Hammerhead II Liveaboard overview

By
Sally Lockman
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Born and raised on a tiny island in the Middle East, Sally has always been passionate about the ocean. After finally leaving the corporate and banking...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

Bursting with biodiversity rarely seen anywhere else, the Red Sea has more than 1,200 marine and coral life species, and rightly remains at the top of many divers’ bucket lists.

Although visitors can choose between resort, day boat, and liveaboard diving, only the last one offers access to the most remote sites.

With many well-known liveaboard companies operating in the Red Sea, finding an option that suits your specific needs and budget can be daunting. One worthy operator to consider is the the Hammerhead II.

The Hammerhead II also sometimes operates under the Seafari International fleet. This yacht offers year-round trips designed to accommodate various activities, such as diving and kite surfing, as well as private charter options.

So, keep reading as we dive into our review of the Hammerhead II.

About this review

To help you find a that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of s

Things we like:

  • Modern interior with panoramic windows
  • Clean and spacious cabins
  • Friendly crew and knowledgeable guides
  • Delicious Egyptian and Western food

Things we don't like:

  • A shortage of activities in the evening

Diving on the Hammerhead II liveaboard

The Red Sea offers ideal weather and water conditions year-round, making it an excellent destination for scuba divers. In the warm summer season from May to September, land temperatures range from 77 to 113 F (25 to 45 C). Water temperatures range from 70 to 84 F (21 to 29 C), and you’ll find crystal-clear visibility post-plankton bloom, making this season ideal for spotting large pelagics.

On the other hand, winter gets a little colder, allowing for encounters with different types of sharks and rays as air temperatures fall between 50 to 94 F (10 to 35 C) and water temperatures remain between 62 to 75 F (17 to 24 C).

The Hammerhead II offers an interesting and varied year-round itinerary, including dive sites such as Elphinstone, Brothers Islands, Daedalus, and wrecks such as Thistlegorm, Abu Nahas, and more. Over the course of seven days, guests may also spot marine life including dolphins, turtles, sharks, manta rays, and dugongs.

The Hammerhead II promises a highly trained, multilingual crew and a fully equipped dive deck. Ensuring that divers and kite surfers get the most out of their vacation, everything is provided from the moment of arrival until departure, including well-crafted meals, complimentary drinks, and snacks. Optional services, such as airport transfers, nitrox tanks, rental gear, and diving courses, are available for an additional charge.

Highlights:

  • Clear visibility up to 100 feet (30 m)
  • Historic wrecks and a range of marine life
  • Equipped for kitesurfing

Onboard the Hammerhead II

The Hammerhead II, built in 2019, is a 148-foot (45 m) luxury yacht designed to cater to divers and kitesurfers. The boat accommodates up to 32 guests in 16 individually air-conditioned cabins, and some are equipped with ensuite facilities. Cabins are designed to offer maximum space, privacy, and comfort, and are some of the largest in the Red Sea compared to other dive boats of the same size.

Eight cabins are located on the lower deck, with another eight on the third deck. Two of them are master rooms with panoramic views. The dining area and dive platform are located on the second deck, with the indoor area designed to be distinctively modern and bright. The spacious dive deck allows divers and kitesurfers to prepare their gear and move around safely and freely.

Hammerhead II has four decks and an onboard hot tub. The third and fourth decks have sunny spots equipped with comfortable couches and cushions, where guests can enjoy the warm sun, work on their tan, stargaze, or end the day with a cold drink from the mini bar.

While connectivity may be limited depending on network availability, WiFi is provided at an additional charge for guests seeking to stay connected while onboard.

Highlights:

  • Luxury dive yacht
  • Four decks
  • 16 individually air-conditioned cabins
  • Onboard hot tub
  • Wi-Fi is available for an extra charge

Dining on the Hammerhead II

Onboard Hammerhead II, a highly trained team works around the clock preparing local and vegetarian cuisine, made daily and served buffet-style. Guests with specific dietary requirements, such as food allergies or religious beliefs, can make their requests at the time of booking to ensure availability.

In addition to a well-crafted meal plan, guests can expect complimentary snacks, soft drinks, coffee, and tea throughout the day to maintain their stamina between dives.

Highlights:

  • Local cuisines with vegetarian options
  • Complimentary water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks

Things we like:

  • Modern interior with panoramic windows
  • Clean and spacious cabins
  • Friendly crew and knowledgeable guides
  • Delicious Egyptian and Western food

Things we don't like:

  • A shortage of activities in the evening
Key Facts
Year Built 2019
Max Divers 32
Price Range Budget
Trip Length 5-7 Nights
Internet Yes (free)
Nitrox Yes ($)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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