Golden Dolphin I Liveaboard, Egypt
3.0Good1 verified reviewGolden Dolphin I liveaboard Egypt is a dive boat designed for divers and operates as part of Golden Dolphin Safari World fleet. The vessel accommodates up to 20 guests and offers scheduled diving safaris in the Red Sea.
Boat Interior
The vessel includes a spacious, air-conditioned salon with a TV corner and bar area. The salon is equipped with a plasma TV, DVD/CD player, TV, and sound system.
It offers 10 air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathroom facilities (shower/WC) and minibar.
Dive Deck
The boat is equipped with a dive deck with a large platform. It provides 12L aluminium tanks with DIN/INT compatibility, with 15L tanks available on request. Two Marine Bauer compressors are used for tank filling.
Nitrox is available up to 32% free of charge for certified divers.
Two zodiacs with outboard engines are used for diving operations.
Safety and Navigation
The vessel is equipped with radar, sounder, and GPS tracking systems. Communication systems include radio VHF/DSC/SSB, Satellite EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon), and AIS.
Safety equipment includes life jackets, two life rafts, and life rings. Fire extinguishers are installed in cabins and salon areas, supported by fire fighting equipment, a fire alarm system, and smoke detectors. Emergency flares and a bilge pump alarm are installed onboard, and a searchlight is available.
Emergency oxygen and first aid kits are available onboard.
Itineraries
The boat operates diving safaris from Hurghada and Port Ghalib.
Available routes include North, Strait of Tiran, Dahab, Safaga, North Wrecks, SS Turkia, Brother Islands, Daedalus, Elphinstone, St. Johns, Rocky Island, Zabargad, and Abu Fendera. Extended itineraries include 10-day and 2-week routes.
When to Go
Golden Dolphin I operates in the Red Sea.
Water temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C between April and October, and from 19°C to 24°C between November and March. Summer daytime temperatures can reach around 35°C or higher, while winter evenings can be cooler.
Cabin Types
The vessel offers 10 air-conditioned cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom (shower and toilet), along with towels and bathrobes provided on board.
Cabin configuration includes twin bed cabins located on the lower deck, a double bed cabin on the upper deck, and a single cabin located in the bow on the lower deck.
Cabins
Twin Cabins
Twin Cabins
Twin Cabins
Deck:Lower Deck
Bedding:Single Bed
Max occupancy:2 Guests
Number of Cabins:6 Cabins
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Yes
- Towels
- Toiletries
All cabins with air-con, minibar, private bathroom
Double Cabins
Double Cabins
Double Cabins
Deck:Upper Deck
Bedding:Double Bed
Max occupancy:2 Guests
Number of Cabins:2 Cabins
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Yes
- Towels
- Toiletries
Cabins with queen-size bed, air-con, minibar, private bathroom
Single Cabin
Single Cabin
Single Cabin
Deck:Lower Deck
Bedding:Twin Beds
Max occupancy:1 Guest
Number of Cabins:2 Cabins
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Yes
- Towels
- Toiletries
Cabin with air-con, minibar, private bathroom
Boat Specification
Dive Facilities
- Rebreather Support
- Compressors
- Rinse Hosts
- Tenders for Diving
- Dive Deck
- DIN Adaptors
- Personal Storage Space
Boat navigation & safety
Full safety
Food & Drinks
- Western Food
- Dietary Restrictions
- Buffet Style
- Alcoholic Beverages and Spirits
- Hot & Cold Soft Drinks
- Snacks All Day
Onboard Facilities
- Audio & Video Entertainment
- Air Conditioned Saloon
- Sun Deck
- Sun Loungers
- Indoor Saloon
- Bar
- Child Friendly
- Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Photographer Facilities
- Separate Rinsing Tanks for U/W Camera
- Special Storage for U/W Camera
- Charging Stations
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Dolphin I
Climate and Clothing
There are strict rules concerning footwear on board: guests have to remove their shoes when they arrive. The crew then stores these and returns them at the end of the journey. It is forbidden to wear shoes on board, but in outdoor areas-for example, salons-bath shoes or light sailing shoes can be used. In the cabins, one should go barefoot to protect the sensitive wooden floor and not bring dirt inside
What you should have in your diving luggage
Wetsuits are recommended, according to the seasonal water temperatures, between 24-28°C from April through October and from 19-24°C between November and March. The gear list to take along should include a regulator with an alternative air source, a dive computer with spare batteries, and a surface marker buoy. Every diver in a nighttime dive should be equipped with their own torch, while during the day, one torch is enough for each buddy team. Also, other accessories like masks, snorkels, fins, and BCDs will be kept ready as well
Food and Beverages
Soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water are included in the price. Alcoholic beverages are available at an additional cost. In order to diversify safely, no alcoholic beverages can be consumed between dives. The boat also carries a Nespresso machine, but coffee capsules need to be taken along as these are not offered onboard.
Internet and Communication
WiFi is onboard and free, though the strength depends on proximity to the mainland. The farther away, the weaker the connectivity. Guests are recommended to turn automatic updates off to save bandwidth, data available is limited. Roaming charges can be significant, and therefore ensure that roaming is switched off
Itinerary Highlights
On the eastern side of the Sinai Peninsula is the Straits of Tiran, which comprises four famous reefs: Gordon, Thomas, Woodhouse, and Jackson. Gordon Reef is known to offer coral gardens, Sandy areas, and the shark amphitheater at 24 meters depth. In contrast, Thomas Reef offers a soft coral-rich upper part with a deep canyon, and Woodhouse Reef is a thin, coral-covered structure with a drift dive. At Jackson Reef, a freighter wreck along with steep walls complete with hard and soft corals makes this a diver's favorite, thanks to barracudas and pelagic fish appearing often.
Daedalus Reef is known for its steep walls and southern plateau in the southern areas. Hammerhead and reef sharks are commonly seen. Rocky Island has colorful coral gardens covering its walls, mantas, reef sharks, and dolphins. Zabargad Island offers wall drop-offs, shallow coral gardens, and abundant reef fish. St. John's Reef boasts breathtaking coral drop-offs, colorful reefs like the Habili reefs, which are frequented by sharks, barracudas, and mantas. Elphinstone Reef is also famous, with its dramatic north and south plateaus; it boasts soft corals, black corals, and sightings of hammerhead and oceanic white tip sharks
Golden Dolphin I Reviews
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Golden Dolphin I Liveaboard Itineraries
Route on Request (Available for groups and charters; Please enquire) (7 nights) (-)
Included
- Accommodation (last night may be in a 3* Hotel "HB-BASIS")
- Diving (3-4 dives/day, 2 dives on the last day)
- Full board
- Soft drinks, water, coffee, tea
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Dive guide
- Nitrox
- Scheduled group transfer airport - yacht - airport
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fees and taxes/visa - 350-550 EUR per person (to be paid on board)
Extra cost
- International flights
- Private transfer
- Equipment rental
- 15 l tanks rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Days 2-6:
Departing & check dive. Safari according to the planned route.
Day 7:
2 dives on the last day. Return to the port.
Day 8:
Check-out from the yacht, group transfer to the airport.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons (Please note, that night dives are not available in Marine Parks)
Deep South - St. Johns (7 nights) (Port Ghalib-Port Ghalib)
Included
- Accommodation (last night may be in a 3* Hotel "HB-BASIS")
- Diving (3-4 dives/day, 2 dives on the last day)
- Full board
- Soft drinks, water, coffee, tea
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Dive guide
- Nitrox
- Scheduled group transfer airport - yacht - airport
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fees and taxes/visa - 350-550 EUR per person (to be paid on board)
Extra cost
- International flights
- Private transfer
- Equipment rental
- 15 l tanks rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Days 2-6:
Departing & check dive. Safari according to the planned route.
Day 7:
2 dives on the last day. Return to the port.
Day 8:
Check-out from the yacht, group transfer to the airport.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons (Please note, that night dives are not available in Marine Parks)
- Arrival at Hurghada International Airport.
- As soon as you enter the arrival terminal boat's transfer operator will welcome you with a sign of Golden Dolphin Safari World.
- He will take care of your visa (stamp) and gives you additional information about your transfer from the airport to the boat.
- Check-in can not be before 18:00. In case you check in before 18:00, please have consideration for the crew if they are still cleaning or loading the boat
- After the disembarkation boat's crew will organize a transfer back to the airport
North Classic (7 nights) (Hurghada-Hurghada)
Included
- Accommodation (last night may be in a 3* Hotel "HB-BASIS")
- Diving (3-4 dives/day, 2 dives on the last day)
- Full board
- Soft drinks, water, coffee, tea
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Dive guide
- Nitrox
- Scheduled group transfer airport - yacht - airport
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fees and taxes/visa - 350-550 EUR per person (to be paid on board)
Extra cost
- International flights
- Private transfer
- Equipment rental
- 15 l tanks rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Days 2-6:
Departing & check dive. Safari according to the planned route.
Day 7:
2 dives on the last day. Return to the port.
Day 8:
Check-out from the yacht, group transfer to the airport.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons (Please note, that night dives are not available in Marine Parks)
- Arrival at Hurghada International Airport.
- As soon as you enter the arrival terminal boat's transfer operator will welcome you with a sign of Golden Dolphin Safari World.
- He will take care of your visa (stamp) and gives you additional information about your transfer from the airport to the boat.
- Check-in can not be before 18:00. In case you check in before 18:00, please have consideration for the crew if they are still cleaning or loading the boat
- After the disembarkation boat's crew will organize a transfer back to the airport
Dive sites you’ll see
North incl. Strait of Tiran (7 nights) (Hurghada-Hurghada)
Included
- Accommodation (last night may be in a 3* Hotel "HB-BASIS")
- Diving (3-4 dives/day, 2 dives on the last day)
- Full board
- Soft drinks, water, coffee, tea
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Dive guide
- Nitrox
- Scheduled group transfer airport - yacht - airport
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fees and taxes/visa - 350-550 EUR per person (to be paid on board)
Extra cost
- International flights
- Private transfer
- Equipment rental
- 15 l tanks rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Days 2-6:
Departing & check dive. Safari according to the planned route.
Day 7:
2 dives on the last day. Return to the port.
Day 8:
Check-out from the yacht, group transfer to the airport.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons (Please note, that night dives are not available in Marine Parks)
- Arrival at Hurghada International Airport.
- As soon as you enter the arrival terminal boat's transfer operator will welcome you with a sign of Golden Dolphin Safari World.
- He will take care of your visa (stamp) and gives you additional information about your transfer from the airport to the boat.
- Check-in can not be before 18:00. In case you check in before 18:00, please have consideration for the crew if they are still cleaning or loading the boat
- After the disembarkation boat's crew will organize a transfer back to the airport
North - Strait of Tiran - Brother Islands (7 nights) (Port Ghalib-Hurghada)
Included
- Accommodation (last night may be in a 3* Hotel "HB-BASIS")
- Diving (3-4 dives/day, 2 dives on the last day)
- Full board
- Soft drinks, water, coffee, tea
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Dive guide
- Nitrox
- Scheduled group transfer airport - yacht - airport
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fees and taxes/visa - 350-550 EUR per person (to be paid on board)
Extra cost
- International flights
- Private transfer
- Equipment rental
- 15 l tanks rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Days 2-6:
Departing & check dive. Safari according to the planned route.
Day 7:
2 dives on the last day. Return to the port.
Day 8:
Check-out from the yacht, group transfer to the airport.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons (Please note, that night dives are not available in Marine Parks)
Daedalus - Rocky Island - Zabargad - St. Johns - Elphinstone (14 nights) (Hurghada-Hurghada)
Included
- Accommodation (last night may be in a 3* Hotel "HB-BASIS")
- Diving (3-4 dives/day, 2 dives on the last day)
- Full board
- Soft drinks, water, coffee, tea
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Dive guide
- Nitrox
- Scheduled group transfer airport - yacht - airport
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fees and taxes/visa - 350-550 EUR per person (to be paid on board)
Extra cost
- International flights
- Private transfer
- Equipment rental
- 15 l tanks rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Days 2-13:
Departing & check dive. Safari according to the planned route.
Day 14:
2 dives on the last day. Return to the port.
Day 15:
Check-out from the yacht, group transfer to the airport.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons (Please note, that night dives are not available in Marine Parks)
