Hammerhead I dive boat review
Photos: Hammerhead I / LiveAboard.com.
Hammerhead I: a smaller group, with room to watch the sea
Hammerhead I combines a 20-guest capacity with broad dining-room windows and open-air lounging spaces. Her ten en-suite cabins make this 32-metre Egyptian liveaboard worth considering if you prefer a smaller group than on the fleet’s larger Hammerhead II.
Current dates and a complete price need confirming before travel plans are fixed. The partner has no online availability displayed as checked on 15 October 2026; that does not establish that the boat has retired.
Enquire about Hammerhead I availability
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The boat and her place in the fleet
Hammerhead I measures 32 metres by 6.6 metres, with four decks and accommodation for 20 guests. Her listed build year is 2015; the fleet records the start of its operation with her in March 2017. These are different milestones. She is the smaller Hammerhead in Egypt, not the 32-guest Hammerhead II or a similarly named boat in another destination.
Ten cabins, three booking categories
Eight Standard cabins have twin beds and two upper Master cabins have doubles. All ten have private bathrooms and air conditioning. The central air-conditioning system has individual cabin controls, so a central system does not mean one on/off switch for every room.
| Category | Cabins and beds | Booking choice |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Deck Standard | 6 cabins · two single beds · maximum 2 guests | The largest group of cabins; a straightforward twin option for friends |
| Upper Deck Standard | 2 cabins · two single beds · maximum 2 guests | A twin arrangement on the upper level |
| Upper Deck Master | 2 cabins · double bed · maximum 2 guests | Private cabin category for guests who want a double |
Standard categories are listed as suitable for solo travellers, but the sharing arrangement and single-use supplement belong in the quotation. The advertised family-cabin label does not override the detailed two-person occupancy limits. A family needing more than two berths should ask for the actual cabin combination rather than assume an extra bed is available.
Life between dives
The Hammerhead I liveaboard features a spacious living room and dining room on the main deck. Almost wall-to-wall windows keep the Red Sea in view, so the indoor break need not feel detached from the journey. The photographed dining space has individual tables and chairs beside the windows, while the lounge gives the group a separate place to settle in.
Outside, couches and beanbags occupy the third deck, and the upper sun deck has long cushioned areas and colourful pillows. These spaces offer a choice between sitting together and stretching out between dives. The open sun deck is particularly appealing when the breeze and temperature suit; the indoor lounge is the alternative when they do not.
Meals and everyday comforts
Meals are served buffet-style, with local food, vegetarian options and snacks throughout the day. Drinking water, soft drinks, tea and coffee appear in the listed full-board package. Specific dietary needs should be agreed before boarding so the galley can confirm suitable meals.
Daily housekeeping, charging stations and audio/video entertainment are advertised. Wi-Fi terms are inconsistent across the listings, so neither free access nor dependable coverage should be assumed in the holiday budget. Laundry is an optional paid service.
A dive deck arranged for the group
The covered preparation area has 21 individual equipment stations, with cylinders along the benches and baskets beneath. That is equipment capacity, not an extra guest berth. Two dive tenders help the team reach sites, and onboard compressors provide air and Nitrox.
The northern programmes combine reef dives with wrecks such as Thistlegorm and the Abu Nuhas ships. Southern options involve longer passages to offshore reefs and islands. Current, exposed entries and tender pickups can be part of either a northern or southern holiday; a wreck’s popularity is not a measure of how easy that day’s dive will be.
The boat-specific Super Diversity sheet lists Advanced Open Water or equivalent and at least 50 logged dives. Other routes need their own confirmed entry criteria, insurance and equipment requirements. Technical and rebreather support is described inconsistently, so a specialist diving plan needs explicit agreement on gases, equipment and guiding before booking.
A glimpse of the southern Red Sea
Mark Heinis’s Marsa Alam reef film shows the underwater setting of the Egyptian coast. It is a regional film, not a tour of Hammerhead I or a promise of the sights on a particular departure.
Film: Marsa Alam — Coral reefs, Mark Heinis.
Understanding the route choices
The ten families below are documented for Hammerhead I in its boat listing and the fleet’s historical programme. Most describe seven nights and six diving days; The Gigantic is a two-week trip. They explain the choices to discuss with the operator, rather than a current calendar of confirmed sailings. A new proposal should identify Hammerhead I, dates, ports and the agreed programme.
Northern round trips use Hurghada as their embarkation area; southern outlines use Marsa Alam. The exact marina is not fixed by those city labels. Overnight passages may be needed, and weather, permissions and the group’s experience can change both stops and dive counts. No route name guarantees sharks, dolphins or other encounters.
Super Diversity
7 nights · Marsa Alam round trip
Coastal check dives at Shaab Marsa Alam and Shaab Sharm lead to two days at Daedalus, then St John’s, Sataya and the Wadi El Gemal coast. This combines offshore walls with southern reef systems, with overnight passages possible. The boat-specific route sheet lists around 18 dives and Advanced Open Water or equivalent with 50 logged dives. A 31 July–7 August 2027 listing exists with another seller, but space and the actual operating programme need confirmation.
Roller Coaster
7 nights · Marsa Alam round trip
Keeps the two Daedalus days but substitutes Rocky and Zabargad for St John’s, before Sataya and the coastal return. It brings exposed offshore reefs into a relatively full week. Rocky and Zabargad are grouped in one day; their exact order is not specified.
Sharks Obsession / BDE
7 nights · Marsa Alam round trip
The outline visits Elphinstone after the coastal check dives, then Big Brother and Little Brother, two days at Daedalus, and Elphinstone again before returning to the coast. It concentrates on walls and offshore passages. The route name expresses an interest in sharks, never a guaranteed encounter.
Exploring North
7 nights · Hurghada round trip
Links Shaab El Erg and Dunraven with Tiran, then Ras Mohammed, Thistlegorm, Gubal, Rosalie Moller, Abu Nuhas and Umm Gamar. It adds Tiran’s reef diving to the northern wreck circuit. Mahmoudat and an unspecified Sharm reef appear as night-dive suggestions; their precise locations are not pinned here.
Red Sea Charm
7 nights · Hurghada round trip
Starts with Shaab El Erg and Thistlegorm, then Carnatic and Giannis D, before separate days at Big Brother and Little Brother. Abu Kafan and Panorama add Safaga reef diving, with Giftun and Abu Ramada on the return. The compromise is a mix of wrecks and offshore walls rather than a week devoted entirely to either.
Northernmost
7 nights · Hurghada round trip
Extends the northern programme to Dahab’s Blue Hole, Canyon and Gabr el-Bint, followed by Tiran, Ras Mohammed, Thistlegorm and Gubal. The detailed outline finishes at Fanadir and the El Mina wreck. Dahab’s site names do not imply access to deep arches or overhead passages: the actual dive must match qualifications and the guide’s plan.
South Park
7 nights · Marsa Alam round trip
After the coastal check dives, the outline visits Rocky and Zabargad, spends two days around St John’s, and returns through Sataya and Wadi El Gemal. Compared with Super Diversity, it exchanges Daedalus for the southern islands. The order within the Rocky–Zabargad day remains unspecified.
Exploring South
7 nights · Marsa Alam round trip
The published day plan overlaps South Park: Rocky–Zabargad, two days around St John’s, Sataya and a coastal return. Its heading also names Elphinstone, which is absent from the daily schedule. That difference needs settling in a dated proposal; Elphinstone is shown only as an additional reference, not a confirmed final stop.
Wrecks & Reefs
7 nights · Hurghada round trip
Focuses on the northern ships: Giannis D, Carnatic and Thistlegorm, then Ras Mohammed, Dunraven, Rosalie Moller and Gubal. The later outline includes Chrisoula K, Kimon M, Umm Gamar, Carless, Fanous, Fanadir and El Mina. These are programme possibilities, not a promise to dive every wreck or to enter any interior.
The Gigantic
14 nights · Hurghada to Marsa Alam
The longer historical option joins northern wrecks and Ras Mohammed to Brothers, Daedalus, Rocky–Zabargad, St John’s, Sataya and Elphinstone. It allows more time at sea and covers a much larger stretch of Egypt’s coast. The original programme mentions a road transfer back to Hurghada; that is not a confirmed inclusion in a new quotation.
Itinerary map
These are references for the documented programmes. Numbered links show an indicative sequence where supported; routes with unresolved order use reference markers only. Regional reef markers are not a promise to visit that exact reef, and city references do not identify the boarding pier. Connections are not navigational tracks.
Reef coordinates: CDWS; coastal references: PADI. Historical programmes checked 15 October 2026.
Read mapped stops as text
Super Diversity
Marsa Alam — town/region reference, not a boarding pier → Shaab Marsa Alam → Shaab Sharm → Daedalus Reef → St John’s — regional reference at Habili Ali, exact reef not fixed → Sataya — southeast reef reference → Wadi El Gemal — coastal reference at Dahar reef → Marsa Alam — town/region reference, not a boarding pier
Roller Coaster
Marsa Alam — town/region reference, not a boarding pier · Shaab Marsa Alam · Shaab Sharm · Daedalus Reef · Rocky Island — reef reference · Zabargad — island reference · Sataya — southeast reef reference · Wadi El Gemal — coastal reference at Dahar reef · Marsa Alam — town/region reference, not a boarding pier
Sharks Obsession / BDE
Marsa Alam — town/region reference, not a boarding pier → Shaab Marsa Alam → Elphinstone → Big Brother → Small Brother → Daedalus Reef → Elphinstone → Marsa Alam — town/region reference, not a boarding pier
Exploring North
Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm → Shaab El Erg → Dunraven / Beacon Rock → Tiran — strait reference at Jackson Reef, exact reef not fixed → Ras Mohammed — reference at Shark & Yolanda Reef → Thistlegorm → Small Gubal — island reference → Rosalie Moller wreck → Abu Nuhas — reef → Umm Gamar → Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm
Red Sea Charm
Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm → Shaab El Erg → Thistlegorm → Carnatic → Giannis D → Big Brother → Small Brother → Abu Kafan → Panorama Reef → Giftun — island-area reference at Small Giftun → Abu Ramada — southern reef reference → Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm
Northernmost
Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm → Shaab El Erg → Dunraven / Beacon Rock → Blue Hole, Dahab — site reference, no deep arch route implied → Canyon, Dahab → Gabr el-Bint → Tiran — strait reference at Jackson Reef, exact reef not fixed → Ras Mohammed — reference at Shark & Yolanda Reef → Thistlegorm → Small Gubal — island reference → Fanadir → El Mina wreck → Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm
South Park
Marsa Alam — town/region reference, not a boarding pier · Shaab Marsa Alam · Shaab Sharm · Rocky Island — reef reference · Zabargad — island reference · St John’s — regional reference at Habili Ali, exact reef not fixed · Sataya — southeast reef reference · Wadi El Gemal — coastal reference at Dahar reef · Marsa Alam — town/region reference, not a boarding pier
Exploring South
Marsa Alam — town/region reference, not a boarding pier · Shaab Marsa Alam · Shaab Sharm · Rocky Island — reef reference · Zabargad — island reference · St John’s — regional reference at Habili Ali, exact reef not fixed · Sataya — southeast reef reference · Wadi El Gemal — coastal reference at Dahar reef · Elphinstone
Wrecks & Reefs
Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm → Shaab El Erg → Giannis D → Abu Nuhas — reef → Carnatic → Thistlegorm → Ras Mohammed — reference at Shark & Yolanda Reef → Dunraven / Beacon Rock → Rosalie Moller wreck → Small Gubal — island reference → Chrisoula K → Kimon M wreck → Umm Gamar → Carless Reef → Fanous → Fanadir → El Mina wreck → Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm
The Gigantic
Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm · Shaab El Erg · Dunraven / Beacon Rock · Abu Nuhas — reef · Carnatic · Giannis D · Thistlegorm · Ras Mohammed — reference at Shark & Yolanda Reef · Big Brother · Small Brother · Daedalus Reef · Rocky Island — reef reference · Zabargad — island reference · St John’s — regional reference at Habili Ali, exact reef not fixed · Sataya — southeast reef reference · Elphinstone · Marsa Alam — town/region reference, not a boarding pier
Unspecified local night-dive reefs and boarding piers are not mapped. A regional reference is not an exact scheduled dive site.
Building a realistic quotation
No current bookable fare was available on the checked partner calendar. The useful comparison is a written total for your dates, cabin and occupancy, including all compulsory charges. A headline daily rate without a confirmed departure cannot establish the cost of this trip.
| Published partner extra, checked 15 October 2026 | Amount per person |
|---|---|
| Mandatory service charge | €100 per trip |
| National park fees | €200 per trip |
| Port fees | €45; charging basis needs confirmation |
| Nitrox fill · optional | €5 per cylinder |
| Private guide · optional | €400 per week in this listing |
Another boat-specific package uses a different park, fuel and daily service-charge structure. Those figures should not be mixed with the table above. Until a seller confirms which terms apply to the actual sailing, there is no reliable all-in total.
The listed package includes full board, snacks, water, soft drinks, tea and coffee, the diving package, towels and toiletries. Airport and hotel transfers, equipment rental, courses, alcohol, excursions and laundry are listed separately. Flights, entry documents, hotels and insurance also need their own allowance. Nitrox and a private guide should only be added at the rate agreed for the selected package.
Flights, transfers and the last dive
Hurghada is the starting area for the northern outlines, while the southern programmes use Marsa Alam. Transfer cost depends on the actual airport, marina and number of passengers sharing the vehicle. The historical Gigantic ends near Marsa Alam despite starting in Hurghada, which makes the return transfer particularly important.
The fleet recommends waiting 24 hours after the last dive before flying. Its historical day plans and generic final-dive note do not agree clearly on the last diving day, so flight timing needs a confirmed final-dive schedule rather than an assumption based on checkout. An overnight stay ashore may be the practical solution.
Travelling with a non-diver?
Hammerhead I is listed as snorkeller-friendly; the companion fare, supervision and activities available on your particular route still need confirmation.
What guests loved — and what could be better
The two verified LiveAboard.com reviews displayed on 15 October 2026 give Hammerhead I a score of 9.0/10. Both are from 2023, so they offer useful accounts of past trips rather than a recent condition survey.
What guests loved
Linus G., 6 January 2023: he liked the accommodating guides and crew, and felt the boat was small enough for a family-like atmosphere. Food was a highlight, especially the desserts. His report mentions St John’s caverns, turtles and reef sharks; these were his trip’s experiences, not a forecast for another week.
Richard W., 4 November 2023: he praised the friendly, accommodating staff and found the bedrooms and bathrooms clean and comfortable. Food and diving also featured among his highlights. His account is reassuring about that stay, although it does not identify a cabin category or establish current maintenance condition.
What could be better
Neither of the two reviewed accounts describes a specific negative experience. With such a small, older sample, that is not evidence that every trip runs without problems. Current cabin condition and service arrangements remain questions for the operator, rather than criticisms that can fairly be attributed to these guests.
When another boat might suit you better
Hammerhead I’s 20-guest scale is attractive if group size matters more to you than a larger yacht. If you need a currently displayed sailing date or a short three- or four-night option, compare the separately documented programme of Hammerhead II. Her 32-guest capacity creates a different onboard setting; the two boats’ cabins, extras and routes are not interchangeable.
Hammerhead I booking questions
Is Hammerhead I still available to book?
The fleet still describes the boat, but the checked partner calendar displays no online availability. Obtain a dated written proposal naming Hammerhead I before committing; missing online dates alone do not prove retirement.
Was she built in 2015 or launched in 2017?
The listed build year is 2015. March 2017 is the fleet’s stated start of operations with Hammerhead I, a separate milestone.
Do all cabins have private bathrooms?
Yes. All ten listed guest cabins have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning, with a maximum of two guests in each category.
Which cabins suit friends or a solo diver?
The six lower Standard and two upper Standard cabins have twin beds. Standard categories are listed as solo-friendly, but sharing terms and any single-use supplement need to be agreed. The two upper Masters are double-bed private categories.
Are cabin balconies and extra family beds guaranteed?
No. Generic feature labels are not enough to establish a private balcony or additional berth in the cabin you book. The detailed cabin descriptions cap occupancy at two; request the exact room arrangement.
Is Nitrox included?
Nitrox is available, but it is listed as an extra. The checked partner equipment list gives €5 per cylinder; a weekly package or other seller may use different terms.
How experienced do I need to be?
The documented Super Diversity sheet requires Advanced Open Water or equivalent and 50 logged dives. Other itineraries need their own confirmed acceptance criteria; the short description of a route is not an approval of your qualifications.
Are all ten routes currently scheduled?
No current full calendar was established. They are documented programme families, mostly seven nights, with a fourteen-night Gigantic option in the historical fleet material. Confirm the exact boat, date and route together.
Is Wi-Fi free?
The listings disagree: one includes Wi-Fi in the package but also labels internet as paid, while another lists no Wi-Fi. Confirm access and any charge for your departure; do not rely on uninterrupted coverage at sea.
Can a snorkelling companion come?
The boat is listed as snorkeller-friendly, but acceptance on the selected route, the non-diver fare and available activities need confirmation.
Have you sailed on Hammerhead I? Write your review with your travel date, cabin, route, crew, favourite moments and anything that could have been better.
Editorial information checked 15 October 2026. This is a source-based guide, not a new firsthand inspection aboard. Existing Divezone ratings and comments are preserved.
Where does this liveaboard dive boat go?
Check out the fabulous places where this dive boat travels to.
Note: some destinations may not be listed below, please enquire for more details.
Hamata
Hamata gives land-based divers access to Fury Shoals: coral gardens, small wrecks and exposed outer reefs, with outings matched to experience and sea conditions.
Eilat
Eilat offers mainly shore-based Red Sea diving, with coral gardens, the Satil wreck and sites for different experience levels. Check recent-dive and insurance requirements before arrival.
Aqaba
Aqaba combines coral gardens and shore diving with the Cedar Pride, aircraft wrecks and underwater military displays. A land-based stay can also include Petra and Wadi Rum.
Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam combines shore-access bays such as Abu Dabbab with boat trips to offshore reefs including Elphinstone. Choose the base and dive profile to suit your experience; wildlife sightings vary.
Nuweiba
Nuweiba suits unhurried shore diving and underwater photography, with coral gardens and small marine life to explore with a local guide.
Dahab
Dahab combines shore-access reefs and training sites with advanced profiles at the Canyon and Blue Hole. Choose the dive to match your experience.
Hurghada
Hurghada combines day-boat reefs, beginner training and longer wreck excursions. Match the site, transfer and dive profile to your experience.
Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm combines local reef diving with Ras Mohammed, Tiran and separately planned wreck excursions. Match the route and dive profile to your experience.
Red Sea
Red Sea diving ranges from shore reefs and northern wrecks to exposed offshore walls. Choose the base and route around your experience and travel plans.
- If you have been diving on board this liveaboard dive boat in Hurghada & Marsa Alam & Red Sea, please share your review and let us know what you thought. Please post your comments in the review section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next diving trip
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