The Red Sea is internationally recognised as a premier diving location, revered for its phenomenal biodiversity and status as one of the seven underwater wonders. Certified divers seeking to explore the region's remote pinnacles and offshore reefs require a vessel engineered for extended comfort and reliability. The Hammerhead II liveaboard meets this standard, having been built in 2019 with a 45 metre steel hull, making it one of Egypt's most modern and high-quality dive yachts. The experienced Hammerhead Fleet operates the vessel, offering 1-week diving safaris for up to 32 guests, confirming its credibility within the Red Sea diving industry.
The extensive dive tour options aboard the Hammerhead II showcase the depth and variety of Egyptian diving. Week-long expeditions cover legendary areas, including the major northern wrecks - such as the SS Thistlegorm and the famous Abu Nuhas collection - as well as the world-renowned marine parks. Routes visiting the Brothers Islands, Daedalus, and Elphinstone provide exposure to current-swept walls where pelagic species like scalloped hammerheads, oceanic whitetips, and thresher sharks are encountered seasonally. The Deep South routes focus on the colourful coral ecosystems of St. John's and the unique structure of the Fury Shoals.
In terms of build and capacity, the Hammerhead II design prioritises stability, with a sleek, low profile that helps ensure a smoother experience on open-water transit. The benefit of 5 decks is noticeable, offering exceptional space for 32 divers to spread out and relax. The upper decks offer prime relaxation areas, complete with an open-air bar, expansive seating for tanning in the sunshine, and a Jacuzzi. These areas are designed to accommodate all guests comfortably, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sea air and panoramic views.
The large cabins are a key feature of the vessel, with all having private en-suite bathrooms and ranking among the most spacious in the Red Sea liveaboard fleet. Accommodation spans lower and upper decks, with upper deck suites providing enhanced views. Inside the main deck saloon, guests find a modern, relaxing environment with entertainment systems, wi-fi, and a dining area. The buffet-style meals blend international fare with Egyptian and Arabic delicacies, satisfying the significant appetite earned after 3-4 daily dives.
Operational quality supports the high volume of diving. The large dive deck is configured with 36 dedicated slots, promoting safe and free movement during preparations. All diving is run from twin 6.5 metre speedboats powered by 85 HP engines, providing quick and reliable access to the sites. For certified divers, amenities such as nitrox availability and a twin-machine guest laundry service enhance the convenience and professional focus of the Hammerhead II liveaboard.
For scuba divers seeking the optimal combination of modern comfort and deep experience in the Red Sea, the Hammerhead II liveaboard is a compelling choice. By matching world-class diving safaris with high-standard facilities and assured operator credibility, it offers a thoroughly enjoyable and confident platform for exploring Egypt's remarkable underwater frontier.
Hammerhead 2 has 16 guest cabins, all with private en-suite bathrooms. There are 2 upper deck Master cabins with panoramic front-facing windows, double beds (140 cm wide) and an additional small single bed. Also on the upper deck are 6 Deluxe cabins that have seaview windows and each have a 130 cm wide bed and a 100 cm wide bed. The lower deck has 8 Standard twin bed (100 cm wide) cabins.
All the cabins have:
- Individual control air-conditioning
- En-suite bathroom with hot-water shower cubicle and hand basin
- Portholes on lower deck, windows on upper deck
- Bathroom mirror, hairdryer
- Towels and bathrobes
- Fridge/minibar
- Reading lights
- Personal safe
- Daily housekeeping
- Cupboard and shelves
- Bedding and luggage space
- 24-hour, 220v electricity supply
- European-style 2-pin plugs
- Fire alarms, life jackets and fire extinguishers
No. of bathrooms / showers - 16 / 16 - 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].
The Hammerhead II liveaboard offers divers a focused, well-structured schedule in the Red Sea. Maximising time in the water is the focus, with a consistent routine of 3 to 4 dives per day.
Each day is measured by a series of meals and dives. It begins with a pre-breakfast to provide fuel before the first morning plunge. Following the initial immersion, a full breakfast is served. The dive guide provides a detailed briefing before each subsequent dive, enabling you and your buddy to plan and execute your profiles. You always have the option to join the guide’s group if you prefer.
Lunch is served before the third dive in the afternoon. Post-dive, an array of afternoon snacks are available. The dive day traditionally concludes with a night dive, after which a substantial dinner is served.
Nourishment aboard the Hammerhead II is designed to satisfy the biggest diver's appetite. All meals are served buffet-style in the dedicated dining area, located on the main deck. This bright space features large windows, ensuring you retain a beautiful sea view while eating. The galley team creates a diverse spread, blending international dishes with authentic Egyptian cuisine and incredible Arabic delicacies. Expect hearty, satisfying options; for instance, guests often enjoy fresh salads and local specialities.
Throughout the day, continuous access to biscuits, fruit, cakes, bread/toast, and candy bars ensures you never go hungry between meals. Hydration is simple: complimentary drinking water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks are readily available from the saloon's coffee corner. An open-air bar is also available for evening relaxation.
Please notify us in advance if you require catering for special dietary restrictions such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, or kosher. While the Hammerhead II liveaboard does not sell alcohol, guests are welcome to bring their own for consumption, and the staff can assist with purchasing it before departure.
MORE TRIP DETAILS
Dive experience: To dive in the marine parks of Brothers, Daedalus Reef, Zabargad and Rocky islands with the Hammerhead II liveaboard, you must be an advanced open water certified diver and have a minimum of 50 logged dives, elsewhere: a minimum of 30 logged dives. A diver that fails to meet these entry requirements may have to sit our more challenging dives if the guides assess that he/she lacks the ability to complete the dive safely.
Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soft drinks, drinking water, hot drinks (e.g. coffee, tea), dives (as detailed in the trips above), 4 experienced English-speaking divemasters (target is 8 divers per guide), 12 litre tanks, weights, sales tax.
Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment (USD 49 per day), dive computer (USD 12 per day), SMB, port/park fees (USD 234 per week), fuel charge (USD 53 per week), service charge (i.e. crew tips: USD 20 per day), diving insurance. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash - EUR or USD, or card, or online payment).
Optional extras: Airport to boat transfers, nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (USD 16 per day), 15 litre tank (USD 53 per week), torch (USD 12 per day). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.
How to get there: Hammerhead liveaboard diving safaris depart from either Hurghada (Old (Sheraton) Port) or Port Ghalib. If requested, a staff representative will be waiting for you at either the arrivals hall of Hurghada or Marsa Alam airports, holding a sign with your name on it. Private transfers can be arranged to the yacht from either airport at any time of day on start and end day only. For 1-week trips, check in time starts at 2 pm on the first day (boat departs port the next morning). For short trips, check-in time is 6 pm.
The last dive of the trip will be at around 11 am. The yacht then returns to port in the afternoon. For 1-week trips, check out is at 9 am on the final day. For short trips, check-in time is 12 noon. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving. For more details, including airlines, see our Red Sea travel information section.
Non-diver rate: 15% discount.
Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - single travellers may choose to share a cabin or pay a supplement of 75% of the published price for their own cabin.
Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 6 divers and 1 extra person can join the cruise free of charge (8+ guests), pay for 12 divers and 2 extra persons can join free of charge (14+ guests).
Whole boat charter rate (per night): Pay for 22 divers and 10 additional persons can join the cruise free of charge (total 32 guests).
Add-on package: If you have time, we strongly recommend that you consider some of the wonderful antiquities tours in Egypt which can add a whole new dimension to your Red Sea diving trip.
Cairo museum's royal mummies, the pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, a glorious cruise down the Nile staying in a luxury cabin, The Valley of the Kings, all of these and more can be seen in packages starting at 6 nights' duration. Other activities such as 4x4 safaris and camel tours are also available as are custom-made packages to suit your needs.
Find Your Liveaboard
Click to view product. Special discounted trips highlighted in yellow
