Golden Dolphin II Liveaboard Overview

Have you ever wanted to dive in some of the clearest waters in the world? Look no further than Egypt’s Red Sea. With outstanding visibility and an abundance of marine and coral life, it’s an unmatched haven for snorkelers, freedivers, and scuba divers alike.

From shore and deep dives to historic wrecks and depths fit for even the most technical divers, promising pristine year-round conditions, there’s something for everyone.

There is no shortage of dive centers around the country, but one of the best ways to explore the countless dive sites is on a liveaboard. Most operators offer one or two-week trips throughout the year, allowing guests the opportunity to eat, dive, eat, sleep, and repeat.

The Golden Dolphin fleet is renowned for a variety of trips throughout the year, and, with four vessels, guests can choose from a wide range of routes. The second vessel in the fleet, the Golden Dolphin II, is a premium, 124-foot (38 m) dive boat built in 2006 to provide guests with a luxurious dive experience. Furthermore, flexible route options make it suitable for private charters and large groups.

Let’s dive into our review of the Golden Dolphin II.

Where to book

Golden Dolphin II liveaboard dive yacht underway at sea

Liveaboard.comNo booking fees Divebooker.comFree DAN insurance

Diving on the Golden Dolphin II liveaboard

Three sohal surgeonfish swimming around orange soft coral on a Red Sea reef

A diagonal-banded sweetlips sheltering under a coral table on a Red Sea reef

Rear dive deck and sun bed of the Golden Dolphin II liveaboard

Nitrox and air tanks racked on the dive deck of the Golden Dolphin II liveaboard

The Red Sea has long been a top dive destination for most ocean lovers, thanks to the fact that diving is possible year-round with a season to suit every individual preference. Looking to escape the cold winters in the U.S. and Europe? Egypt’s scorching summer sun will keep you warm. Do you prefer to dive in weather that’s a little chillier but not too cold? Egypt’s winter may be perfect for those coming from cold countries in the EU.

Land temperatures range from 46.4 F (8 C) to 122 F (50 C), hitting their peak in July and August. Water temperatures range from 61 F (16 C) to 86 F (30 C), so you’ll want to pack accordingly when it comes to exposure protection underwater.

The Golden Dolphin II’s itineraries offer a range of dive sites, including Elphinstone Reef, Abu Nahas, Daedalus, Brothers Islands, the Straits of Tiran, and more. These famous sites are known for sharks, walls, wrecks, and depths, so technical divers won’t feel left out.

With free nitrox available to certified divers, dedicated dive guides, a multilingual crew, two zodiacs, and a spacious dive deck, guests can rest assured knowing that their needs will be catered to.

Highlights:

Free nitrox
Varied range of dive sites
Available for private charter
Two zodiacs for easy dive site drop off and pick up

Onboard the Golden Dolphin II

Wood-paneled cabin aboard the Golden Dolphin II with bed, rolled towels and ocean-view window

Twin cabin aboard the Golden Dolphin II with the en-suite bathroom door open

Shaded lounge deck with white sofas and a pink bean bag aboard the Golden Dolphin II

Built in 2006, the Golden Dolphin II is a luxurious 124-foot (38 m) premium yacht designed specifically for divers. Refurbished in 2016, the Golden Dolphin II’s upgrade included design features, cabins, electronics, plumbing, and furniture.

The ship features 10 spacious cabins, accommodating up to 20 guests. Eight cabins are located on the lower deck and equipped with twin beds, while two cabins on the upper deck feature stunning sea views and king-size beds. Each cabin has air conditioners, ensuite bathroom facilities, and a minibar.

Shared spaces include an air conditioned lounge equipped with a TV, comfortable sofas, dining tables, books, magazines, free internet, and other entertainment materials.

Guests can also relax in one of two outdoor lounges, offering both shaded and open areas perfect for sunbathing and taking in the incredible views of the Red Sea.

Finally, the dive deck is spaciously designed with benches and a large dive platform to provide ample space for divers to move around safely as they assemble their gear, clean, wash, and store their equipment, using the freshwater showers to wash off all the salt and sand at the end of a dive day.

Highlights:

Two sundecks
Camera and charging stations
Free WiFi

Dining on the Golden Dolphin II

Wood-paneled dining saloon aboard the Golden Dolphin II liveaboard

Onboard lounge and bar area aboard the Golden Dolphin II liveaboard

Second only to diving on a liveaboard is eating, and on the Golden Dolphin II, a professionally trained chef and crew work to ensure that guests are well-fed and maintain their energy throughout the trip. The dining area is strategically designed to offer guests panoramic views of the Red Sea as they dine on a buffet of Western, international, and local cuisines freshly prepared daily.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner include a wide variety of hot entrees, chicken, fish, meat, pasta, rice, and vegetable dishes served with different salads and fruits. Vegetarian and vegan options are available to suit all preferences.

Guests are also offered complimentary snacks such as cakes, biscuits, and fresh fruit throughout the day; as well as, water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee to ensure they stay hydrated.

Additionally, a fully stocked bar with local beer and a fine wine selection is available for guests at an extra cost.