Constructed in 2006 from timber, the Golden Dolphin II liveaboard is a 36-metre motor yacht that moves with a stability that feels reassuring the moment you step aboard. Unlike many steel-hulled contemporaries, her wooden construction offers a classic, warm character while her cruising speed of 12 knots ensures efficient passage between the region’s most celebrated sites. This is a vessel designed specifically for the Egyptian liveaboard experience, with a reputation built on years of navigating both the northern wrecks and the southern reefs.
Accommodation aboard the Golden Dolphin II strikes a balance between comfort and practicality. 10 cabins, configured as doubles or twins, host a maximum of 20 guests, ensuring the dive deck and communal areas never feel crowded. Each cabin features its own air-conditioning and a private en-suite bathroom, with interiors defined by well-maintained wooden flooring and wall panelling that continues the vessel’s natural, timeless aesthetic. The setup is straightforward: comfortable beds, climate control to counter the Egyptian heat, and a quiet space to rest between dives. It is the kind of practical comfort that experienced divers appreciate after long days spent exploring the Red Sea’s nutrient-rich waters.
When you are not in the water, the Golden Dolphin II provides ample room to spread out. The large, air-conditioned saloon serves as the social heart of the vessel, equipped with a TV, DVD player, music system, and complimentary Wi-Fi for staying connected. For those who prefer the open air, the top sundeck offers unobstructed views of the desert coastline, while the second sundeck provides cooler, shaded retreats from the midday sun. There is a well-stocked marine library spanning multiple languages, piped music throughout the common areas, and even a mini bar in the cabins. The atmosphere is relaxed and spacious, allowing guests to set their own rhythm whether that means reviewing a fish identification book in the saloon or simply watching the horizon from a shaded lounger.
The dive deck on the Golden Dolphin II is organised with the clarity that comes from experience. Individual gearing-up stations minimise congestion during dive briefings and tank changes, while a dedicated charging station keeps camera equipment and dive computers powered and ready. This thoughtful organisation allows you to focus entirely on the diving itself. The Golden Dolphin crew, who have spent years working these waters, manage the logistics with practised ease, leaving you free to concentrate on buoyancy control, camera settings, or simply the anticipation of the next descent.
The diving trips themselves showcase the Red Sea’s remarkable diversity. The Golden Dolphin II navigates the northern routes to iconic wrecks like the Thistlegorm, where history rests in the current-swept depths, and ventures south to the pristine reefs of the Brothers, Daedalus, and Elphinstone. These are destinations that demand a reliable platform and a knowledgeable crew. Whether you are looking to penetrate a wreck at first light or drift along a wall teeming with pelagic life, the vessel’s scheduling is designed to maximise dive time at the most opportune moments. The consistency of the Golden Dolphin II liveaboard operation means that dive briefings are accurate, the zodiacs are ready when needed, and the rhythm of the day is built around the tides and the habits of the marine life.
Choosing a liveaboard often comes down to confidence in the operation. With years of dedicated service as an Egyptian liveaboard, the Golden Dolphin II has established itself as a trusted platform in the region. It combines the enduring appeal of a classic wooden yacht with modern necessities like air conditioning, reliable Wi-Fi, and a dive deck designed for efficiency. For the certified diver looking to experience the Red Sea’s wrecks, reefs, and big-animal encounters without distraction, the Golden Dolphin II offers a compelling blend of destination access, onboard comfort, and operational reliability. It is a platform built not for spectacle, but for the singular purpose of getting divers safely and comfortably into some of the world’s most captivating waters.
MY Golden Dolphin II has 10 cabins: 2 Double bed cabins with windows on the upper deck and 8 Twin bed cabins with portholes on the lower deck.
All the cabins have:
- Air-conditioning system
- Private bathroom with hot water shower and basin
- Hand soap & towels provided
- Minibar and fridge
- Music
- Bedding
- Cabinet, shelves and mirror
- Reading lights
- 24-hour, 220V electricity and 2 flat pin wall sockets
- Life jackets
- Fire warning system
No. of bathrooms / showers - 10 / 10 - hot water
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
Tuck into your buffet-style meals in the air-conditioned lounge/dining area or the open-air shaded area on the upper deck, cooled by sea breezes. Aboard the Golden Dolphin II liveaboard, beginning with dinner on Day 1, you can expect a range of fare including international dishes, barbecues (BBQs), Italian food, and of course, Egyptian and Gulf specialities, with 4 or 5 different dishes on offer at each sitting. There are also plenty of snacks throughout each day.
- Kick off your morning with a breakfast spread. Choose from made-to-order eggs any style, fluffy pancakes, and a continental selection of fresh breads, fruits, yoghurts, and cereals.
- Your midday and evening meals offer a rotation of international dishes and local Egyptian specialities. The menu showcases everything from grilled chicken and fish to pasta, rice, and a vibrant array of salads and vegetables. Don't miss the signature barbecue night held during the week.
- Quick energy and hydration are always within reach. Help yourself to light snacks and a full range of included beverages, including water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks, available between dives.
- Have specific dietary needs? We can easily provide for vegetarians and those with other dietary restrictions - simply let us know before your arrival.
Divers on the Golden Dolphin II can expect a programme of 3 to 4 daily dives. The schedule is customarily structured to include a morning descent, a second midday dive, an afternoon session, and a further night dive, subject to the specific itinerary.
"
Very good dive guides and very friendly crew." -
Philipp Roedel, Germany, 22 June 2019 ...
