MY Golden Dolphin II dive boat review
Golden Dolphin II: historical review after the February 2026 fire
A return to service has not been verified. Divernet reported a fire aboard Golden Dolphin II in Hurghada on 28 February 2026, citing a joint operator and CDWS announcement. The vessel was undergoing maintenance, with no guests aboard; the report said nobody was injured and did not establish the extent of damage.
Golden Dolphin II is absent from the operator’s fleet menu checked on 2 November 2026. An agent’s future date alone is not confirmation that this particular vessel will operate it.
The boat before the incident
The original Divezone review described Golden Dolphin II as a twenty-guest boat with ten air-conditioned cabins and private bathrooms, visiting northern and southern Red Sea diving areas. The description is retained here as part of the boat’s history.
Its broad dive deck and platform were described with showers, a toilet, rinse tanks, a camera table and charging points. Two tenders supported the diving, and nitrox appeared among the earlier inclusions.
Guests could spend surface intervals in the air-conditioned salon, browse marine books or relax on the two sun decks. The dining area included a bar, with another shaded outdoor place to eat. Meals and snacks were served buffet-style. Internet and a satellite telephone were also listed in the earlier review; none of these historical details establishes present equipment or condition.
Choosing a future departure
Ask the operator to identify the actual vessel assigned to a proposed trip and confirm its operating status. A cabin description or price from before the fire cannot establish what would be included now. Our updated Golden Dolphin I review covers a different boat in the fleet.
Questions about Golden Dolphin II
Has Golden Dolphin II returned to service?
A return has not been verified. It is absent from the checked operator fleet menu; confirm the assigned vessel directly for any advertised departure.
Was anybody injured in the February fire?
The cited operator and CDWS announcement, as reported by Divernet, said there were no injuries and no guests aboard while the boat was docked for maintenance.
Are the old photographs and cabins current?
No. They are retained as archive material and should not be treated as evidence of the boat’s condition after the incident.
Incident reference: Divernet’s 1 March 2026 report.
Did you sail on this boat?
Your memories can help identify the boat and put earlier reports in context. Share your experience below, including the year, route and vessel name on your trip.
Archive presentation and availability references reviewed 2 November 2026.
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, through the eyes of the people who have been: guest reviews, trip stories and our guide to Egypt’s reefs, wrecks and shore-diving stays.
- If you have been diving on board this liveaboard dive boat in Red Sea & Sharm El Sheikh, 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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