Galapagos Aggressor vs. PHD Sky Dancer

We are considering a diving trip to Galapagos and have narrowed down the choice between

the Aggressor and the Sky Dancer. For those with any knowledge of these boats or/and

companies (I've never been to either an Aggressor or a PHD live-aboard), which one would

you choose?

Thanks for any feedback!

KV

I've had trips on both as well as a host of other Aggressor ships. Personally, I would go with the Aggressor. Caviet however is that of all the Aggressor boats I've been on, the Galapogos Aggressor crew was the absolute laziest. Keep in mind that this was in 1999 so I am sure the crew has changed. With the PH boat, they ran out of food and had to make a pit stop, wasting valuable dive time to get more and to make matters worse, they ran out of rum. At that time, the PH boat had only been in the water for 2 or 3 years but it was coming apart. The shower drains rusty and bent so you had to be careful about stepping on them and cutting yourself. The photo tables were horribly warped and so on. However, the crew were just fine and friendly.

All of my other Aggressor boat experiences have been, for the most part, very good. My favorite is the Okeanos Aggressor which I have been on 10 times, and the Tahiti and Truk Aggressor.

Steve B)

I was on the Sky Dancer in 2003, and it was wonderful. My current boat of choice is the Deep Blue (I have a good relationship with them and know the booking agent and owner), but I'd hop back on the Sky Dancer in a minute.

Photos of the boat and trip here:

http://echeng.com/travel/ecuador/skydancer/

Boat itself, topside stuff:

http://echeng.com/travel/ecuador/skydancer/topside/

I've been on the Aggressor twice and going for a third time this year. They are fantastic.

Peter Hughes' franchisee had some issues a several years back. Recent reports have been quite good.

So, either should be fine.

My wife and I have been with both operations in the Galapagos - one of the Aggressor boats and the PH Sky Dancer. I would rank them equally and would gladly go again.