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The CAYMAN ISLANDS / AGGRESSOR FLEET

CAYMAN AGGRESSOR IV

Exploring Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, Cayman Brac in 4-star live-aboard luxury !

[Cayman live-aboard prices for 2007 & 2008. All prices subject to possible changes. Air tickets are extra.]

Master Stateroom = $2,495 per diver.  
Deluxe Stateroom = $2,295 per diver.  
Twin Stateroom = $2,095 per diver.

[Cayman live-aboard prices for 2009 & 2010. All prices subject to possible changes. Air tickets are extra.]

Master Stateroom = $2,595 per diver.  
Deluxe Stateroom = $2,395 per diver.  
Twin Stateroom = $2,195 per diver.

All Belize Aggressor cruises are Saturday to Saturday
with 5.5 days of unlimited diving, within safe PADI tables.

NITROX available, at extra cost, for all certified Nitrox divers.

ALL AGGRESSOR FLEET CHARTERS INCLUDE:

• Expert divemaster guides, highly trained in their island locales.

• Luxury stateroom accommodations aboard the vessel.

• Unlimited diving (within safe PADI tables) + compressed air tanks + weights.

• Airport transfers on days of arrival & departure (except Okeanos).

• All meals & snacks, soft-drinks & local alcoholic beverages.

• The vessel chef is always glad to accommodate special dietary requests.

AGGRESSOR FLEET CHARTERS DO NOT INCLUDE:

• International airfare nor "island hopper" commuter air tickets.

• Travel cancellation insurance, which is strongly advised for all cruises.

• Equipment rentals, whether scuba, photo or video.

• Nitrox refills. You must pay extra for these custom tank fills.

• Premium imported alcoholic drinks, such as vintage wines.

• Scuba certification or specialty courses.

• Hotel stays or day rooms, for those vessels that require arrivals 1 day early.

• Dinner on final evening of the cruise. (Guests eat on island as a team.)

• Crew tips. We recommend tipping at least 10-15%, where apropos'.

• Government taxes or park fees (when applicable) & nominal USDT tariffs.

SEE if YOU QUALIFY for SPECIAL CLIENT BENEFITS:

• We offer a $200 discount to all non-divers.

• We offer a $200 discount to all clients booking back-to-back charters.

• We offer a $100 discount to all senior clients older than 65.

• Leader for a group of 9+ clients gets free Nitrox refills on most cruises.

• Ask about special "Kids Weeks" where youngsters 5-17 y.o. get 25% off.

• Customized private itineraries are available on all vessels -- for groups.

• We also offer customized packages for longer-than-usual cruises.

• Ask us how you can earn free tour leader packages with group bookings.

• Important reminder: given the steadily escalating costs of petrol worldwide, all Aggressor Fleet liveaboards have a fuel surcharge, except the 2 Galapagos Aggressors & the 2 Fiji Agressors. This fuel surcharge normally will be USD $100 per diver for 7-night cruises. It will be higher for cruises of longer duration.

( The following texts, photos & art objects were edited by U.S. DIVE TRAVEL
& appear courtesy of our longtime friends & partners, the Aggressor Fleet, Ltd. )

Live-aboard, Cayman Aggressor IV.

OVERVIEW of the CAYMAN AGGRESSOR --
The Cayman Aggressor is the most sought-after vessel amongst the Caribbean Aggressors, no doubt; & this is one of the 3 most popular scuba diving live-aboards in the Caribbean region, year after year.  We are normally required to get our clients’ deposits in 6-10 months early to secure space, because the vessel has become a little more avidly popular than we expected.  Here’s what you have in store on this wonderful & fully renovated vessel. You'll explore Grand Cayman's famous North & South Vertical Walls, exciting Stingray City, & Little Cayman's well-known dropoffs into the Big Deep.  There will be wrecks (though none are named Oedipus Wrecks); plus you'll be treated to riotous fish havens of all sorts from shallow coral beds to deep tunnels to mysterious caverns.  Your expert guides will show you time-honored diving classics such as Babylon & Julie's Delight.

There will be a videographer to capture you cavorting with the horde of tame rays at Stingray City, on Grand Cayman's northern flanks.  This is reputed to be one of world's most action-packed 15-foot dives.  You can linger for an hour & a half on one tank, easily, playing with these gorgeous creatures that fly through the water like living B2 Stealth bombers with tails.  They are as friendly as puppies, assuming you aren't daft enough to grab their tail.  That, mon, might wreck a perfectly lovely day in da Caymans.

Some folks think the highlight of the cruise is the beautiful 5-hour leg from Grand Cayman -- you depart initially from Georgetown -- over to the famous Bloody Bay Wall off Little Cayman.  Talk about a dramatic dropoff & some hefty pelagic action. Cayman live-aboards can't get any more exciting than this, funseekers!

This comfortable & well-appointed craft does 15 knots, which is fairly well aquatic flying when you consider her size & weight.  (Kind of reminds you of some of those new linebackers in the NFL.)

We have a fair bit of good news at this time.  First of all, the Cayman Aggressor III was just renovated recently. It's now the pride of Wayne Hasson's fleet, & is called the Cayman Aggressor IV.  The best improvement is that all cabins now have sparkling new private heads & showers.  The interior has been spruced up to be really comfortable now, from salon to galley to photo lab to decks.  It's a pretty spectacular boat. She rules the Caymans, pure & simple. Elegant 2 D Max.

The itinerary includes Little Cayman & Cayman & Cayman Brac, & weather permitting all the classic sites from Bloody Bay Wall to the Doc Polson wreck & the Russian destroyer.  There are at least 5.5 days of unlimited day diving + one night dive each day weather permitting.  Our clients seem to love this trip & their letters to us confirm the choice was a good one.

When it comes to Aggressor Fleet top 4-star vessel in the Caribbean, the Cayman Aggressor IV, we often find that client demand for their flagship requires very early bookings.  We recommend that you secure your berths well in advance of what most live-aboards normally require.  A good rule of thumb is at least 6 months out on this special vessel, in most normal years.

Here's a thumbnail summary of the Aggressor Fleet's 12 vessels.  All these live-aboard packages include 3 fine & filling meals per day + all the diving your heart desires for at least 5.5 days on a 7-night cruise (free tanks & weights included) + clean, spacious cabins + roomy salons & sundecks.  All Aggressor Fleet vessels carry full safety gear, high-tech navigation equipment, powerful radios, hot freshwater showers, entertainment centers, plus personal gear lockers on board.

These Aggressor Fleet yachts also offer large diving decks & wide ladders for easy entries & exits.  No pile-ups here; so you'll spend your time underwater not topside, tapping your fin impatiently.  These wonderfully tuned-to-the-divers Aggressors offer some of the world's best service & substantial bargains, in every country where their shining prows slice the Briny Blue.  Thousands & thousands of utterly satisfied clients must be saying something about the well-managed Aggressors.

Their safety record is top-notch; their commitment to quality on-board amenities & their courteous staff are outstanding, as well.  These folks know their business; you'll love diving with them.  We bet you'll want to go back soon to the Aggressor Fleet, primo option among all Cayman live-aboards.

TYPICAL SAILING SCHEDULE of the CAYMAN AGGRESSOR IV:
Now for the goods on the pride of Cayman live-aboards. First the ocean ambience. The water is delightfully warm. Visibility is 150 feet plus. You just swam past a barrel sponge so large you could hide inside. This sounds like a dream dive, but if you are in the Cayman Islands, it's actually pretty typical. Cayman offers some of the most spectacular wall & wreck dives in the Caribbean. The best way to experience Cayman's underwater beauty to the fullest is through a dive vacation aboard the new Cayman Aggressor IV. Completed in October 1998, the 110-foot, 18-passenger floating dive resort offers her guests the finest on- board accommodations & service in the Cayman Islands.  With features such as spacious staterooms with en-suite baths, an on board computer station with internet access, & a sprawling sun deck with hot tub, the Cayman Aggressor IV just may be the finest live-aboard afloat. And, after a week aboard you will agree.

If you arrive on Saturday, a crew member will greet you at the Georgetown airport & drive you to the boat. Guests may board the Cayman Aggressor IV Saturday afternoon after 2:00 p.m., unpack, relax & enjoy a delicious dinner served by the onboard chef. Sunday morning the Aggressor moves to the first of many excellent dives sites.

Throughout the week, the Cayman Aggressor IV explores Grand Cayman's best dive sites including the wreck of the Oro Verde, Bonnie's Arch & Babylon. Weather permitting, the Aggressor makes an overnight journey to Little Cayman. Here guests dive famous Bloody Wall, a magnificent, sheer wall starting in only 16 feet of water! Man, this Bloody Bay Wall is a Bloody Bay ball! You will be talking about Bloody Bay Walls for years to come, believe us. After a day or two at Little Cayman, weather permitting, the Aggressor speeds to Cayman Brac for one of the most thrilling wreck dives in the Caribbean, the Capt. Keith Tibbetts, a 330-foot Russian Destroyer. The week culminates with dives at Grand Cayman's Tarpon Alley & world-famous Stingray City. What can we say about Stingray City that has not been said in the National Geographic cover story, & scores of dive magazine articles since the earth cooled? " Stingray City, Stingray City, Stingray City, " doesn't it remind you of some fun woody + guarachis Beach Boys ditty from the mid-60s? This is one of the best single scuba diving adventure on the itinerary, folks.

Some of the marine life aficionados may encounter throughout the week include barracuda, turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks, grouper, stingrays, eels & tarpon. You may want to capture some of Cayman's splendor on film with one of the onboard rental cameras. There is a full line of rental underwater camera equipment & dive gear available throughout the week, as well as certification & specialty courses.

Friday afternoon, the Cayman Aggressor IV returns to Georgetown Harbor. Guests may spend the afternoon sight seeing or just relaxing onboard until the evening cocktail party hosted by the crew. After the party, everyone will dine at a local restaurant. This is the only meal not included in the charter. Check-out is 8:00 a.m Saturday morning. If you are flying out Saturday morning, the crew will arrange your transportation to the Grand Cayman airport.

Room layouts of all three decks on the Cayman Aggressor IV.

VESSEL SPEC’S & TECHNICAL DETAILS:
The Cayman Aggressor IV is a 110-foot, 18-passenger dive yacht built & powered for comfort, safety & stability.  She is diesel-powered, cruises at 15 knots & has 110-volt power on board. Nine luxurious, air-conditioned staterooms are located on the lower level. Each carpeted stateroom features a vanity with lavatory, individual climate control & a TV/VCR. Six cabins have double & single berths & a private head & shower. Two additional cabins, Cabins #8 & #9, each with two single berths, share a head & shower. The "Master Suite," Cabin #1, has one double berth & a private head & shower. A port window in each room offers great views & plenty of natural light. These well-appointed staterooms are just steps away from the main salon & dive deck.

The dive deck, salon, galley & the computer station are on the main level. The air-conditioned salon is attractively furnished & designed for comfort & relaxation. It includes an entertainment center with TV, VCR, Nintendo 64 & stereo with compact disc player.  A personal computer station, also in the salon, offers guests the ability to send & receive e-mails while at sea!  A slide scanner is also available. A slide projector, screen & built-in light table make slide view easy. The salon's comfortable seating arrangement & presentation equipment make it a great room for lectures & meetings. An ice machine & buffet counter for serving are in the fore section of the salon.

Exiting the salon & traveling toward the stern of the Cayman Aggressor IV, guests enter the large dive deck. This is the area where divers suit up & prepare their gear. Each diver has his own personal dive station complete with seat & locker. All tanks are filled in place with either air or nitrox. There are several 80-cubic-foot cylinders on board & two 60-cubic foot cylinders. After donning their gear, divers take a few steps down the ladders to the dive platform. Entries are made easily with a giant stride & exiting is simple with the aid of two ladders extending underwater. Two warm, 100°F freshwater rinse showers & a fin rack are conveniently located on the dive platform. A dive briefing area, three-tiered camera table with low-pressure air hoses, camera rinse tank & head are all part of the roomy dive deck.

A few steps up from the dive deck is everyone's favorite spot on the Cayman Aggressor, the sun deck. Deck chairs, chaise lounges, wet bar with soda dispenser, ice maker, a shaded area & a soothing hot tub are all located on this level. Cayman's own Sting Ray draft beer is served on tap. Booths, tables & bar side stools are available for topside dining & gatherings. The cook will tempt you with mouth-watering dishes grilled on the two large gas grills located in the aft section of the deck.
 

Map of the dive sites visited by Cayman Aggressor IV.

CLASSIC DIVE SITES VISITED by the CAYMAN AGGRESSOR IV:
Near GRAND CAYMAN --

Oro Verde:
The 184-foot ship lies in 50 feet of water against an abundant reef. Many grouper, jacks, snapper, eels & juvenile fish around & inside the wreck. One of many Cayman diving classics.

Trinity Caves:
Trinity is comprised of 4 narrow coral canyons starting at 40 feet meandering out to 90 feet where they spill out over the edge of the wall. You'll find black coral trees, black gorgonians, & colorful sponges.

Spanish Anchor:
The main attraction here is an eight foot anchor resting at 40 feet. Grey & French angel fish will guide you to the anchor.

Big Tunnels:
An impressive drop-off that has a giant coral arch 30-40 feet in diameter. The archway is covered with sponges & black gorgonian fans. Another fun Cayman diving classic.

Bonnie's Arch:
A sandy ravine from the mooring line will lead you to this
beautiful, fragile arch. Several huge barrel sponges, some 8 feet in diameter, are located in this area. Find the crocodile statue beneath the wall. Tarpon, file fish, angel fish & trigger fish reside near the arch.

Stingray City:
A swarm of friendly Southern Stingrays will beg for food like trained pets in this famous diving spectacle. The dive master attracts the rays with a piece of squid & the tame rays do the rest. This comical dive takes place in 12 feet of water. This wonderful dive is the great grandaddy of Cayman diving classics, bar none!

Balboa:
The crew of the Cayman Aggressor IV claim this wreck is the best night dive in the Caribbean. After the dive, you'll probably agree. Dynamited apart & sunk in 30 feet of water in 1932, the Balboa's remains have collected an array of marine life. Search for orange ball anemones, eels, spider crabs, octopus, sleeping parrot fish & even flaming scallops.

Eagle Ray Rock:
It is noted for eagle rays that roam the sandy flats in between the huge coral formations on the vertical wall which has beautiful elephant ear sponges, gorgonians, & black coral trees. Oh my, yet another Cayman diving gem, folks!

Lighthouse Reef:
There are many caves that open up on this vertical wall. Large turtles are seen cruising along the wall. Part of the wall is undercut with tunnels going through it. How can this be, yet another Cayman diving mundo-classico, baby!

Ironshore Garden:
This shallow dive offers hundreds of coral caverns for exploration. Silver sides & lots of reef dwellers. It is also famous for the elk horn coral that rises up from the depths to the surface. Cayman diving gets better & better by the day, sunseekers!

Near LITTLE CAYMAN ISLAND  (weather permitting) --

Nancy's Cup of Tea:
This is a group of large coral heads clinging to the wall.
Look for a huge pinnacle jutting up from the top of the wall. Keep an eye out for
an occasional shark in the lower depths.

Eagle Ray Roundup:
The sandy sea floor is at 30 feet & 40 feet near the wall. Coral heads rise up to 15 feet. A mini wall is full of marine life for non-divers. Look for garden eels on the west side & eagle rays in the open water. What a Cayman diving jewel this is!

3 Fathom Wall:
The wall is very steep & full of narrow canyons & coral. The wall lip lies at 18 feet & then disappears into the blue. The sand plain on top of the wall is teeming with fish-schools of yellowtail snapper, horse-eye jacks, barracuda, yellow-headed jaw fish & a bright yellow coney or two. A large sand chute splits the wall. On the east side of the chute there are canyons & a cave which leads up to the sandy plain. The coral is magnificent, yellow & orange tubes, red cup sponges, red finger sponges, orange elephant ear sponges & more. Now here's a Cayman diving challenge of lovely proportions.

Marilyn's Cut:
Facing the lip of the wall you will see a mushroom shaped pinnacle. Two canyons are on each side of the pinnacle & a nice cave is off the eastern side of the pinnacle. You'll find barracuda, parrot fish, triggers, & "Freddie" a friendly Nassau grouper.

Randy's Gazebo:
Behind a pinnacle there is a wide opening to a vertical chimney. The chimney exit is at a depth of 80 feet. Swimming east across the base of the wall you'll discover a deep canyon with a beautiful coral arch. The arch is covered with sea feathers, basket sponges, yellowtube sponges & more.

Lea Lea's Lookout:
Giant coral tunnels spiral through the wall exit at about 110 feet in a sea of plate coral & black coral.

Near CAYMAN BRAC (weather permitting) --

Russian Destroyer:
The 356, now renamed Capt. Keith Tibbets, is a scuttled 330' Russian Brigadier Frigate. (The Cayman Aggressor actually held her in place as the hull filled with water.) The fore & aft cannons, machine gun turrets & missile launcher all remain intact. Snorkelers can easily view the wreck because the command tower lies only 18 feet beneath the surface. The wreck lies on a sandy bottom a short distance from the shore. Barracuda, French angels, yellowtail snapper & juvenile fish call the wreck home.  But it's kind of hard to understand fish speaking, so you have to take our word for this. The Russian Destroyer is another must-see Cayman diving classic, amigos!

(All dive sites are selected by the Captain & may vary due to weather conditions & logistics.)

Tune in, turn on.

ANSWERS to the MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS about the CAYMAN AGGRESSOR IV:

1. Where are the Cayman Islands?
  The Cayman Islands are located in the western Caribbean, approximately 480 miles south of Miami, Florida. Cuba lies directly to the north, & Jamaica is less than 200 miles to the southeast.

2. What is included in the charter? 
Accommodations aboard the vessel, diving, compressed air tanks, weights & weight belts, airport transfers on day of arrival & departure, meals & snacks, non-alcoholic & local alcoholic beverages are included in the charter rate.

3. How many days is the charter & how many dives can I make? 
The Cayman Aggressor IV charter is seven days, Saturday afternoon to Saturday morning with five & one-half days of diving. Most guests make up to 5 dives a day. Diving begins on Sunday morning & ends about midday on Friday when we return to the dock.

4. When should I arrive in Grand Cayman? 
You should plan to arrive in Grand Cayman on the day of your charter, Saturday.

5. Are there any taxes or fees not included in the charter price?  
Only the USDT tariff, a nominal service fee.  Effective February 1999, the Cayman Islands departure tax is included in the cost of your airline ticket.  This is subject to change without notice, so please check with your travel agent before traveling.

6. Do I need a passport? 
U.S. citizens are required to have a certified birth certificate & pictured identification. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate consulate.

7. How do I meet the Cayman Aggressor IV on the day of departure? 
If you arrive in Grand Cayman on the day of your charter, you will be met at the airport by a uniformed crew member. Cayman taxi regulations do not allow the crew to transfer passengers to the boat, however, they will meet you & assist you with your luggage. At the end of you charter you will be reimbursed for the taxi fare. If you are already in Grand Cayman you will need to make your way to the boat anytime after 2:00 p.m.. The Cayman Aggressor IV docks at the Georgetown Tourist Dock.

8. Where does the Cayman Aggressor IV dock? 
Cayman Aggressor IV docks at the Georgetown Tourist Dock, however, during winter months she docks at the North Sound Estates Dock in Newlands, located off Rackels Road on Faye Street.

9. What is special about the diving in the Caymans? 
Darn near everything. The Cayman Islands are well-known for their warm, clear waters, beautiful vertical walls including Bloody Bay Wall in Little Cayman, world famous Stingray City, friendly fish-life & exciting shipwrecks.

10. What is the water temperature? Will I need a wet suit? 
The water averages 80F, rising to a high of 82 - 84F in July, August & September, & dropping to a low of 76F for a few weeks in December & January. A 3mm (1/8") wet suit or heavy lycra suit (Polartec) is recommended apart from the warmer months of summer, but even then, at least a thin lycra suit is suggested, as divers often make four or more dives a day & can develop a chill.

11. What is the best time of year for diving? 
Diving is superb year-round. Like many islands in the Caribbean, there is always a leeward or sheltered side where winds are less & waters are calmer. May to November is an excellent time for diving, as conditions usually allow nearly unlimited access to Little Cayman & the north side of Grand Cayman. December through April still offers great diving, but conditions may not allow diving in Little Cayman or along Grand Cayman's North Wall. In this case, the Cayman Aggressor IV will move to the south side of Grand Cayman which features some of the most exotic virgin diving in the area.

12. What type of topside topography can I expect to see in the Caymans? 
All three Cayman Islands are flat, low-lying islands, but regular rainfall keeps them green. White sand beaches & an unusual limestone rock formation called "Ironshore" ring the islands.

13. Is there dinghy diving? 
No, most of the diving is done directly from the dive platform of the Cayman Aggressor IV. We have a dinghy, but seldom use it for diving.

14. Is there night diving? 
Absolutely. The night diving is terrific. The skipper & divemasters will determine if nocturnal currents & weather are safe.

15. What is planned for Friday afternoon & evening after we return to port? 
This is your opportunity to sight-see, shop, visit the Turtle Farm & just relax. The Cayman Aggressor IV hosts a farewell sunset cocktail party Friday evening. Dinner is not served on board. The crew can recommend a local restaurant & arrange transportation. This meal is not included in the charter price.

16. When is check-out time on the vessel? 
Check-out is between 7:00 & 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning.

17. Where is the nearest recompression chamber? 
The nearest recompression chamber is in Georgetown, Grand Cayman.