated to celebrate 34 years as a locally owned and operated small business. UWC has grown to offer SSI courses in SCUBA (recreational, technical and Instructor level), Freediving, Snorkeling, and Swimming Lessons.
UNDERWATER CONNECTION 4940 Rusina Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Don’t forget to take part in this year’s Master Diver Challenge! See the 2023 Master Diver Challenge Announcement in last month’s DiveNews Wire for more details!
New Red Sea Aggressor IV® Yacht Explores Southern Egypt Aggressor Adventures® Introduces New Red Sea Liveaboard in March 2023
Port Ghalib, Egypt—On March 4, 2023, the new Red Sea Aggressor IV® dive yacht will cast off from Port Ghalib, Egypt for the liveaboard’s seven-day maiden voyage exploring the magnificent dive sites of St. John’s Reef, Marsa Shoana, Sataya Reef and Daedalus Reef.
Up to 26 guests will cruise the southern Red Sea aboard the 143-foot/44-meter liveaboard, which features the ultimate personal amenities including 13 spacious staterooms, a restaurant serving chef-prepared meals, state-of-the-art dive center with Nitrox fills, multiple open-air lounges with wet bars, two hot tubs and a fly bridge for enjoying memorable sunsets. All scuba dives are safely conducted from three, 21-foot/6.4-meter dive tenders.
The yacht’s “St. Johns” route is just one of three thrilling, southern Egypt itineraries explorers may choose. The second dive program, “Brothers-Daedalus-Elphinstone,” begins at the shark-filled waters of the two Brothers Islands, then moves to the Daedalus Reef. The week culminates with stops at Elphinstone and Sha'ab Maksour with its pristine hard coral gardens.
The third Red Sea Aggressor IV®itinerary ventures even farther south beyond Ras Banas. The “Deep South” dive schedule makes stops at Fury Shoal and Habili Orman before reaching its destination—the remotes sites of Habili Aly, Habili Gaffar and Dangerous Reef. All three itineraries provide guests underwater pelagic encounters with sharks, manta rays and friendly dolphins, and up-close views of the Red Sea’s trademark brilliantly colored soft corals.
“The southern Egyptian Red Sea is a very special place to the Aggressor Adventures® family. It has been an Aggressor destination since 2014 and we are so excited to welcome the new Red Sea Aggressor IV® into our fleet,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “It’s a spectacular yacht operated by a five-star staff.”
Saturday-to-Saturday, Red Sea Aggressor IV® adventures start at $2,699.00 per person and include scuba diving, snorkeling, deluxe onboard accommodations, scrumptious meals, snacks, soft beverages, beer, wine and service from a professional staff. The Red Sea Aggressor IV®operates from the Port Ghalib, Egypt yacht marina, an upscale resort community.
Aggressor Adventures® & the Sea of Change Foundation
Publish Sustainable Travel Guide
For Immediate Release. Augusta, Georgia. January 2, 2023: In an on-going effort to continually improve sustainability in operations via their industry-leading Green the Fleet® program, Aggressor Adventures® with its official conservation partner, the Sea of Change Foundation have published a complete, on-line guide to travel planning and preparation with a focus on how to do so sustainability.
Over the past six months, as part of her Masters of Professional Science program at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, graduate student Megan Hoover researched everything about sustainable travel from carbon offsets to sustainable souvenirs and from transportation options to the importance of reef safe sunscreen, and everything in between. Of her research, Ms. Hoover says, “Communication via this sustainable travel guide can help bridge knowledge gaps between environmental scientists and the public. I hope Aggressor Adventures’ guests find this guide helpful both in their travels and at home in learning to make more environmentally conscious choices while also learning about environmental issues facing the natural world today.”
The comprehensive 25-page travel guide includes sections on how to limit the use of single-use plastics, how to choose fun, conservation-sensitive activities, how to shop sustainably on vacation, how to avoid “green-washing” and much more. “Importantly,” says Samantha Whitcraft, Director of Conservation & Outreach for Aggressor Adventures, “the guide provides a summary section and packing list of recommended, sustainable products for quick reference by busy travelers. And the complete guide can be downloaded to your phone or tablet for easy access.” Get your free guide, here: SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL GUIDE.
Why is this sustainable travel guide important? More and more people are not only seeking adventure as part of their vacation but also confidence in their travel decisions in terms of the environment. As informed consumers, travelers can choose to spend their money in support of those companies and operators who share their values and desires for a healthy environment, at home and aboard. “We’re thrilled to provide this helpful guide for our guests as we invite them to join us in expanding our sustainability outreach,” said CEO of Aggressor Adventures® and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, Wayne Brown. “Both as a company and as individuals, we value a vibrant and healthy natural world, and our new sustainable travel guide will help us share those values with our customers.”
Aggressor Adventures Welcomes New Travel Planners New Team Members Bring Diving, Airline and Touring Expertise
Augusta, Georgia— Aggressor Adventures® has added four Travel Planners to their team of experienced, full-service travel agents. Marisa Harris, Zoe Jones, and Megan White will help travelers plan their adventures of a lifetime aboard Aggressor Liveaboards® worldwide scuba yachts, Aggressor Nile River Cruises®, Aggressor Floating Resorts®, and at Aggressor Safari Lodges® in Sri Lanka. Taylor Bradley has joined the Aggressor Detours travel department to assist guests with airline and add-on travel packages.
Marisa Harris will reserve scuba and snorkeling vacations aboard the Bahamas Aggressor® and Galapagos Aggressor III® yachts. Zoe Jones, who resides in Egypt, will assist travelers booking on the Nile Queen® River Cruises, Aggressor Floating Resort® vacations in Hurgahada, Egypt, and scuba diving vacations on the Red Sea Aggressor II® and Red Sea Aggressor III® yachts. Jones gained extensive knowledge of the northern Red Sea’s marine life and aquatic environments as a scuba diving instructor aboard Red Sea liveaboards. Guests exploring the British Virgin Islands on the new BVI Aggressor® or diving the eastern Caribbean aboard the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II® will work closely with Megan White to plan their yacht reservations, and Taylor Bradley to plan tours and airline ticketing to these Caribbean destinations.
“Aggressor Adventures offers some of the most exciting travel destinations the world has to offer, and our talented, knowledgeable staff delight in making our guests’ travel dreams come true. We are pleased to welcome Marisa, Zoe, Megan and Taylor to the team. They are excited to help you design your next amazing Aggressor adventure,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures®Chairman & CEO.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (October 24, 2022) – Aggressor Adventures, known for its thrilling adventure vacations for guests around the world with 51 unique itineraries in 19 countries, is celebrating its 39th anniversary! While much has changed since 1984, the brand’s commitment to adventure hasn’t wavered.
Aggressor Adventures CEO Wayne Brown; “We are always excited to announce new adventures and itineraries that give our guests more reasons to come back and visit our Aggressor family again and again!”
About Aggressor Adventures
Since 1984, Aggressor Adventures® has offered travelers liveaboard scuba and snorkeling charters, luxury river cruises and exotic wildlife safaris. Worldwide locations the company explores include Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cocos Island, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Galapagos, Indonesia, Maldives, Mexico, Philippines, Palau, Red Sea, Roatan, Sri Lanka, and Turks and Caicos. For more information, visit www.aggressor.com or call (800) 348-2628 or (706) 993-2531.
Augusta, Georgia—With 39 years of worldwide adventure travel under their belt, Aggressor Adventures®, has developed and trademarked many marketing and advertising phrases. Eat, Sleep & Dive®, Dream, Dive, Discover®, Marco Solo®, The Ultimate in LiveAboards®, Life’s Worth Diving For® and many more encompass a library of over 100 Aggressor Adventures® legally trademarked names, phrases and logos. These expressions and phrases were developed by our CEO, marketing team, captains, and staff over the years who explore the world’s wonders at exciting Aggressor destinations. T-shirts, hats and other apparel with these licensed slogans and logos be purchased at Aggressor’s online boutique.
Since its humble inception in the Cayman Islands with the Cayman Aggressor® scuba liveaboard, the company has expanded its brands to include: Aggressor Liveaboards®, Aggressor Nile River Cruises®, Aggressor Floating Resorts®, and Aggressor Safari Lodges® in Sri Lanka; all under the Aggressor Adventures® umbrella.
“Our yacht names such as, BVI Aggressor®, Galapagos Aggressor III®, Palau Aggressor II®, Cocos Island Aggressor®, and others, are always trademarked, however, we have also registered marketing terms such as Eat, Sleep & Dive®, Inspired By Adventure®, and StormCheck™ to protect our right of exclusive use. I am also personally very proud of our environmental conservation brand, Green the Fleet®, which promotes sustainable travel practices,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures®Chairman & CEO.
Augusta, Georgia—Aggressor Liveaboards®, the scuba diving brand of Aggressors Adventures®, has won an amazing 73 Scuba Diving Magazine “Reader’s Choice Awards” for 2022.
“The entire worldwide Aggressor Adventures Family strives every day to ensure our guests expectations are not only met but exceeded. We are very proud that once again, we have won the most Reader’s Choice Awards without soliciting or encouraging any voting,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor AdventuresChairman & CEO.
Since 1984, Aggressor Liveaboards has offered scuba charters averaging seven nights with five days of world-class diving and snorkeling. Vacations include chef-prepared meals, deluxe accommodations and service from a professional staff.
The full list of all winners will be announced in Scuba Diving’s November World’s Best Diving & Resorts issue.
Augusta, Georgia—Every summer, Aggressor Adventures travel agents see a surge in the number of vacationers interested in fulfilling one exhilarating travel wish—to scuba dive with sharks. The buzz is driven by an annual television programming frenzy focused on shark encounters, shark sightings, and shark evolution. Not only do divers want to enter the water with these apex predators, but they also want to scuba within feet of these amazing creatures and observe and photograph them.
Luckily for Aggressor guests, underwater shark encounters are possible world-wide and year-round, not just one week out of the year. With luxury dive excursion yachts in 17 countries, Aggressor Adventures make shark explorers’ dreams come true with schooling hammerhead encounters in remote Cocos Island, Costa Rica, tiger shark experiences in the Bahamas, and more. In fact, Aggressor divers have the chance to encounter over 25 shark species around the world, from massive whale sharks and majestic thresher sharks, to spotted leopard sharks and brown banded bamboo sharks, all from the comfort of Aggressor yachts.
Aggressor Adventures also offers educational shark specialty courses during their week-long vacations at sea, in an effort to grow divers’ fascination with sharks into a life-long interest in protecting these kings of the ocean.
“Sharks are important to our planet, not just one week a year, but every week, every year,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures Chairman & CEO. “There are studies that suggest diving with sharks is good for their conservation because it expands awareness about sharks’ role in their ecosystems and opens our eyes to the importance of preserving their habitats. We are all familiar with the ‘superstar’ sharks, like great hammerheads, oceanic whitetips and bull sharks, but Aggressor provides guests opportunities to see and learn more about lesser-known species like the intriguing shortnose spurdog and epaulette sharks. Getting an adrenaline rush while diving with sharks and getting an education at the same time is a pretty good combination!”
Aggressor Adventures offers inclusive, seven-night and ten-night dive vacations with opportunities to see sharks in the Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cocos Island, Costa Rica, Egypt, Galapagos, Komodo, Indonesia, Maldives, Mexico, Palau, Philippines, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Red Sea, Roatan, Honduras, Sri Lanka, and Turks & Caicos.
Aggressor Adventures Launches Raja Ampat Aggressor II
Scuba charters begin July 1 for Indonesian diving adventures.
Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia— Aggressor Adventures resumes scuba diving adventures in Raja Ampat, Indonesia on July 1, 2022, with the launch of the 16-passenger Raja Ampat Aggressor II, formerly Tambora.
The Raja Ampat Aggressor II is a grand, wooden sailing ship built from the keel up in the classic Phinisi tradition, while offering guests modern personal amenities, five-star service, chef-prepared cuisine and state-of-art diving facilities. Seven and ten-night adventures aboard the Raja Ampat Aggressor II depart from Sorong exploring the Raja’s main islands, Batanta, Misool, Salawati and Waigeo, also known as the “Four Kings.” Select Derawan Islands excursions depart from Berau diving the Maratua Atoll, Sangalaki Island, and Talisayan, which is known for its prolific whale shark population.
“We are thrilled to resume charters in Raja Ampat aboard this beautiful wooden schooner,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures Chairman & CEO. “From the bizarre macro creatures of Batanta to the manta rays and wobbegong sharks of Dampier Strait, Raja Ampat is considered the world’s hottest spot of biodiversity. Few places on the planet compare to Derawan and Raja Ampat’s extraordinary caves, mangroves, rainforest fjords and astonishing marine species. This intriguing environment, paired with the world-class Raja Ampat Aggressor II sailing yacht, creates an unforgettable adventure for Aggressor guests.”
Designed specifically for divers, the yacht features eight, air-conditioned staterooms, each with private bathroom and writing desk, and choice of double or twin beds. The chef creates, freshly prepared Indonesian, European and Japanese delicacies served in the spacious dining room on the main deck. Three separate lounge decks are bow, aft and salon rooftop and provide ample space, privacy and incredible views of Indonesia’s magnificent sunsets. The ample dive platform is located at the backboard side of the vessel is just three steps down from the main deck. All dives are made from two, large aluminum dive tenders. The Raja Ampat Aggressor II caters every diver’s needs with Nitrox fills, camera tables, charging stations, rinse tanks and separate wet and dry gear sections.
Indonesia is the epicenter of the Coral Triangle, and the region boasts over1,500 fish species, 600 types of corals, and over 600 types of mollusks. Warm waters and exceptional water clarity make it an attractive year-round diving destination.
Raja Ampat Aggressor II scuba diving reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com, or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531, or info@aggressor.com. Aggressor Adventures has an inhouse travel agency, Aggressor Detours, with agents who can book international air, tours, resort and hotel stays.
Labuan Bajo, Indonesia— Aggressor Adventures® resumes scuba diving adventures in Komodo National Park and Komodo Deep South, Indonesia on July 22, 2022, aboard the 16-passenger Indo Aggressor® yacht. Book now to take advantage of the reopening 33% off special for travel from July 22 – Dec 14, 2022.
During seven and ten-night adventures, the islands of Komodo National Park are explored by the Indo Aggressor® with diving activities concentrated in Sape Straits, the straits separating Komodo and Sumbawa Islands, Gili Lawa Bay and the reefs surrounding Rinca Island, Padar Island and Motang Island. The elegant, Phinisi-style wooden sailing ship also offers eleven-night charters diving Indonesia’s Forgotten Islands in the Maluku province, a region at the extreme southeastern border of the country, less than 200 miles (322 kilometers) from the northern tip of Australia starting back in 2023 and 2024.
“We are so pleased to be back in Komodo! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is as astounding on land as is it is underwater. These rugged, volcanic islands are surrounded by waters filled with manta rays, dog-tooth tuna, sharks and gorgeous soft corals,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures Chairman & CEO. “Guests are shuttled ashore to see the region’s most-famous inhabitants, the Komodo dragon. The Forgotten Islands in East Timor are home to extraordinary macro marine creatures like, pygmy seahorses, painted frogfish, and blue-ringed octopuses. These fascinating characters hide in the volcanic rubble and rich, Indonesian, black sands.”
The 98-foot (30 meters) Indo Aggressor was designed specifically for divers and features eight, air-conditioned staterooms, each with private bathroom and choice of double or twin beds. Charters include five-star service, chef-prepared cuisine, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, local beer and wine and state-of-art diving facilities.
“Komodo National Park” itineraries depart from Labuan Bajo.
Indo Aggressor scuba diving reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com, or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531.
On January 13, 2023, the all-new, 124-foot Cocos Island Aggressor will cruise from Puntarenas, Costa Rica to Cocos Island, a remote, uninhabited Pacific island whose waters are world-renown for schooling hammerhead sharks, manta rays and whale sharks. The 22-passenger, four-level luxury dive yacht was designed from the keel up with passengers’ comfort, safety and indulgences in mind.
Onboard amenities include a sun deck with hot tub, two guests’ lounges, restaurant with chef-prepared meals, spacious dive deck and a computer station for editing underwater photos and videos. Eleven, spacious staterooms feature private baths and individual climate controls. Throughout the ten-night adventure, guests receive five-star service from eight professional, experienced staff members, many of whom have been with Okeanos Aggressor I & II® for decades.
Cocos Islands adventures include an average of 21 thrilling dives in the nutrient rich waters surrounding the lush island. Swift currents and underwater sea mounts attract massive fish schools, giant marble rays, tuna, white tip sharks, Galapagos sharks, and hammerhead sharks. When conditions allow, the staff shuttles guests to the island for hiking and swimming in the pools of Cocos’ many majestic waterfalls. After the charter’s final dive, the Cocos Island Aggressor is escorted by dolphin and false killer whales for the 342-mile voyage back to Puntarenas. Guests may continue their adventure in Costa Rica with optional rainforest tours, white-water rafting or surfing.
“The Cocos Island Aggressor raises the bar of liveaboard accommodations. We are thrilled to offer dive adventures to Cocos aboard this extraordinary new yacht,” says Aggressor Adventures Chairman & CEO Wayne Brown. “Cocos has been an Aggressor Adventures destination since 1988, and many of our clients have experienced the adrenaline rush of diving here. Today, we invite new and returning guests alike to enjoy more exciting adventures with us in Cocos aboard the luxurious new Cocos Island Aggressor.”
Cocos Island National Park was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1997.
Cocos Island Aggressor diving, airline and mainland tour reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com, or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531. View our introductory special.
AUGUSTA, Ga.– Aggressor Adventures® and Georgia Aquarium are pleased to announce their first Ocean Science Leadership Program winner, Krissie Pettit. The Ocean Science Leadership Program, a collaboration between the adventure brand and one of the nation’s leading aquariums, offers young marine professionals the opportunity of a lifetime by providing an experiential learning experience to build their career in the industry.
Pettit was selected among a stand-out cadre of applicants from around the country who have earned a four-year college degree in a designated science discipline, hold open water dive certification, and have internship experience at a zoo, aquarium, dive center or wildlife conservation center. A 2021 graduate of Texas A&M University, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Bachelor of Arts in History, and is currently an aquarium intern at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina.
As the program’s first winner, Pettit will have the opportunity to experience a fully comped, seven-day Aggressor Adventures liveaboard scuba diving trip in Belize. While on board the Belize Aggressor IV®, she will work closely with a Georgia Aquarium expert for on-site education sessions and will work with the Aggressor team to earn an advanced scuba certification.
“We are excited to host Krissie aboard the Belize Aggressor IV and share with her the magnificent underwater ecosystems of Turneffe Islands, Lighthouse Reef and the world-famous Blue Hole,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “This is our opportunity to give back to the industry and foster the next generation of marine science professionals who are incredibly valuable to our business and maintaining the beauty of the natural world.”
“Our partnership with Aggressor Adventures through the Ocean Science Leadership Program is a real example of our mission in action,” said Dr. Alistair Dove, vice president of science and education at Georgia Aquarium. “We want to be a valuable educational resource for budding aquatic researchers and provide them with hands-on experiences with the ocean and Aquarium researchers through Aggressor’s world-renowned liveaboard charters.”
About Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium is a leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Atlanta, Ga. that is Certified Humane by the American Humane Association and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Georgia Aquarium is committed to working on behalf of all marine life through education, preservation, exceptional animal care, and research across the globe. Georgia Aquarium continues its mission each day to inspire, educate, and entertain its millions of guests about the aquatic biodiversity throughout the world through its hundreds of exhibits and tens of thousands of animals across its nine major galleries. For more information, visit www.georgiaaquarium.org.
Belize Aggressor III Dives Glover’s Reef in October
The luxury dive yacht Belize Aggressor III will explore Glover’s Reef during three select excursions in October 2022. Up to eighteen guests will board the 110-foot yacht in Belize City each week for a seven-night vacation diving spectacular sites such as Baking Swash Reef, Grouper Flats, and South West Caye Wall along this spectacular atoll that forms the outermost boundary of the Belize Barrier Reef.
Belize Aggressor III Glover’s Reef vacations are October 1-8, October 8-15 and October 15-22, 2022.
Saturday-to-Saturday charters include deluxe onboard accommodations, personalized service from our professional staff, and sensational local and international cuisine prepared by the Aggressor chef.
Glover’s Reef is world-renown for its pristine coral gardens, diverse underwater topography, and abundant marine life including marbled grouper, eagle rays, turtle and several shark species.
“Belize has been one of our most popular liveaboard diving destinations since 1987, and we are excited to offer our guests this special itinerary exploring the barrier reef’s southern region. In addition to awesome wall diving, Glover’s Reef is home to four 16th and 17th century shipwrecks that await your discovery,” says Aggressor Adventures Chairman & CEO Wayne Brown. “I also encourage our liveaboard guests to spend a few days on the mainland exploring Belize’s cultural history of Mayan ruins, lush jungles, and beautiful caves.”
Belize Aggressor III diving, airline and mainland tour reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com, or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531.
Aggressor Adventures Announces Debut of British Virgin Islands Liveaboard
and New Cayman Aggressor IV
Adventure Brand Expands Offerings in One of the World’s Most Spectacular Diving Destinations
Aggressor Adventures® announces tthe addition of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Aggressor to its lineup of excursions in the Caribbean with trips starting May 7, 2022. The BVI Aggressor (formerly Cayman Aggressor V) is a 110-foot yacht that sleeps 20 guests comfortably and features a roomy, air-conditioned salon and dining area, sun deck complete with a hot tub, lounge and deck chairs, an outdoor sound system, shaded cocktail deck with a grill, and a photo editing computer for guests.
The Cayman Aggressor IV, a 18-passenger yacht has undergone a complete rebuild and will return back to its home in the Cayman Islands to resume charters starting July 2, 2022.
“We are thrilled to add the BVI Aggressor to our offerings in the Caribbean. The British Virgin Islands are known for lush green mountains, powdery white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. We are confident our guests are going to love our itineraries and yacht with five-star accommodations,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “The British Virgin Islands have some of the most spectacular diving sites in the Caribbean which feature stunning shipwrecks, an abundance of coral, fish, sharks, dolphins, turtles, crustaceans and a multitude of other marine life.”
The BVI are a British overseas territory comprised of four large islands – Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada – and 50 smaller islands and cays. The wreck of the Rhone, one of the world’s best shipwreck dives, is a highlight of the area, along with beautiful coral gardens, seamounts, canyons and sandy bottoms.
The BVI Aggressor will embark and disembark from Tortola. Throughout the week guests will dive several areas around the British Virgin Islands, mainly on the outer islands consisting of Norman, Peter, Salt, Cooper and Virgin Gorda. The itinerary is dependent on wind and weather.
Reservations for BVI Aggressor cruises are currently open. To book or for more information, visit www.aggressor.com, email bvi@aggressor.com or call (800) 348-2628 or (706) 993-2531.
Aggressor Adventures Announces Philippines Aggressor Maiden Voyage
Augusta, Georgia. Feb 15, 2022: Aggressor AdventuresTM is pleased to announce its newest liveaboard yacht the Philippines Aggressor launches her maiden voyage April 9, 2022. While there are thousands of superb dive sites throughout the 7640 islands, Philippines Aggressor’s guests will focus on the best-of-the-best with scuba diving cruises to Tubbataha Atoll and Visayas/Cebu regions. These islands and their surrounding waters have long been a premier destination for scuba diving, and now Aggressor Adventures will provide divers access to these remote areas while also providing legendary Aggressor service.
The beautiful new, 135-foot Philippines Aggressor yacht offers Tubbataha cruises departing from Puerto Princesa, Palawan exploring the Tubbataha Atoll. A seven-night cruise includes Tubbataha Reefs National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting over 350 species of coral and almost 500 species of fish in an area of approximately 100,000 hectares at the center of the Sulu Sea. Whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles and Napoleon wrasse are among the species found here. This healthy reef ecosystem supports legendary diving and encounters often include hammerhead sharks, manta rays, Moorish idols, Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, eels and more.
There are several Visayas cruise options departing from the Mactan/Cebu or Dauin/Dumaguete areas to experience some of the best diving in the region. The Visayas itinerary will be available for either seven or ten nights. The area provides opportunities for divers to see thresher sharks, huge schools of sardines, and whale sharks, while Dauin is a photographer’s delight with macro, black sands dives. Siquijor Island boasts endless visibility along soft corals walls. This signature “360-degree” cruise includes a parade of exotic islands – Cebu, Cabilao, Balicasag, Sumilon, Pescador, Malapascua, Kalanggaman, Camotes, Pamilacan, and Panglao Islands.
“Bringing divers to the spectacular Philippines has long been a goal of ours. We are very happy to officially announce that the Philippines Aggressor will launch in April 2022” says the company’s CEO Wayne Brown.
The Philippines Aggressor liveaboard will pamper 24 guests with 15 staff in the same luxury and signature amenities that Aggressor Liveaboards has been offering around the world for the past 38 years. Itineraries include diving daily, onboard accommodations, gourmet meals and snacks, soft beverages, and local alcohol. On the main and upper decks, seven staterooms have panoramic windows. For more information, call Toll Free: 1 800-348-2628 (USA/CAN), +1-706-993-2531 or email pha@aggressor.com.
Aggressor Releases Video to Mark World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day is February 2, 2022 and to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands conservation, Aggressor Adventures is releasing an informative video hosted by Professional Wetland Scientist Nate Hobbs.
One third of the world’s endangered species rely on wetlands habitat for their survival. Over 95 percent of commercially harvested fish and shellfish come from wetlands. Hobbs shares these and many other facts about the ecological significance of the world’s wetlands and the need to protect and preserve them in this brief educational presentation produced by Aggressor Adventures and promoted through the Sea Of Change Foundation.
“From the Florida Everglades to the mangroves of Sri Lanka, wetlands are the nurseries where countless species are born, grow and thrive,” says Aggressor Adventures Chairman & CEO. “It’s imperative that scuba divers like us and our travel industry partners work to preserve and protect our valuable wetlands around the globe. The thrilling dive adventures we all enjoy have their beginnings in healthy and productive wetlands ecosystems.”
World Wetlands Day began in 1971 to call attention to the need for investment in financial, human and political capital to save the world’s wetlands from disappearing and to restore damaged environments. The theme for World Wetlands Day 2022 is “Wetlands Action for People and Nature.
Aggressor Adventures Honors Most Traveled Guest of 2021
Solo female traveler completes 11 trips all around the world with adventure travel brand
AUGUSTA, Ga. (January 10, 2022) – Aggressor Adventures®, the leader in luxury adventure travel, announces today its Most Traveled Guest of 2021. Sandra Sharp, Colorado Springs, Co. resident and local scuba diving store employee, traveled with Aggressor 11 times last year. As a solo traveler, Sharp enjoyed escaping Colorado’s cold weather for warm locales and making new friends wherever her adventures with Aggressor took her in 2021.
“It’s a pleasure to travel with Aggressor. From start to finish the experience is one-of-a-kind. As a solo traveler, their staff always makes me feel incredibly comfortable and safe. Whether it’s the Roatan Aggressor, Nile River Queen or any of the amazing vessels in Aggressor’s fleet, I know when booking travel with Aggressor it will be first class,” explains Sharp age 68.
As a special thank you from Aggressor, Sharp will receive a $1,000 travel voucher and a merchandise package from the company’s retail boutique. Sharp is planning her next adventure this spring aboard the Belize Aggressor, known for its incredible diving experience.
“We are grateful for Sandra’s loyalty and commitment to our brand. Her love of adventure and affinity for solo travel is inspiring. We are pleased to recognize Sandra as our Most Traveled Guest of 2021,” shares Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (January 4, 2022) – Through a collaboration with Georgia Aquarium, Aggressor Adventures® announces today its first ever Ocean Science Leadership Program. The program offers young marine professionals the opportunity of a lifetime by providing an experiential learning opportunity for individuals working towards a career in the industry.
Accredited zoos and aquariums around the country generate significant economic benefits locally, regionally and nationally. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the 215 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in the U.S. serve more than 183 million annual visitors and support over 212,000 jobs, generating $24 billion in the total value of goods and services generated directly and indirectly.
Once identified, the winning Ocean Science Leadership Program young professional will have the opportunity to experience a fully comped Aggressor Adventures liveaboard scuba diving trip in 2022. While on board, the young professional will work closely with a Georgia Aquarium expert for on-site education sessions and will work with the Aggressor team to earn an advanced dive certification.
“The Ocean Science Leadership Program will offer a deserving young professional the opportunity of a lifetime to gain first-hand experience while traveling with Aggressor. As a trusted travel brand, we’ve relied on the beauty of the natural world to provide our guests with unforgettable adventures,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “This is our opportunity to give back to the industry and foster the next generation of marine science professionals who are incredibly valuable to our business and maintaining the beauty of the natural world.”
To be considered for the leadership program, the young professional must currently live in the United States and have a degree in ecology, biology, zoology, environmental management, conservation or related discipline from a four-year college or university. Stand-out candidates will currently be enrolled in or will have recently completed an internship program at an aquarium, dive center, zoo, or wildlife conservation center. Applicants are required to submit an 800-word essay on a list of predetermined marine science-related topics. Additional details and requirements can be found here.
“Our partnership with Aggressor Adventures through the Ocean Science Leadership Program is a real example of our mission in action,” said Dr. Alistair Dove, vice president of science and education at Georgia Aquarium. “We want to be a valuable educational resource for budding aquatic researchers and provide them with hands-on experiences with the ocean and Aquarium researchers through Aggressor’s world-renowned liveaboard charters.”
Aggressor Adventures Dives into the New Year with Optimism Following a Successful 2021
Adventure brand’s commitment to guests prepares the company for an exciting 2022
AUGUSTA, Ga. (Dec. 20, 2021) – Aggressor Adventures® is celebrating the end of successful 2021 and looking back on the past 12 months with pride while looking forward with optimism and excitement. In 2021, the company launched its Consumer Travel Index, won numerous awards, reopened its Sri Lanka Safari Lodge and announced plans to offer new adventures to customers in 2022.
Return to Travel
Aggressor saw an increase in bookings for operating destinations of 123% in 2021 over 2020. “I am incredibly proud of how our staff has persevered through the many changes in requirements from governments worldwide, updating protocols, destination reopenings, and more. The quality of our service never wavered; in fact, I’d say the past few years have made us even better than we were before,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “Even through it all, we still saw tremendous growth this year compared to last. I believe that people were ready to make up for lost time and rebook the trips they had to cancel in 2020.”
Aggressor provided an adventure of a lifetime to more than 12,000 guests in 2021. The company’s top three most popular destinations were Socorro, which saw 240% growth in bookings, Red Sea, which saw 230% growth in bookings and Belize, which saw 182% growth in bookings.
Exciting for Aggressor, the future looks just as bright: “We are confident we can plan double digit growth in 2022,” Brown added.
Consumer Travel Index
Aggressor’s Consumer Travel Index provided insightful findings from a series of national surveys to track consumer sentiments. Topics from 2021 included interest and comfortability in traveling, motivations for traveling, how long consumers are planning trips for, what their budgets are, how remote working has impacted travel plans, and much more.
Award Wins
In 2021 Aggressor earned many awards, including Top Liveaboard Company in the World with 69 Readers Choice Awards from Scuba Diving Magazine, a Gold Travel Weekly Magellan Award for Cruise Safety for the company’s industry-leading Clean, Refresh, Sanitize program, and a Silver Travel Weekly Magellan Award for Cruise Podcast for the company’s Inspired by Adventure podcast.
New Adventures
2021 saw the reopening of the Aggressor Safari Lodge in Sri Lanka® and the announcement of a new liveaboard, the Red Sea Royal Evolution (RE) Aggressor, which will set sail in February 2022. In addition to these new destinations and reopenings, the brand also has major plans for several exciting new destinations for customers in 2022. Brown and his team have visited numerous adventure sites and are actively exploring new trips in Belize, the British Virgin Islands and several other exciting destinations.
Aggressor Adventures and North American Travel Journalist Association Announce the Travel Journalism Internship Program Recipient
Adventure brand provides Deserving Student, Becca Paine with an Opportunity of a Lifetime
AUGUSTA, Ga. (Dec. 9, 2021) – Aggressor Adventures® and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) announce today the selected candidate for the Travel Journalism Internship Program. Becca Paine, Agricultural Communications student at Kansas State University, was selected for her thoughtful essay submission and impressive background.
“Becca’s essay stood out because her passion for adventure and traveling jumped off the page. Her degree program and agricultural experience make her the perfect candidate for our first Travel Journalism Internship Program,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “It’s an honor to offer Becca the opportunity of a lifetime while supporting her career aspirations. The first-hand experience will be an invaluable addition to her resume when she graduates next year.”
As the winning journalism student, Paine will have the opportunity to book and experience a fully comped Aggressor Adventures trip in 2022. Following the trip, she is tasked with drafting a 1,000-word story on the experience and placing the story with a news outlet. Additionally, Paine is required to create social media content the share the adventure with her followers.
“I was beyond excited when I learned I was the recipient of this once-in-a-lifetime internship program. I am so grateful to be able to bridge the gap between my love of writing and traveling with the help of Aggressor Adventures and NATJA,” shares Paine who grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas. “My goal with my 1,000-word story following my trip is to secure a media placement to improve my portfolio and resume. I can’t wait to book my trip and start this adventure.”
The Sea of Change Foundation is pleased to announce the 2021 recipient of their prestigious Lifetime Explorer Award is dive industry legend and former foundation Board Member, Wayne Hasson. This annual award honors individuals who exemplify a lifetime of excellence in ocean awareness and exploration. Mr. Hasson is globally recognized as an explorer, environmentalist, educator, and innovator in the dive industry. It is awarded to Mr. Hasson posthumously.
Captain Wayne Hasson was a marine, SCUBA diver extraordinaire and instructor, boat captain, pilot, world traveler and true pioneer in the SCUBA diving industry. Wayne was born in Columbus, Ohio (1950), lived in the Cayman Islands for 20 years, then settled in Naples, Florida in 1999. Wayne fell in love with the sea at an early age while living at the Outer Banks of North Carolina. There he learned boating, diving, fishing, and boat building. Wayne was a proud U.S. Marine serving from 1970 – 1978, including a tour to the Far East supporting operations in Vietnam and served aboard the USS Okinawa assisting in the evacuation of Saigon.
In 1984, Wayne became the first captain of the new Cayman Aggressor (one of the first-ever liveaboard dive yachts) growing it to become the Aggressor Fleet. The fleet later became an internationally recognized brand and leader in exploratory and expeditionary travel, Aggressor Adventures®. Wayne later became partner and President of the new expanded travel company until his passing in 2020.
Wayne’s passion was to inspire youth to explore, understand, and respect the ocean and its wildlife through SCUBA diving, ocean education, and conservation. As an avid pilot, he encouraged countless students of all ages to fly through the Young Eagles program. Wayne was President of the Cayman Islands Watersports Association, Vice President of the Sister Islands Tourism Association, and served on the Boards of the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA), the Sea of Change Foundation, Oceans for Youth Foundation, Friends of Rookery Bay, and the Florida Gulf Coast University’s Eagles Club.
The Lifetime Explorer Award was presented by several members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors to his widow, Anne Hasson at the Aggressor Adventures’ headquarters in Augusta, Georgia on December 15. Ms. Hasson who also serves on the Foundation’s Board said, “What an honor and wonderful way to remember Wayne’s legacy. I’m grateful and know that this would make him smile. On his behalf, thank you all very much.”
“Wayne truly embodied the spirit of this award in that his life’s work was based on exploring the world’s oceans for divers and sharing his knowledge of the ocean with adults and children alike. His love of exploration continues to guide us every day,” said Wayne Brown, Chairman of the Board of the foundation and CEO of Aggressor Adventures®.
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About the Sea of Change Foundation: The Sea of Change Foundation funds conservation and research initiatives that directly impact the natural world we all love to enjoy and explore. Our mission is to create positive change. Learn more about and donate to support the Sea of Change Foundation here: www.seaofchange.com.
Aggressor Adventures Consumer Travel Index Shows Travel is on Santa’s Nice List
Adventure brand shares encouraging industry data during the holiday season
AUGUSTA, Ga. (Dec. 6, 2021) – Aggressor Adventures® announces today the results of its latest Consumer Travel Index, which tracks consumer sentiments on a bi-monthly basis. Amid the holiday season, Aggressor’s Index puts a spotlight on gift giving, as well as scuba diving.
No Coal, Just Gifts, in the Travel Industry’s Stocking
With supply chain issues and shipping delays disrupting holiday shopping, demand for experiential gifts is growing in popularity. As such, optimism has returned to the tourism sector. The first Aggressor Index question asks respondents if they plan to gift a loved-one an experience-based gift this holiday season –more than 40 percent of respondents said yes. Even more encouraging, more than 45 percent of respondents are planning to use their holiday bonuses on travel.
“Even before the pandemic, at Aggressor Adventures we’ve seen an increase in gifting travel around the holiday season. People are valuing quality time together and going on adventures rather than exchanging goods. Experiential gifts offer memories that will last a lifetime, which you can’t put a price on,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures.
Diving Through the Pandemic
A recent Harris poll showed 69 percent of Americans have gained a renewed appreciation for the outdoors during the pandemic. At a time when people needed an outlet for social connection and physical activity, the outdoors was there to provide countless mental and physical health benefits. As such, the second Aggressor Index question asks scuba diving enthusiasts if the pandemic has reminded them how much they enjoy diving. Results show more than half of divers have a newfound appreciation for the hobby they love. Furthermore, more than 22 percent of divers have used the sport to escape pandemic-related stress.
“Throughout this pandemic, outdoor recreation has played an integral part of American life. The diving community really rallied around the sport and took to the water to stay safe, de-stress and exercise,” shares Brown. “As we look forward, it’s clear the outdoors will be an important part of America’s economic future. For divers like our customers, this means more time spent underwater as evidenced by the 136 percent increase in our 2022 liveaboard scuba diving trips over last year.”
Aggressor Adventures Launches Innovative “Tracking Our Trash” Program Ahead of Recycling Day Initiative aims to understand and improve waste disposal and recycling at Aggressor destinations worldwide
AUGUSTA (November 11, 2021) – Aggressor Adventures® today announces a new conservation program, “Tracking Our Trash,” as a part of its Green the Fleet initiative in honor of Recycling Day (November 15). Tracking Our Trash will support Aggressor’s ongoing efforts for optimal sustainability by offering a better understanding of where the trash and recycling from Aggressor destinations goes and how it is handled.
Recognizing that some of the company’s more remote locations may have a more challenging recycling and trash disposal process, Aggressor will work with local communities at disposal and collection sites for a better understanding of the processes and limitations. In turn, this knowledge will then help inform and improve future operational decisions with conservation in mind.
“When we throw something away there is really no ‘away.’ We do want to minimize our impact as much as possible, though,” says Samantha Whitcraft, Director of Conservation & Outreach at Aggressor Adventures. “Knowing how local facilities work and what would be most helpful for them will be incredibly helpful as we adjust our operations toward optimal sustainability.”
Beginning in 2022, Aggressor’s destinations will work with local communities to learn where trash and recyclables go and how they’re used. From there, trash and recycle practices by guests and crew members will be evaluated and adjusted as needed.
“Having a better understanding of the recycling process at each destination and the trash we produce will help us improve our decisions and actions while traveling,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “If we focus on keeping our beautiful destinations clean, we can offer a better travel experience to our customers.”
Sustainable Travel
Travelers are becoming increasingly more considerate of how sustainable their travels should be. A recent study found that between 2015-2018, 60% of U.S. travelers reported taking a “sustainable” trip because they recognize their own responsibility to ensure their visit does not cause harm to the places they visit. Additionally, a 2016 study by Sustainable Travel International and Mandala Research revealed that eco-tourists tend to stay longer, spend more, and believe they have a responsibility to respect their destination.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (Nov. 1, 2021) – As announced today by Travel Weekly, Aggressor Adventures earned two 2021 Magellan Awards. Aggressor’s industry-leading Clean, Refresh, Sanitize program is being honored with Gold for Cruise Safety and the Inspired by Adventure podcast has won Silver for Cruise Podcast.
The Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a panel of top travel professionals representing prominent travel brands and the most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another; instead they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the extensive experience of Travel Weekly. To uphold this esteemed standard, a category may have multiple winners or even no winners at all.
“We are grateful to be recognized again by the prestigious Magellan Awards. When traveling with Aggressor, our focus and dedication to guest and staff safety is second to none,” said Aggressor CEO Wayne Brown. “Amid the pandemic, we doubled down on safety policies and procedures. We could not be prouder of what we’ve accomplished this past year and to cap it off with Gold and Silver Magellan Awards is a true testament to our resilience and commitment to service.”
Aggressor’s Clean, Refresh, Sanitize program put forth diligent efforts beginning in 2020 to provide a safe and healthy return to travel for both their customers and personnel, immediately incorporating pro-active sanitation and training strategies. The program outlines in detail the steps and best practices for every Aggressor destination to utilize before, during and after a trip. Not only has Aggressor’s staff created Knowledge-Based Articles regarding plans for cleaning, sanitizing and social distancing, but they’ve also updated standard operating procedures to emphasize a healthy and happy return to adventure for guests.
Aggressor’s Inspired by Adventure Podcast features guests with a nuanced and expert perspective on adventure travel topics. Past guests included Canadian Screen Award-winning producer, creator and star of the hit TV series Survivorman, Les Stroud, and scuba diving industry expert, Tec Clark. Episodes of Inspired by Adventure are released weekly and are available for download on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. The podcast is also available on the Aggressor Adventures blog.
Aggressor Adventures Celebrates 38TH Anniversary with 25% Savings
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Aggressor Adventures, known for its thrilling adventure vacations for guests around the world with 40 unique itineraries in 19 countries, is celebrating its 38th anniversary! While much has changed since 1984, the brand’s commitment to adventure hasn’t wavered.
“Like every new company, we started small but today we are the largest adventure company in the world. All my staff and destinations owners have a part in taking Aggressor Adventures to an entire new level of success. 38 years certainly deserves a moment to reflect of our achievements,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures.”
New Adventures and Itineraries
Over the past 12 months, Aggressor added several world-class adventures and itineraries to its impressive portfolio. The brand recently announced the addition of the Red Sea Royal Evolution Aggressor to its excursion lineup in Egypt. Over the past several months, Brown and his team visited numerous adventure sites and are actively exploring new trips in Belize, the British Virgin Islands and several other exciting destinations.
“To be the adventurer’s choice for world-class, intimate and artful adventures on ocean, river or land, we can’t rest on our laurels. Our customers love to travel with us, and we can feel their excitement when new trips are announced,” adds Brown. “In the coming months we will announce new adventures and itineraries that will have customers yearning to join us on their next vacation. We can’t wait to share what we have planned.”
Anniversary Special
Aggressor Adventures is excited to announce a special 38th anniversary promotion offering 25 percent savings. The anniversary special starts October 14 and runs through October 24 for travel April 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. In addition to the generous savings, customers who book are eligible to win a full set of Aqua Lung equipment valued at $3,230. The winning customer will be announced October 31. In addition, all customers who book travel during the anniversary window will receive a special commemorative t-shirt.
Participating destinations include Bahamas Aggressor, Belize Aggressor III/IV, Galapagos Aggressor III, Kona Aggressor II, Maldives Aggressor II, Nile Queen, Okeanos Aggressor I/II, Oman Aggressor, Palau Aggressor II, Red Sea Aggressor II, Red Sea Aggressor III, Red Sea RE Aggressor, Roatan Aggressor, Rock Islands Aggressor, Socorro Aggressor, Turks & Caicos Aggressor II and the Sri Lanka Safari Lodge.
Aggressor Adventures Consumer Travel Index Forecasts the Rise of Outdoor Adventure Travel Adventure brand shares encouraging industry data ahead of the Travel & Adventure Show
AUGUSTA, Ga. (Oct. 14, 2021) – Aggressor Adventures® announces today the results of its latest Consumer Travel Index, which tracks consumer sentiments on a bi-monthly basis. Ahead of the Travel & Adventure Show taking place in Atlanta Oct. 16-17 and in San Francisco Oct. 23-24, Aggressor’s Index puts a spotlight on adventure travel.
Industry Bounce Back
As travelers continue to avoid crowded destinations, adventure travel is particularly suited to appeal to those looking for destinations and activities that allow for social distancing. With a focus on small group outings, less-frequented destinations and vast, open spaces, adventure tourism has proven to be a favorite go-to for travelers in the COVID era.
As such, optimism has returned to the adventure travel sector. The first Aggressor Index question asks respondents what types of experiences they seek when making travel plans. Results show more than 20 percent of travelers are looking for underwater adventure and more than 27 percent are looking for wildlife-based excursions.
“One of the many reasons adventure travel will return quicker and stronger than other travel sectors is the passion of adventure travelers and thrill seekers,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “When speaking with our customers, you can sense their love for exploring and adventure. A casual traveler who looks to make a decision between going to relax on a beach or a lake does not exude the same type of passion adventure travelers do for their trips. From my experience, passion-driven verticals recover more quickly.”
Furthermore, according to the 2021 Global Adventure Tourism Market Report, the global adventure travel market is expecting an elevation of $2.02 billion by 2030 and is witnessing a compound annual growth rate of 10.7 percent from 2020-2030.
More Time for Adventure Outdoors
As the Outdoor Industry Association shares, Americans flocked to the outdoors at the start of the pandemic. According to the organization’s recent study, outdoor activities have experienced the lowest impact due to the pandemic, as just 34 percent of people said they could or would not participate in outdoor activities due to pandemic restrictions. Additionally, research from Destination Analysts shows that nearly a third of travelers prefer to visit outdoor-oriented destinations where social distancing is built into the experience.
Having “space to breathe is the new luxury,” according to trend data from Traveller Made, a consortium of travel advisors, outlining that travelers now or in the coming months are seeking open spaces and remote destinations. As such, the second Aggressor Index question asks respondents about the planned activities on their next vacation. It’s no surprise that most respondents plan to scuba dive, snorkel, swim or boat on their next destination vacation.
“Upon returning from traveling with us, our customers routinely tell us how comfortable they were from a safety standpoint with our small group offerings in an outdoor setting,” shares Lisa Stierwalt, Travel Agent with Aggressor Adventures. “The pandemic has revigorated our love for the outdoors and made us appreciate it so much more. Our bookings at Aggressor Adventures are back to pre-pandemic averages, and we could not be more excited for the future.”
Travel & Adventure Show
Going into its 17th year with over 100 completed events, the Travel & Adventure Show has welcomed thousands of members of the press and over 1.5 million travelers in 8 of the country’s top markets. The award-winning travel shows offer media personnel the opportunity to travel the world in just two days, all under one roof. Aggressor Adventures welcomes guests to booth 306 in Atlanta and booth 1451 in San Francisco to learn more about the brand’s adventures of a lifetime.
Aggressor Adventures Named Top Liveaboard Company in the World with 69 Readers Choice Awards from Scuba Diving Magazine Adventure travel brand honored with nearly twice as many awards as any other company
AUGUSTA, Ga. (September 28, 2021) –Aggressor Adventures®, the world leader in luxury adventure travel, has won 69 Scuba Diving Magazine Readers Choice Awards with nearly double the number of awards in the liveaboard category as any other liveaboard company. Scuba Diving Magazine’s annual Readers Choice survey – now in its 29th year – polls thousands of Scuba Diver Magazine subscribers online on their favorite dive destinations operators, liveaboards, scuba diving sites and more.
“This prestigious honor speaks volumes to the dedication of our staff. I would like to thank each and every team member for their commitment to our mission of providing guests with first-class service and an adventure of a lifetime they will never forget,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “We are thrilled to receive these awards from Scuba Diving Magazine and are grateful for the recognition the Readers Choice Awards provides our brand.”
Aggressor Adventures Announces World Tourism Day Flash Sale Luxury Travel Brand Offers $800 Worth of Savings for a Limited Time Only
AUGUSTA, Ga. (Sept. 21, 2021) – In celebration of World Tourism Day, Aggressor Adventures®, the world leader in luxury adventure travel, today announces a special flash sale offering customers $800 worth of savings on select yachts during a four day booking window.
Starting September 23, 2021 through September 27, 2021, travelers yearning for adventure can save $800 when booking reservations on the Bahamas Aggressor, Belize Aggressor III/IV, Okeanos Aggressor I/II, Roatan Aggressor, Turks & Caicos Aggressor II, and Maldives Aggressor II. The discount, which is among Aggressor’s best of the year, is valid for trips taking place September 30, 2021 through March 31, 2022 and can be booked through an Aggressor Reseller or Aggressor Adventures.
"We're thrilled to offer travelers an opportunity to save on adventure of a lifetime travel. As we all look for safe ways to travel internationally, our yachts are the perfect getaway,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. "With industry-leading health and safety protocols, plus convenient on-site COVID-19 testing services, customers can feel confident knowing that their health and safety continue to come first."
World Tourism Day, celebrated each year on September 27, is the global observance day fostering awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the sustainable development goals put in place by the World Tourism Organization.
Aggressor Adventures Partners with Savannah Riverkeeper to
Remove Debris from the Savannah River
CompanyAims toSet Standard for Responsible, Sustainable Adventure Travel on
National Cleanup Day
AUGUSTA, Ga. (Sept. 16, 2021) – Aggressor Adventures® and Savannah Riverkeeper joined forces Wednesday, September 1 to clean up more than 420 pounds of debris from the Savannah River in honor of National Cleanup Day. Each year from coast to coast, organizations and individuals volunteer to clean up parks, trails, beaches, mountains and open spaces in honor of National Cleanup Day. This year the occasion is observed on September 18.
“The Savannah River is a beautiful body of water that our employees enjoy having access to here in Augusta, but with 10,577 square miles of watershed spanning three states, the river presents a challenge to its guardians purely with its size,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “It was an honor to partner with Savannah Riverkeeper to do our part in preserving this precious waterway. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Savannah Riverkeeper and thank them for their terrific work.”
Savannah Riverkeeper serves as the primary guardian of the Savannah River striving to respect, protect, and improve the entire river basin through education, advocacy, and action. The 501c(3) non-profit organization ensures the natural, economic, and recreational viability of the basin as a whole now and for generations to come.
Environmental Stewardship
Recognizing the urgent plight of our planet, Aggressor is committed to environmental practices that set a high standard for excellence, responsibility and the preservation of both aquatic and terrestrial environments and wildlife. Through its Green the Fleet initiative, and in partnership with the Sea of Change Foundation, Aggressor is building on its current sustainability efforts to develop green practices that carry across operations for all three business units: Aggressor Liveaboards, Aggressor River Cruises and Aggressor Safari Lodges. Aggressor combines excellent service, environmental awareness, positive actions and stewardship.
“As adventurers ourselves, we see firsthand in our own backyard the profound and catastrophic impact human activity can have on the planet. But with real change and through environmental stewardship, we can help nature recover,” adds Brown. “Aggressor Adventures is committed to being part of the solution nationally and globally. Through expanded green operations and by prioritizing sustainability, we vow to help protect the environment for future generations of adventure travelers.”
Aggressor Adventures Consumer Travel Index Points to an Industry Renaissance
Adventure brand dives deep into consumer sentiment towards travel agents
AUGUSTA, Ga. (August 20, 2021) – Aggressor Adventures® announces today the results of its latest Consumer Travel Index, which tracks consumer sentiments on a bi-monthly basis. Ahead of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) annual Global Convention taking place August 23-25 in Chicago, Aggressor’s Index puts a spotlight on travel agents.
Industry Bounce Back due to Personalized Service
Having lost market share in recent years to the rise of digital-booking platforms for various trips, experiences, and services, travel agents and agencies are experiencing a renaissance as consumers become more comfortable with travel. In fact, according to American Express Travel's 2021 Global Travel Trends Report of 3,000 travelers worldwide, nearly 60 percent of travelers surveyed want to use a travel agent to help plan and customize their next trip. As a result, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts an optimistic outlook as an increasing number of people turn to travel agents to help filter through ever-changing pandemic restrictions.
The first Aggressor Index question asks respondents for their reasons for booking a trip through an agent. Results show nearly 40 percent of respondents choose agents based on their personalized service offerings, and nearly 60 percent of respondents choose agents based on the ease of re-booking their trip, if necessary. Similarly, 78 percent choose travel agents based on their ability to secure refunds and credits.
“There is a higher level of uncertainty when it comes to travel nowadays, and consumers need help navigating it all. Travelers enjoy the fact that they can rely on agents to keep up with changing protocols around how to travel safely,” says Lisa Stierwalt, Travel Agent with Aggressor Adventures. “We can help travelers make informed decisions about any risks that may arise. That added peace of mind that comes with having a direct line to an expert during these unprecedented times and often confusing policy changes is part of the allure of working with a travel agent.”
Industry and International Destination Knowledge
The second Aggressor Index question asks consumers what characteristics and attributes of an agent are most important to them when traveling internationally. Results show 62 percent of respondents choose agents based on their knowledge of the country they plan to visit. Similarly, 44 percent of respondents choose agents based on knowledge of customs and protocols.
The American Express Travel's 2021 Global Travel Trends Report shared that agents are seeing an increase in requests for “second city” international vacation destinations as a way for travelers to avoid large crowds. According to Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures, smaller city preferences bode well for travel agents because of their plethora of knowledge.
“Travel agents have knowledge, expertise and insight you cannot find through digital booking services. Now more than ever, when people plan to travel, they want a guarantee that their experience will be seamless, safe and unique to their wants and needs,” shares Brown. “As Aggressor team members travel to Chicago for the annual ASTA Global Convention, there’s a renewed sense of optimism about the industry and an excitement for the future.”
Known as the “Essential Industry Event for Travel Agency Professionals”, the annual ASTA Global Convention is where the best of the best in the travel agency industry convene for three days of inspiration, education, and entertainment. Aggressor Adventures welcomes guests to booth 190 to learn more about the brand’s adventures of a lifetime.
RETURN TO NATURE WITH THE RE-OPENING OF THE AGGRESSOR SAFARI LODGE®
Luxury lodge in Sri Lanka set to fully re-open on October 1, 2021 with special offers
AUGUSTA, Ga. (July 29, 2021) – Aggressor Adventures® announces today its five-star Sri Lanka Safari Lodge will re-open October 1, 2021 with special rates for travel October 3 through December 26, 2021 including:
5 days/4 nights back-to-back add on Adventure when booked with the Maldives Aggressor II or Red Sea Aggressor II or III for $999.
7 days/6 nights exploring the wonders of Sri Lanka for $1,250.
“Our team is so excited to welcome guests back to the Lodge and to share the wonder of Sri Lanka once again,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “With the largest concentration of leopards and sloth bears in Sri Lanka, and up to 5,000 elephants, an Aggressor safari offers close-up experiences not found anywhere else in the world. With our industry-leading health and safety protocols, guests will have peace of mind along with a truly unforgettable adventure.”
About the Safari Lodge
The Aggressor Safari Lodge in Sri Lanka offers luxury accommodations, personalized service and intimate experiences. Guests will enjoy being surrounded by nature from each of the eight beautifully decorated, spacious and air-conditioned tented chalets with en-suite facilities and hotel-room-like luxuries. The lodge also includes a swimming pool, two bars, outdoor fire pit for evening gatherings, and the private and tented Aliya Bush Restaurant that features accomplished chefs cooking local dishes with produce from surrounding villages and farms.
Tucked away on six acres on the Kala Oya River, the third longest river in Sri Lanka, the lodge is home to a variety of brilliant and rare native wildlife and other exotic birds protected on the property. Nearby world-renowned Wilpattu and Minneriya National Parks offer guests excellent photography opportunities and wildlife viewing, including Sri Lankan leopards, Sri Lankan sloth bears, buffalo, and sambar, axis, and spotted deer. Minneriya National Park has the largest concentration of Asian elephants that exists today. Also, the park houses two endemic monkey species of Sri Lanka, the purple-faced langur and the toque macaque.
The Sri Lanka Safari Lodge is near two national parks, two World Heritage Sites, and the famous Smithsonian Primate Research Center’s Monkey Kingdom, all included in itineraries available when booking.
Aggressor Adventures recognizes that tropical weather events have the potential of adversely affecting scuba diving activities during your valuable dive vacation. That’s why Aggressor Adventures is proud to offer guests the StormCheck™ program, which provides a credit voucher based on the number of days of diving missed due to named meteorological disturbances.
If an entire charter week is cancelled in advance due to a storm’s forecasted path or landfall, guests will automatically receive a StormCheck™ voucher for a replacement Aggressor charter. Vouchers are also provided for individual days of diving and snorkeling missed due to named storms, even if the charter week continues as scheduled. The vouchers allow guests to return to that destination within one year of the interrupted trip and redeem credit for the days or week missed.
“We create adventures of a lifetime for our guests, but we can’t control the weather. This why we crafted our Storm Check™ program,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures Chairman & CEO. “It will compensate guests who lose valuable days of diving on an Aggressor Liveaboard vacation as the result of a named tropical meteorological disturbance that is recognized by NOAA.”
All travelers are strongly encouraged to purchase a comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance policy, which offers financial assistance for flights, interrupted travels, and cancellations. It is best to purchase a Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance policy immediately after confirming a reservation. Learn more about StormCheck™ at aggressor.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aggressor Adventures® announces today the results of its latest Consumer Travel Index, which tracks consumer sentiments on a bi-monthly basis.
“We’re seeing travelers reuniting with multi-generational family and long-lost friends from high school and college. I think group travel will ultimately be responsible for the travel industry’s full recovery.”
Traveling to Reunite and Celebrate
Following months of FaceTime and Zoom fatigue, far-flung friends and relatives are relishing the opportunity to travel together again. The first Index survey question asks respondents for their reasons for traveling over the next 12 months. Results show more than 66 percent of respondents said their travel plans include a trip to reunite with friends or loved ones. Similarly, in a March survey from American Express Travel, 71 percent of respondents said they planned to travel to visit loved ones they hadn’t been able to see during the pandemic.
Additionally, Index survey results show more than 50 percent of respondents are traveling to celebrate the success or a milestone of a friend, loved one or themselves.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic caused even the best of friends to become long-lost friends. Customers are combining traveling and being together with loved ones, two of the most longed-for practices during more than a year of pandemic lockdowns, into adventures of a lifetime,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “People spent countless milestones—birthdays, graduations, honeymoons—cooped up at home. We are seeing customers choosing adventure travel as an opportunity to combine multiple celebrations into one bucket list trip.”
Traveling in Groups Again
By limiting social engagements, leisure activities, and travel, the pandemic forced many people to live an independent life without face-to-face interaction. The result was a collective sense of loneliness— one that is now shaping what we do, what we buy, and even how we travel. The second Index survey question asks respondents for details surrounding who they plan to travel with over the next 12 months. Results show only 7 percent of respondents plan to travel alone.According to the 2021 Bach Travel Trends Report, travelers are making up for lost time and planning all kinds of group trips. A whopping 88 percent of respondents are attending two or more group trips in 2021, and over 12 percent are attending at least five.
“Customers are telling us they want to travel in groups, not only because they see small group travel as the safest option for them, but because they missed the shared experience travel offers,” says Lisa Stierwalt, Travel Agent with Aggressor Adventures. “We’re seeing travelers reuniting with multi-generational family and long-lost friends from high school and college. I think group travel will ultimately be responsible for the travel industry’s full recovery.”
For each question of Aggressor’s travel survey, the company polls Gen X and Baby Boomers with a household income of $75,000+ across the country. Respondents receive the questions via text message or directly through the 1Q mobile app. This was the third survey conducted by the brand in 2021 and is part of a new Aggressor Adventures Consumer Travel Index,which will track consumer sentiments on a bi-monthly basis throughout the year.
About Aggressor Adventures
Since 1984, Aggressor Adventures® has offered travelers liveaboard scuba and snorkeling charters, luxury river cruises and exotic wildlife safaris. Worldwide locations the company explores include Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, Cocos Island, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Galapagos, Hawaii, Indonesia, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Philippines, Palau, Red Sea, Roatan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Turks and Caicos. The company’s Clean, Refresh, Sanitize safety standards are industry leading. For more information, visit www.aggressor.com or call (800) 348-2628 or (706) 993-2531.
Earn While You Learn - SSI and Aggressor Adventures Team Up to Promote Continuing Education in Diving
Are you ready to travel? Are you ready to get back into the water and learn something new with an SSI Specialty Course? Aggressor Adventures and SSI are teaming up to promote travel and continuing education this summer. Every diver worldwide who enrolls in an SSI Specialty certification program this summer will receive a $300 travel credit for a future Aggressor Adventures liveaboard dive vacation, river cruise, or wildlife safari. Don’t miss out on this amazing deal!
“Aggressor Adventures is a longtime supporter of the SSI Master Diver Challenge, donating the grand prize for many years in a row,” states Jeff Saenger, SSI Director of Sales. “We are now excited to partner with them in this new endeavor to promote continuing education. This is a fantastic opportunity to get divers diving again this summer!”
Course purchase dates: June 1, 2021 – July 15, 2021
Travel dates: June 15, 2021 – June 15, 2022
Participating Aggressors: All
Vouchers have no black-out dates
Other promotions and discounts do not apply
Purchase the course then have your Training Center send a copy of the receipt to Aggressor (accounting@aggressor.com) and a voucher will be emailed to you.
“Continuing education is part of Aggressor’s mission. We are proud to partner with SSI and local Training Centers in getting students back in the classroom and participating in the sport we all love—scuba diving,” states Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures® Chairman & CEO.
Eligible dive programs include any SSI Specialty Program, EAN 32, Science of Diving, Equipment Techniques, or any of the six SSI Ecology programs. SSI Professionals looking to further their education by obtaining a new Specialty Instructor rating will also earn the $300 travel voucher.
Now is the perfect time to get that next SSI Specialty started and earn a $300 USD Aggressor Adventures Travel Voucher to use on any yacht, river cruise, or safari lodge.
With global travelers anxious to break free after more than a year-long holding pattern, Aggresor Adventures® has been busy documenting all that awaits their next journey. Today, the company is proud to release an exciting video tour of the world’s wonders — an immersive, A-to-Z collection of breathtaking imagery and culture shared by professional filmmakers and underwater videographers as seen here.
“Travel is back and we’re happy to greet travelers with this striking new video masterpiece,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures Chairman & CEO. “We create adventures of a lifetime for our guests and this film highlights the 5-star experiences with us, from each new Adventure to the Zest for life that fuels their passion and ours.”
From the heights of Egypt’s ancient temples to the depths of the Seven Seas, the five-minute film captures the exhilaration of a wide variety of new discoveries, as well as the world-class comforts, cuisine and service that has made Aggressor Adventures Liveaboards, River Cruises and Safari Lodges the leader in adventure travel.
“Divers interacting with giant manta rays, the spectacle of massive whale sharks, up-close encounters with Asian elephants… it’s all here,” Brown says. “We’re delighted to share this visual treat and overjoyed to welcome travelers back aboard, whether it’s their first adventure with us or their fiftieth.”
Since 1984, Aggressor Adventures® has offered travelers liveaboard scuba and snorkeling charters, luxury river cruises and exotic wildlife safaris. To learn more, you may also visit Aggressor’s Media Hub, listen to their podcast series, view videos on Aggressor.TV and browse the new catalogue. Worldwide locations are Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, Cocos Island, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Galapagos, Hawaii, Indonesia, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Palau, Philippines, Red Sea, Roatan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Turks & Caicos. Reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com, or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531.
Aggressor Adventures Consumer Travel Index Points to a Readiness to Plan and Book Travel
Adventure brand dives deep into 2021 travel plans with increased interest in small group luxury travel
AUGUSTA, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aggressor Adventures® announces today the positive results of its latest Consumer Travel Index, which tracks consumer travel sentiments on a bi-monthly basis.
“Our phones have been ringing off the hook since the start of the new year. Customers are telling us they see small group luxury travel as the safest option for them”
The survey asked respondents to share their travel plans for 2021. Results show nearly 40 percent of travelers are planning longer trips this year, with more than 55 percent of consumers having booked or planned a future trip during the past three months. According to Expedia’s 2021 Vacation Deprivation study, 64 percent of Americans defined themselves as "vacation deprived.”
“At Aggressor Adventures, we’ve seen first-hand in the first quarter that people are valuing their time away from home more than ever. Bookings increased 17 percent this March compared to pre-pandemic averages,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “I am encouraged to see travelers taking longer and more extensive vacations. This allows for people to add in experiences they wouldn’t have had time for on a shorter break.”
Professional Flexibility with Remote Working
A recent American Express Global Travel Trends Report reveals 54 percent of consumers believe the freedom and flexibility of being able to live and work while traveling the globe is more appealing now than it was prior to the pandemic. Similarly, Aggressor’s survey shows more than 19 percent of consumers intend to travel more this year because they are working remotely.
“While you may not be able to work remotely on adventures, customers are benefiting from professional flexibility during plane rides and layovers. The ability to stay connected with your employer while traveling to and from our destinations gives travelers peace of mind that their workload will be significantly less daunting upon their return home than in years prior,” says Brown.
Luxury Travel on the Rise with Help from Planners
The pandemic has changed peoples’ perception of luxury travel. Aggressor’s survey results show nearly 40 percent of consumers plan to spend more money than they normally would on a trip this year. Similarly, the American Express Global Travel Trends Report reveals personalized experiences, high cleanliness standards and privacy being the most desirable luxury amenities among respondents. Additionally, 59 percent of travelers indicate they want to use a travel agent to help plan and customize their next trip.
“Our phones have been ringing off the hook since the start of the new year. Customers are telling us they see small group luxury travel as the safest option for them,” says Lisa Stierwalt, Travel Agent with Aggressor Adventures. “People have a little extra money in their pocket from staying home during the pandemic and are using travel to treat themselves to a much-needed adventure. We have exceeded our expectations for the first quarter of this year and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year might bring as vaccination rates increase across the globe.”
For each question of Aggressor’s travel survey, the company polls Gen X and Baby Boomers with a household income of $75,000+ across the country. Respondents receive the questions via text message or directly through the 1Q mobile app. This was the third survey conducted by the brand in 2021 and is part of a new Aggressor Adventures Consumer Travel Index,which will track consumer sentiments on a bi-monthly basis throughout the year.
Aggressor Adventures Consumer Travel Index Highlights Warm Weather and Blue Mind Science
Adventure brand dives deep into 2021 travel plans and health benefits of being on water with fascinating results
AUGUSTA, Ga. (March 4, 2021) – Aggressor Adventures® announces today the results of its latest Consumer Travel Index, which tracks consumer sentiments on a bi-monthly basis.
Everyone Wants Sunshine
The first survey question asks respondents for their travel preferences in 2021. Given the snow storms that swept the country in February, results show travelers are clamoring for warm weather. Warm weather climates are the most desired vacation spots this year with 60 percent of respondents choosing locations with 80 degree and above climate. Additionally, 48 percent of respondents expressed an eagerness for warm climate adventure trips. Only 7 percent of respondents said they were planning cold weather activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
Similarly, a recent survey by Destination Analysts shows 58 percent of travelers want warm weather activities. When asked in January what types of leisure vacations consumers sought, beach and resort destinations consistently ranked among the most desired experiences. Additionally, a recent study conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Apple Vacations discovered a staggering 91 percent of Americans feel like traveling somewhere warm during the cold winter months.
“After being confined by the pandemic and the cold weather, now that the nation's vaccination campaign is underway, vacationers are longing to spread their wings for blue skies and warm temperatures. Our bookings to the Caribbean are up 86 percent,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “We know warm water and warm weather are always a key driver during the winter, but specifically during the pandemic, travelers are looking for outdoor adventure travel options.”
Blue Mind Science
The second Consumer Travel Index question dived into blue mind science asking respondents to share the impact of being near or in an ocean, river, stream or lake on their physical, emotional and psychological health. Results showed 77 percent of respondents experience a boost in happiness and 69 percent experience a reduction in stress while being near the water. Only 11 percent of respondents said that being near or in a body of water does not impact their health.
“As an avid traveler, I realized at an early age that being exposed to the ocean, in particular, alleviated any stress I was feeling at the time. From playing in the waves at Florida beaches as a child to scuba diving explorations later in life, I understood that enjoying the water is more than a fun pastime — it is a natural way to rest and recharge,” says Brown. “It’s evident our customers understand the health benefits of water as they continue to re-book our scuba liveaboard and river cruise destinations year after year.”
Recently, scientists have discovered evidence that indicates interacting with water may be a potent antidote to anxiety and other stress-associated mental and physical health conditions. For example, when a person’s face is underwater, research has found that heart rate slows, and blood vessels constrict while blood is redistributed from the limbs to the brain, heart, and other central organs. At the same time, the body’s “fight-or-flight” responses tend to relax as well.
For each question of Aggressor’s travel survey, the company polls Gen X and Baby Boomers with a household income of $75,000+ across the country. Respondents receive the questions via text message or directly through the 1Q mobile app. This was the second survey conducted by the brand in 2021 and is a part of a new Aggressor Adventures Consumer Travel Index,which will track consumer sentiments on a bi-monthly basis throughout the year.
Aggressor Adventures Announces a Valentine’s Day Fundraiser for the Sea of Change Foundation
For Immediate Release. Augusta, Georgia. February 8, 2021:
In an on-going effort to support the conservation, science, and education of their official non-profit partner, the Sea of Change Foundation, this year Aggressor Adventures® is offering nature-lovers everywhere a unique gifting opportunity for their valentine.
With a one-time donation of only $25 to the Foundation, your valentine’s name (first name and last initial or nickname) will be included on the exclusive, beautiful “Oceans of Love” webpage to show the world that your love is not only for each other but also for our wide oceans, historic rivers, and spectacular wildlife. This gorgeous page including your valentine’s name will be shared across social media from Valentine’s Day, February 15 through February 17.
“We invite our friends and colleagues from the adventure travel communities to join us in making this Valentine’s Day one that celebrates love for all of our planet’s precious resources,” says Samantha Whitcraft, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “With the generous support of Aggressor Adventures, our goal is to raise $10,000 to support projects in our three main focus areas; Coral Reefs – Restoration & Resilience, Ocean Pollution – Public Awareness & Action, and Threatened Species & Habitats,” she added.
Donations can be madeHERE. When you donate, please be sure to add your valentine’s nickname or first name and last initial where it reads "Write a note".
“As always, with the Sea of Change Foundation, 100% of donations go directly to support conservation and research so that future generations can also fall in love with the beauty and wonders of our world,” says founder Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Foundation.
About the Sea of Change Foundation: The Sea of Change Foundation initiates and funds conservation and research that directly impacts the natural world we all love to enjoy and explore. Our mission is to create positive change. Learn more about and please support the Foundation, here: www.seaofchange.com.
Aggressor Adventures Puts Customer Safety First with Return Travel Testing Services Adventure Brand Announces New Safety Protocols and Services to address new CDC Guidelines
AUGUSTA, Ga. (January 27, 2021) – In light of the of the Executive Order on "Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel," Aggressor Adventures® announces today its Return Travel Testing Services available to travelers returning to the United States and other countries that require negative COVID-19 test results. This new offering includes a visit from a medical lab tech who will board Aggressor’s yacht shortly after it returns to the dock to administer a rapid antigen test.
“The comfort and safety of passengers remains our top priority. Our new Return Travel Testing Services offer peace of mind to travelers and allow for our guests to enjoy a stress-free Adventure of a Lifetime,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “Additionally, we created a Know Before You Go Supplement that provides each guest with helpful information specific to the destination they are traveling to with us. These documents can be printed from our website and provide answers to several frequently asked questions, and we are always available to answer any additional questions from our guests.”
Operational Aggressor Adventure Liveaboards currently offering Return Travel Testing Services include Belize Aggressor III & Belize Aggressor IV, Okeanos Aggressor I & Okeanos Aggressor II, Galapagos Aggressor III, Read Sea Aggressor II, Maldives Aggressor II, Socorro Aggressor, Roatan Aggressor and the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II. Before traveling, Aggressor Adventures recommends each guest review the travel restrictions applied by each country, the specific airline regulations, and the entry requirements of the destination.
Industry Leading Protocols for Passengers Required to Quarantine
Each Aggressor Adventure destination has established a local professional medical support team to advise them should a staff member or guest become ill and develop a fever or other symptoms. Temperatures of staff are taken twice daily. Once onboard, Aggressor instructs guests to self-monitor and report to the Captain if they develop a fever or other symptoms. Should symptoms be detected on board, the Aggressor team will immediately contact the local medical support team for a consultation. If possible, transportation is arranged for the patient to visit the medical facility for evaluation. While awaiting transport, the guest will be asked to self-isolate in their stateroom.
For passengers who test positive for COVID-19 once back on land, Aggressor has a plan in place with one or more locally approved quarantine hotels and will assist the guest with travel to the hotel, along with assistance to re-book their return flight. The guest will absorb the costs of evacuation, land accommodations and medical services. Aggressor highly recommends that guests review their travel and medical insurance for COVID-19 coverage should this occur.
“Travel restrictions and guidelines are changing at a rapid pace. That’s why we’ve taken the proactive approach to integrate protocols for our guests to help them travel safely,” says Brown. “We are grateful for all customers who decide to travel with us and will continue to work diligently to ensure they have an Adventure of a Lifetime.”
Aggressor Adventures Has Wind In Its Sales As Consumers Book Travel Adventure Brand Announces Bi-Monthly Consumer Travel Index to Track Traveler Sentiment
AUGUSTA, Ga. (January 18, 2021) – While health and safety concerns remain top-of-mind, many Americans are entering 2021 with a renewed sense of optimism in light of the anticipated vaccine distribution throughout the country. Some travel brands, such as Aggressor Adventures®, are experiencing increased interest and bookings for travel in the new year. To understand more about the nuances of consumer interest in travel, Aggressor Adventures launches its Consumer Travel Index, the first in a series of national surveys to track consumers’ interest in traveling now that vaccines are being distributed, as well as key motivations for getting vaccinated.
Key findings from the survey include:
More than one in three consumers is more comfortable vacationing now that a vaccine is being distributed.
One in four consumers plans to return to 2019 vacationing levels in 2021.
One in five consumers plans to travel more often in 2021.
Consumers rank visiting with friends and family, along with travel over work and dining out as the biggest motivators for getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
“For the past several months we have seen an increase in booking new trips from our customers. At some level, we believe the distribution of vaccines is releasing the pent-up demand for travel that we witnessed in late 2020. Our current 26-week outlook is up 25 percent compared to May 2020,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “For those of us in the travel industry, the results of the survey show a much anticipated positive shift in sentiment towards travel. We are optimistic for the year ahead.”
For each question of Aggressor’s travel survey, the company polls Gen X and Baby Boomers with household income of $75,000+ across the country. Respondents receive the questions via text message or directly through the 1Q mobile app. This was the first survey conducted by the brand in 2021 and is a part of a new Aggressor Adventures Consumer Travel Index which will track consumer sentiments on a bi-monthly basis throughout the year.
“To stay current with evolving expectations, attitudes and behaviors about travel, we will issue our Consumer Travel Index bi-monthly throughout the year,” shares Brown. “We look forward to providing our industry peers with data and insights that can help to shape their forecasting and customer offerings for 2021.”
Reinforcing the Positive Travel Sentiment
According to a recent poll from Destination Analysts, more Americans see traveling in the next three months as a reality. This week, 48.9 percent of Americans say they will take at least one leisure trip in the next 12 weeks, up from 37.5 percent. Americans’ openness to travel inspiration reached a pandemic-period peak, measuring 6.0 on a scale of 0-10. Additionally, more Americans consider themselves in a travel ready state-of-mind, up to 58.6 percent, the highest it has been in the pandemic. Lastly, Excitement levels about travel in 2021 grew to 6.1.
“The proactive measures many travel companies have taken during the shelter in place period are paying off as destinations have opened and continue to open,” says Brown. “This increased demand for travel puts the industry in a prime position to regain its strength and have a fantastic year.”
DEMA Announces Samantha Whitcraft as Recipient of 2020 Wave Makers Award Leading Travel Brand’s Director of Conservation & Outreach Named 2020 Wave Maker
Aggressor Adventures’ Director of Conservation and Outreach, Samantha Whitcraft, has been recognized as DEMA’S 2020 Wave Maker during the annual DEMA awards ceremony. Whitcraft has extensive experience in pioneering environmental change through creating and executing successful sustainability efforts.
“Aggressor’s core values and successes are a direct reflection of our employees, and this award shines a light on the time and energy Samantha spends leading many of Aggressor’s most impactful sustainability efforts,” said Aggressor Chairman and CEO Wayne Brown. “We could not be more ecstatic for this well-deserved recognition.”
One of Whitcraft’s most impressive feats with Aggressor was the creation of its Green the FleetTM sustainability initiative, expanding and formalizing all existing green operations. This included developing an extensive company-wide guide around environmental best practices for all destinations and corporate headquarters.
Whitcraft joined Aggressor Adventures in December 2016. She also leads the Sea of Change Foundation as its Executive Director.
AGGRESSOR ADVENTURES CELEBRATES 37TH ANNIVERSARY WITH SPECIAL CUSTOMER OFFER AND DOUBLES DOWN ON ITS COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Aggressor Thrives in a Time of Uncertainty and Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
AUGUSTA, Ga. (Nov. 10, 2020) – Aggressor Adventures, a leading global adventure travel brand, is celebrating its 37th anniversary and looking back proudly on a strong year with gratitude for its loyal customers and staff. Despite the difficult circumstances, the company navigates around the pandemic, not resting on its laurels in 2020.
Looking Back on an Eventful Year
Aggressor Adventures tackled the COVID-19 pandemic with customer first practices. In an effort to provide a safe and healthy return to travel for both their customers and personnel, Aggressor Adventures immediately incorporated pro-active sanitation and training strategies. Additionally, Aggressor worked quickly with staff to create new methods of engaging and building loyalty with its customers. Virtual engagement with customers through a new “Zoom Into Adventure” series, as well as social media campaigns, proved to be extremely valuable. As a result of its focus on customer safety and engagement, customer bookings returned as destinations opened.
“We are grateful for the strong sense of trust we have developed over the years with our loyal customers. We remain service-driven, staying the course for delivering truly once in-a-lifetime experiences and extraordinary adventures,” notes Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “We continue to identify new methods of engaging and building loyalty with our customers. As we look back on the past year, we could not be prouder of what we accomplished, especially given the challenges the industry faced.”
Bold Commitment to Customers and the Environment
As a thank you to customers and understanding the financial burden of the pandemic, Aggressor Adventures is excited to announce a special 37th anniversary promotion starting November 16, 2020 for new reservations with a 37 percent savings. The anniversary special is available for travel from November 19, 2020 through November 19, 2021, on multiple Aggressor Adventures trips. Interested travelers can learn more at the Aggressor specials page.
In 2020, Aggressor Adventures® Green the Fleet®program initiated a successful international shoreline clean-up mobilized 170 staff volunteer-hours, covering an estimated 2.55-mile area to remove 800 pounds of trash from the environment. In 2021, Aggressors’ goal is to empower adventurers everywhere to clean up 3,700 pounds of trash from the world’s shorelines to further prioritize sustainability through community awareness, stewardship, and action. Aggressor invites our fellow divers and explorers to join their efforts in cleaning up local shorelines, waterway and wildlife habitats to reach this international clean-up goal by the end of 2021.
“As global adventurers, we witness first-hand the impact pollution has on our environment, especially in our oceans. It’s our responsibility to change that,” explains Brown. “For the 2021 clean-up, rather thanorganizing specific sites and to avoid large group gatherings, the company encourages divers, explorers, and ocean lovers everywhere to regularly to pick up trash at their beach, river, or in their neighborhoods and record their cleanup totals to share with us on social media, so each individual effort is counted in the grand total for the year.”
Investing in the Future
Brown is incredibly excited for the future of the travel industry and Aggressor Adventures. Currently, 2021 Aggressor bookings are at 90 percent occupancy. According to Brown, this foreshadows a tremendous bounce back for the industry and is evidence of the pent up demand for travelers to take part in trips in 2021.
As a commitment to the future, Aggressor Adventures has partnered with Georgia State University’s Cecil B. School of Hospitality for a $3,700 scholarship in 2021 going to a deserving student during the spring 2021 semester.
“This kind of financial commitment is a game changer for one of our hospitality students. Our student body is resilient and committed to their education, but many have struggled financially during the pandemic,” explains Debby Cannon, Director of the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality. “We could not be more grateful for Aggressor Adventures commitment and trust in our hospitality program. The future of the travel industry is bright with leaders like Wayne Brown paving the way for young minds.”
Aggressor Adventures Secures Two Travel Weekly Silver Magellan Awards
As announced today by Travel Weekly, Aggressor Adventures has been awarded two silver 2020 Magellan Awards. The Aggressor Nile Queen was honored in the Overall River Cruising category and the Aggressor Safari Lodge in Sri Lanka was honored in the Overall Destinations category.
The Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a panel of top travel professionals representing prominent travel brands and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another; instead they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the extensive experience of Travel Weekly. To uphold this esteemed standard, a category may have multiple winners, or even no winners at all.
“We are grateful to be recognized by the prestigious Magellan Awards. When traveling with Aggressor, our focus and dedication to exceptional service is second to none,” said Aggressor CEO Wayne Brown. “Amid the pandemic, we doubled down on safety policies and procedures. We could not be more proud of what we’ve accomplished this past year and to cap it off with two Magellan Awards is beyond rewarding.”
Aggressor’s Nile Queen is a 155-foot sailing vessel which takes guests back in time to experience the land of the pharaohs as they sail from Luxor to Aswan, Egypt. Guests see breathtaking views during guided tours of Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and many other ancient sites during the five night adventure of a lifetime.
Aggressor’s Safari Lodge is a five-star safari lodge offering luxury accommodations, personalized service and intimate experiences. Guests can enjoy being surrounded by nature from each of the eight beautifully decorated, spacious and air-conditioned tented chalets with en-suite facilities and hotel-room-like luxuries.
Explore the Wonders of Local Harvesting with Aggressor Adventures and Wild Harvest Productions Discovering the bountiful, natural harvest of wild edibles in Belize
Aggressor Adventures, leading adventure travel brand, and Wild Harvest Productions are diving into the wild countryside of Belize to discover the beauty and bounty of local, sustainable harvesting during a few special episodes of Les Stroud’s Wild Harvest. The show will premiere on Public Television presented by American Public Television, available nationwide beginning February 6, 2021.
Survivorman Les Stroud and renowned Chef Paul Rogalski are joining Aggressor Adventures’ CEO Wayne Brown and Executive Chef Trainer Edward Mendoza in Belize for the ultimate journey aboard the Belize Aggressor III. The crew will hunt and gather edibles unique to the Caribbean, including lobster, conch, crabs, lionfish and coconut. Les Stroud’s Wild Harvest will educate and inspire viewers on the wonders of creating an amazing feast through the natural harvesting of wild plants and animals.
Just imagine taking a stroll in a backyard, local park, city greenbelt or forest and being able to find ingredients that’ll create a delicious meal that can be shared with family and friends. Or better yet, find the necessary ingredients to create wine and beer! Les Stroud’s Wild Harvest will bring to life a master forager’s skill in finding tasty vegetables, greens, spices, mushrooms, and wild edibles, with the expertise of a five-star chef, resulting in an amazing feast made from the bounty harvested.
Aggressor Adventures presently features delicious ingredients aboard their Belize Liveaboard adventures and anticipates recreating the recipes featured on the Les Stroud’s Wild Harvest for future charter guests. Aggressor’s guests will also have the opportunity to visit the local spots highlighted in the show for an opportunity to become more engaged and learn more about local foraging.
“Discovering the beauty and bounty of nature through sustainable harvesting is a gift that we cannot wait to share with our viewers and guests,” states Brown. “We’re ready to share our experience of sustainably sourcing and creating foods from what we find right outside our ship!”
Aggressor Adventures and Turks & Caicos Reef Fund Join Forces for Coral Reef Conservation
Aggressor Adventures and the Turks & Caicos Aggressor staff joined forces with the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF). Last week, the yacht staff and TCRF volunteer divers spent three days at sea surveying coral reefs and tending to “coral ladders” for reef restoration efforts. The conservation accomplishments included:
Nine guests volunteered for coral reef surveys and restoration work while enjoying the comfort and premier service that Aggressor Adventures is known for;
Volunteer divers were trained in 14 coral species identifications and diagnostics of coral diseases;
The TCRF dive leaders, volunteer divers, and Aggressor staff worked together to complete six critical Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) surveys as well as 40 roving diver surveys to document and quantify impacts from stony coral tissue loss disease on the reefs of the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI);
The team selected and mapped 16 coral colonies for disease treatment and future monitoring;
And, the team set-up a new nursery structure for corals in an existing coral nursery while being trained in necessary nursery maintenance; Aggressor Adventures adopted a coral ladder complete with six rungs of fast-growing, endangered staghorn coral fragments that were cataloged, re-tagged, and hung by both volunteers and staff working together.
This vital conservation work was, in part, made possible by Aggressor Adventures providing a discounted charter for local divers. “As a company with a focus on sustainability, we are pleased to partner with the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund and help support the import conservation work they do locally to protect their beautiful coral reefs that we all love to dive,” says Wayne B. Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures.
“The work we do benefits all watersports operators as well as all the residents of the TCI. We are extremely grateful to Aggressor Adventures for the support they have given TCRF over the past 10 years which has allowed us to continue our important work,” said Don Stark, Chairman of the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund. “This was an amazingly productive and fun trip that gave us the opportunity to complete a great deal of work in a very short period of time,” said TCRF Project Manager and Trip Leader, Alizee Zimmermann.
AGGRESSOR ADVENTURES PUTS EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS FIRST DURING COVID-19 CRISIS
Adventure Travel Brand Emphasizes Resiliency in a Time of Uncertainty
AUGUSTA, Ga. (July 16, 2020) – Aggressor Adventures, leading adventure travel brand, has taken an employee- and customer-first approach to its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Across the board, from the internal team to the customers they serve, the company has invested in keeping people safe, employed and happy.
Staff Loyalty
Of the 29 full-time staff members, there has been no lay-offs or furloughs. Despite the circumstances, the company made an additional hire, introducing Assistant Operations Manager Jeff McNutt to the team. McNutt will focus mainly on quality assurance inspections and staff training.
The stability can be attributed to the leadership of CEO Wayne Brown who places a high emphasis on employee satisfaction. “We made it clear to our employees early on in the pandemic that there would be no lay-offs. When employees are confident in their job security, they can focus 100 percent of their efforts on the customer,” says Brown.
Getting to Work Serving the Customer
Aggressor Adventures remains diligent in its efforts to provide a safe and healthy return to travel for both their customers and personnel, immediately incorporating pro-active sanitation and training strategies.
“Through our development of our Customer Engagement Initiatives program, we are able to continually create new methods of engaging and building loyalty with our customers,” notes Brown. “Our guests can take comfort in knowing that their safety and health is our priority, and we look forward to embarking on our next adventure together soon.”
Not only has Aggressor’s staff created Knowledge-Based Articles regarding plans for cleaning, sanitizing and social distancing, but they’ve also updated standard operating procedures to emphasize a healthy and happy return to adventure for guests. Virtual engagement with customers has also been fused into Aggressor’s focus with the recent launch of their new ZOOM Into Adventure series, consisting of live presentations from experts and licensees in the dive and adventure travel industries.
“When people are ready to travel again, which we know they are based on our future bookings, they’ll remember that Aggressor Adventures went the extra mile for its customers,” says Brown. “We have used this down period effectively to keep customers engaged, excited and ready to join us for their next adventure knowing our liveaboards and lodging will be cleaner and more sanitized than ever.”
AGGRESSOR ADVENTURES CELEBRATES OCEAN CLEAN UP MONTH
Adventure Travel Company Collects More Than 800 Pounds of Trash on International Shorelines
AUGUSTA, Ga. (June 25, 2020) – Engaging in environmentally-conscious efforts is top-of-mind as many organizations and consumers begin to prioritize sustainability and action towards fighting climate change. Aggressor Adventures®, a leading adventure travel brand, recently pioneered international shoreline clean-up efforts in the Galapagos, Cuba, Belize, Palau, and the Bay Islands of Honduras. This company led project involved 40 Aggressor personnel and was inspired by June’s Ocean Clean Up Month, filling over 60 trash bags with debris over a span of more than 170 hours, covering an estimated 2.55-mile area.
Ocean Clean Up Month is an active way for Aggressor to engage with their employees while supporting the brand’s sustainability initiatives, inviting teams to join in on the efforts by cleaning up local waterways and wildlife habitats. Various participants shared pictures and videos of their work with Aggressor which can be viewed here.
“As global adventurers, we witness first-hand the impact pollution has on our environment, especially in our oceans. It’s our responsibility to change that,” explains Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “Humans must take initiative to restore nature through recovery efforts that promote real change, such as our shoreline clean-up actions and commitment to keeping our adventures environmentally sustainable.”
Aggressor Adventures Anticipates Fastest Rebound with Small Group Adventure Travel
Majority of consumers and customers ready to travel, fulfill bucket list intentions
AUGUSTA, Ga. (June 15, 2020) – To maintain a clear understanding of how travelers are feeling as destinations begin to ease travel restrictions due to COVID-19, leading adventure travel brand, Aggressor Adventures® asked consumers to weigh in on their anticipated travel plans in the coming months.
Key findings from the survey include:
Two out of three people indicate they intend to travel.
Travel to island destinations leads the way with almost one out of two or 49%.
Remote adventure travel surpasses travel to tourist city destinations and ocean cruises.
Aggressor utilized consumer engagement platform, 1Q, to capture traveler sentiment across the United States, targeting travelers ages 30 and above, with a household income of $60,000 plus. Respondents received the questions via text message or directly through the 1Q mobile app.
In addition to the information gathered from the 1Q survey, Aggressor also gathered data from how its customer base is rebooking COVID-19 affected travel. This consumer data reinforced the 1Q findings:
One out of two customers have already rebooked existing trips to Aggressor Adventures’ destinations where travel is opening up.
Remarkably, 98 percent rebooked to their existing destination.
Baby boomers remain intent and confident on travel, while post boomers are more inclined to delay travel.
The Caribbean is looking like the first point of entry.
“The consumer data is positive regarding future travel and bookings, but our customer response is a reflection of the Aggressor experience they have come to love or hear about through our enthusiasts,” explains Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “For many, our experiences and destinations have a prominent place on their bucket lists.”
AUGUSTA, Ga. (June 2, 2020) – Aggressor Adventures®, the world’s most trusted adventure travel company, announces today it has been awarded five Telly Awards for its adventures in the Cayman Islands and Sri Lanka on the past season of “Born to Explore® with Richard Wiese.” Awards include:
Born to Explore: Cayman Islands-The Deep Blue is the Silver Telly Winnerin Television: Nature/Wildlife
Born to Explore: Cayman Islands-The Deep Blue is the Silver Telly Winnerin Television: Travel/Tourism
Born to Explore: Sri Lanka- Land of Wonder is the Silver Telly Winnerin Television: Cultural
Born to Explore: Sri Lanka- Land of Wonder is the Bronze Telly Winner in Television: Nature/Wildlife
Born to Explore: Sri Lanka- Land of Wonder is the Bronze Telly Winner in Television: Travel/Tourism
The Telly Awards honors excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks, production companies, including Dow Jones, Duplass Brothers Productions, Complex Networks, A&E Networks, Hearst Media, ESPN Films, RYOT, Vice+ and Vimeo.
“We are excited to win five Telly Awards and are proud of all the work our team has done over the past year to bring our adventures into the living rooms of travel fanatics around the globe,” notes Wayne Brown, Chairman and CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “We see these awards as further validation of our relentless commitment to the adventure travel industry and a positive representation of our staff’s overall enthusiasm for bringing customers the Adventure of a Lifetime.”
More than a travelogue, Born to Explore represents a window into the world. Hosted by modern-day Indiana Jones, Richard Wiese, the series travels to far-flung corners of the globe to celebrate world cultures, encounter rare and endangered wildlife, and discover exhilarating wonders. Aggressor Adventures and the travel series began exploring together in 2018.
“Aggressor Adventures is the perfect exploration partner. Wayne Brown’s adventurous spirit and the first-class brand are critical to the show’s ability to explore new locales, cultures, nature and history of the places I visit on the show,” explains Richard Wiese, Host of ‘Born to Explore’. “My team and I are so grateful to have Aggressor Adventures as a partner and are thrilled for the brand’s special recognition from Telly with these awards.”
Season 3 of Born to Explore with Richard Wiese premiered April 4, 2020 on PBS stations. For more information, visit borntoexplore.net.
Aggressor Adventures Takes Accountability to New Levels
For 36 years, Aggressor Adventures®has innovated, adapted, and met every challenge our guests and the world have asked of us. This year is no different. As the leader in the adventure business, our dedication continues to shine through. We thrive on change.
At Aggressor Adventures, we never see problems, only opportunities. Opportunities to use your feedback, use world events, and use new ideas to build on our past success. We have always offered guests unmatched access to every staff member all the way to the top. Our accountability to you is part of our corporate DNA.
We all resolutely understand our single focus is our guests, and that their continued business and support is predicated on delivering the promise of an “Adventure of a Lifetime”® every day.
Aggressor Adventures’ CEO, Wayne Brown says, “I could not ask for a more professional and committed staff in every department and at every destination. That is why every team member refers to their peers as their ‘work family’. Thank you for the years of being a part of our adventure. We look forward to welcoming new and repeat guests back and surpassing all your expectations.”
Zoom into adventure and enjoy our celebrity line up! All you need is a spirit of adventure. Join us for these free, virtual Adventures of a Lifetime®!
For 36 years, we’ve been your choice for world-class, intimate and artful adventures on ocean, river, and land. Now, we are bringing you an exclusive, interactive adventure series you can enjoy from home featuring leaders and celebrities in the worlds of diving, ecotourism, and adventure. View our Series Schedule!
SSI Divers Worldwide Can Earn $300 USD Just for Learning!
Aggressor Adventures is offering every SSI Dealer a way to create a $300 USD incentive to get more customers to sign up for SSI Specialties!
Here’s how it works. Your customer buys any one of the SSI Specialty Programs and they will get a $300 USD voucher to use on any Aggressor group or individual booking. This includes any SSI Specialty Program and this even includes SSI Professionals purchasing a program to become a Specialty Instructor.
The promotion runs from today – May 30, 2020 and the vouchers can be redeemed through your SSI Training Center or with Aggressor Adventures - it’s your choice. If you book the trip, you earn commission on the difference.
Vouchers:
Only one per customer
Course purchase dates: April 21 – May 30, 2020
Travel dates: June 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2021
Participating Adventures: Aggressor Safari Lodge – Sri Lanka, Bahamas Aggressor, Belize Aggressor III & IV, Cayman Aggressor V, Galapagos Aggressor III, Indo Aggressor, Nile Queen River Cruise, Okeanos Aggressor & II, Palau & Rock Islands Aggressor, Raja Ampat Aggressor, Roatan Aggressor, Socorro Aggressor, & Turks & Caicos Aggressor II.
Vouchers have no black-out dates
Vouchers may be used in conjunction with an Aggressor group booking
Vouchers are non-commissionable
To get the voucher, send a copy of the receipt to accounting@aggressor.com and a voucher will be emailed to you to give to your customer.
It’s the perfect time and incentive to get your customers involved in SSI Specialty training and earn a $300 USD Aggressor Adventures Travel Voucher to use on a yacht, river cruise or safari lodge.
Aggressor Adventures Announces New Assistant Operations Manager
Jeff McNutt Joins Leading Adventure Travel Company
Augusta, GA (Apr. 17, 2020) – Aggressor Adventures®, the world’s most trusted adventure travel company, announces diving industry veteran Jeff McNutt as its new Assistant Operations Manager. Jeff’s responsibilities will span staff recruitment and training, purchasing and quality control.
“We are thrilled to have industry pro, Jeff McNutt, joining our Aggressor Adventures team,” notes Aggressor Chairman and CEO Wayne Brown. “Jeff has a fantastic reputation within the diving industry, and we cannot wait to see what he does as part of the Aggressor family.”
In this new role, Jeff will oversee the recruitment of adventure staff as well as training across Aggressor’s portfolio of destinations the world over. He will support the planning and budgeting for dry docks and serve as on-site management for yacht dry dock projects and assist in sourcing destination products and parts, along with confirming installations as a part of his purchasing responsibilities. To ensure quality control, Jeff will visit each destination and complete quality inspections to ensure everything is running up to Aggressor’s strict standards for safety and guest enjoyment. He will also assist in creating enhancements and revisions to Aggressor’s Standard Operating Procedures, and other operational documents, based on his experiences in the field. Jeff will also visit potential new destinations and evaluate for suitability for Aggressor standards. Additionally, he will join each new destination during its “start-up” month to provide staff training and ensure Aggressor’s quality standards. Jeff will simultaneously serve as the resident mechanical expert, assisting destination staff as questions or issues arise.
“I have been passionate about diving for over 24 years now and am so excited to join this team of like-minded enthusiasts that is just as dedicated to elevating adventure travel as it is to preserving the beautiful destinations it explores daily,” says McNutt. “I can’t wait to ‘dive in’ to each of every one of Aggressor’s unique adventures very soon.”
Jeff grew up in Texas and became a Dive Pro while attending Stephen F. Austin State University. He moved to Dallas after college, where he managed a dive center, later moving to work as a dive instructor in the British Virgin Islands with his wife, Casey. Together, the McNutts spent two years as general managers before becoming partners in Dive BVI on Virgin Gorda. After 14 years in the BVI, the McNutts moved back to the U.S., and in 2017 he began traveling the Caribbean as a sales manager for SSI. Jeff enjoys the outdoors, boating and photography.
Aggressor Adventures® staff are hard at work getting all destinations ready for the safe, healthy, and joyful return of our valued guests. Currently, staff are focused on our number one priority to clean, refresh, and sanitize every Aggressor brand.
For example, all yachts and river cruise vessels are under-going deep cleanings and thorough disinfecting from bow to stern and starboard to port. This includes refreshing and cleaning all environmental systems such as air conditioners and water-maker systems. All dive equipment including compressors and scuba tanks are being visually checked and serviced. All dive rental equipment, too, is being cleaned and sterilized.
Safety checks and procedures are also being reviewed, updated and improved. All emergency equipment including fire-fighting gear, life jackets, smoke alarms, and communications equipment are being tested and serviced. We are running every safety drill from a stubbed toe to helicopter evacuations so that all staff continue to be fully trained in emergency response. And, of course, all diesel engines and generators are undergoing preventive maintenance so that all systems are ready to go!
These operations also include getting our destinations looking their very best for our returning customers. “From new paint to polished brightwork, from new safari chalet bedding to scrubbed decks,
Aggressor Adventures will be ready and better-than-ever when we set-out with you on another Adventure of a Lifetime® soon” says Wayne B. Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures.
Our past and future customers can learn more about these preparations by following our regular updates on our Facebook page, here: @AggressorAdventures.
Captain Wayne Hasson President of Aggressor Adventures 1949 - 2020
Captain Wayne Hasson of Naples, FL, passed away on January 17 at Avow Hospice at age 70. Wayne was a family man, Marine, SCUBA Diver extraordinaire and instructor, boat captain, pilot, world traveler and true pioneer in the SCUBA diving industry. Wayne’s passion was to introduce and inspire youth around the world to explore, understand and respect the ocean and its inhabitants through diving, ocean education and conservation.
“Mentor, innovator, dedicated family man, lover of all things oceans. Wayne Hasson was so many things to so many that it would not be possible to list them all. His passion for the scuba diving world was clearly evident to everyone that met him. In the 36 years with Aggressor, he never once wavered in his dedication to the company and it’s staff. We are all blessed to have crossed paths with him. May his memory and accomplishments be remembered forever” says CEO & Friend, Wayne B. Brown.
In his memory, the family has set up the Sea of Change Foundation, Wayne Hasson Scholarship Fund to help fund a Master's level educational scholarship to an individual pursuing a lifetime career in ocean conservation.https://seaofchange.com/donate-2
Aggressor Adventures Will Celebrate 300,000th Traveler
Aggressor Adventures -
Aggressor Adventures®, the world’s most trusted adventure travel company, will celebrate their 300,000th traveler with over $9000 in prizes. To commemorate the milestone, Aggressor Chairman and CEO Wayne Brown will surprise our lucky guest and shower them with gifts.
“We are so excited to celebrate our 300,000th traveler notes Brown. “Aggressor Adventures has been a leader in adventure vacations since 1984, and we have loved exploring the world with each of the 300,000 travelers that have become part of our Aggressor family.”
In celebration of the 300,000th milestone, the guest will receive a set of Aqua Lung dive equipment and a trip for two on an Aggressor liveaboard yacht.
Aggressor will also debut their new theme song and video to mark its 300,000th explorer. The song, which vividly details the excitement of an Aggressor adventure and the passion with which the company serves, will also be enjoyed from YouTube and Vimeo, as well as aggressor.com.
“Divers love the Galapagos for its amazing wildlife both underwater and on land, so helping to keep the shoreline clean is important to us,” said 
“We are excited to partner with Mares, who shares our high standards, commitment to customer service and passion for adventure travel,” says Aggressor Adventures Chairman and CEO 
“Our Signature Lodges motto, ‘Life Happens Here,’ encapsulates our goal to deliver world-class experiences coupled with five-star service, meals and accommodations,” says Chairman and CEO 
More than 13,000 traveling divers responded, weighing in on the top resorts, operators and destinations in the world.
Augusta, Georgia—Come to a tropical paradise and discover the “Eat, Sleep & Dive®” liveaboard lifestyle while saving 40% per person during 
“We have seen astounding advances in both dive equipment and underwater photography equipment, but, the most impressive and rewarding things we have seen are the photos our students produce during the week-long courses,” says instructor Mike Mesgleski. “We work with anyone wanting to learn more about underwater photography, from first time shooters to experienced veterans.
Augusta, Georgia—The best scuba diving and snorkeling reefs are in beautiful exotic locations, which are also occasionally in the paths of tropical storms. With 40 years of experience in adventure travel, Aggressor recognizes that tropical weather events have the potential of adversely affecting scuba diving activities during your valuable vacation. For that reason, 
Lamb graduated from the University of Belize with a degree in Marine Biology. Her career began as a scuba diver restoring coral reefs with the Wildlife Conservation Society and Environmental Research Institute. In 2014, she joined the staff of the 
Kate Eustice is a devoted wife and mother of three young children. She is a classically trained artist who graduated the University of Maine with degrees in art education and social work. In 2018, after spending 20 years working in mental health, Kate established her own non-profit agency dedicated to expanding the availability of services to underrepresented and disadvantaged members of the Colorado Springs community. In her personal life, Kate is an adventurer and world traveler, having visited Europe, Africa, and Central America. She has also achieved impressive athletic feats, including summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, competing in triathlons, and becoming a Master Diver with certifications in specialties such as Navigation, Search and Recovery, and Marine Ecology within just one year of taking up scuba diving!
“Becca’s essay stood out because her passion for adventure and traveling jumped off the page. Her degree program and agricultural experience make her the perfect candidate for our first Travel Journalism Internship Program,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “It’s an honor to offer Becca the opportunity of a lifetime while supporting her career aspirations. The first-hand experience will be an invaluable addition to her resume when she graduates next year.”
“We are so excited to celebrate our 300,000th traveler notes Brown. “Aggressor Adventures has been a leader in adventure vacations since 1984, and we have loved exploring the world with each of the 300,000 travelers that have become part of our Aggressor family.”