Emperor Divers

Marsa Alam: Egypt’s Southern Frontier and the Gateway to Adventure

If you are looking for a Red Sea experience that feels a world away from the crowds, Marsa Alam is the answer. It is a place of incredible contrasts—where you can find both the sophisticated buzz of a world-class marina and the raw, silent beauty of the desert.

Here are 5 facts you should know about this southern gem in 2026:
1. The Hub of Adventure: Port Ghalib Port Ghalib is much more than just a beautiful waterfront. It is the heart of the region's diving and travel scene, serving as the launching point for the Red Sea’s most legendary liveaboard journeys. After a day on the water, there is nothing quite like the sunset views from the marina's vibrant promenade.

2. A History Written in Emeralds Marsa Alam has a glittering past. Tucked into the mountains are the "Emerald Mines of Cleopatra," once the primary source of emeralds for the Roman and Byzantine empires. You can still explore these ancient archaeological sites and see where the Pharaohs' treasures were unearthed.

3. The Home of the Gentle Dugong This is one of the few places on the planet where you can meet a Dugong, or "Sea Cow." These rare and peaceful marine mammals are often found grazing in the shallow seagrass bays of the region. Seeing a "real-life mermaid" in its natural habitat is an experience you will never forget.

4. The "Egyptian Galapagos" Just a short hop south lies Wadi el Gemal National Park. This protected wilderness is a haven for biodiversity, featuring everything from mangroves and wild camels to green sea turtles. It is a sanctuary for nature lovers who want to see Egypt’s wildlife at its most pristine.

5. Sustainable Serenity at Wadi Sabarah For those seeking a deeper connection to the landscape, Wadi Sabarah represents the future of eco-luxury. Built from fossilised coral stone to blend seamlessly into the desert, it offers a peaceful retreat focused on sustainable travel, quiet nights, and untouched reefs.

Planning a journey to the deep south? Whether you are docking at Port Ghalib or finding peace at Wadi Sabarah, we have your front-row seat ready for the ultimate Egyptian adventure. Book here: https://www.emperordivers.com/day-diving-location/port-ghalib/

Honiara: The gateway to the "Iron Bottom Sound" and the wild heart of the Pacific

For the traveller who has seen it all, Honiara and the Solomon Islands offer something truly rare: a destination that feels authentic, unpolished, and deeply significant.

Here are 5 facts you should know about this Pacific frontier in 2026:
1. A Living Underwater Museum The waters just off the coast are known as "Iron Bottom Sound." This isn't just a name—it refers to the incredible number of WWII ships and planes that settled here during the Battle of Guadalcanal. It is arguably the most significant wreck-diving destination in the world.

2. A Post-War Capital Honiara is a city born from history. It became the capital only after WWII ended, built on the site of a major US military base. You can feel that history everywhere, from the memorials on the hills to the relics still found in the surrounding bush.

3. Dive into the Past from sunken submarines to massive Japanese transport ships like the Bonegi wrecks, the diving here is world-class. Many of these historic wrecks are so close to shore they can be reached as beach dives, making Honiara a unique hub for history-loving divers.

4. The Galapagos of the Pacific The biodiversity in the Solomon Islands is staggering. The rainforests around Honiara are a haven for rare wildlife and endemic birds. It’s one of the few places on Earth where the nature above the water is just as diverse and untouched as the coral reefs below.

5. Ancient Currency in a Modern World One of the most fascinating aspects of local culture is "Shell Money." These intricate strings of polished shells have been used as currency for centuries and are still used today for important traditional transactions. It’s a powerful symbol of the Solomons' resilient culture.

Ready to find the world as it used to be? Whether you are a history buff or a nature seeker, Honiara is the perfect starting point for your next great adventure.

Check out our latest itineraries and join us in the Solomon Islands: https://www.emperordivers.com/day-diving-country/solomon-islands/

Emperor are proud to support the critical conservation efforts to protect the Red Sea's spinner dolphins.

The beautiful spinner dolphins of the Red Sea are facing a serious crisis. What tourists often view as a "close encounter" is actually harassment, which is causing measurable stress and threatening their ability to rest and survive. Harassment violations have increased by a troubling 47% this year.

We can all be responsible advocates and help protect these animals. When on the water, please remember:
✅Maintain Distance: A 50-meter minimum exclusion zone is mandatory. Never pursue a pod.
✅No Contact/Feeding: Avoid all physical contact, and never feed wild dolphins.
✅Support Safe Tourism: Only book excursions with certified Dolphin-Safe operators.
✅Harming or disturbing marine mammals is a criminal offense under Egyptian Law. They don't need our hands; they need our respect.

At the end of the day, family is where you feel home and happy. For us, that "home" is often 20 meters underwater or sharing laughs on the boat deck after a long day of diving!

Today, we’re celebrating all the families who dive with us—from the biological ones to the "dive tribes" we build along the way. Happy International Day of Families to our incredible global community!

We’ve always believed that the only surprise you should get on a dive trip is a Manta ray gliding past or a cheeky turtle popping up to say hello—not a surprise bill at the end of your holiday!

You already know and love our "No Hidden Extras" policy on our liveaboards, and because the feedback from you lot has been so brilliant, we’ve decided it was high time we brought that same honesty to our daily diving centres worldwide.

Whether you’re visiting us in Sharm, Port Ghalib or Wadi Sabarah, what you see is what you get. No "dubious" surcharges, no scratching your head over marine park fees, and absolutely no hidden maths.
Our CEO, Alexander Bryant, sums it up perfectly:
“No Hidden Extras has long been at the heart of our liveaboards, and the response from divers has been incredibly positive. It was only a matter of time before we brought the same approach to our daily diving — so wherever or however you dive with Emperor, you know exactly what you’re paying for.
We often see compulsory charges presented in different ways — daily fees, marine park fees, fuel surcharges or other dubious onboard extras — sometimes clear, sometimes less so. Our approach is simple: if it’s mandatory, it’s included. The price you see is the price you pay.”

We’re thrilled to make your booking experience as smooth as a flat sea. It’s all about keeping things simple so we can get back to the important stuff—diving!
Have you got a trip to one of our centres in the works? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Nothing beats that moment when you're diving in the Maldives and a huge, spotted shadow appears out of the blue.

Diving next to a Whale Shark is pure magic. It’s just you and this gentle giant gliding through the water. It’s one of those moments you’ll never forget!

Have you ever seen a Whale Shark while diving?

We’d love to hear your stories! Where were you and what was it like? Share your experience in the comments below! 👇

5 Reasons Nusa Lembongan should be on your 2026 Bali itinerary

If you’re looking for the "secret" side of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is where you’ll find it. Rugged, relaxed, and home to some of the ocean's most incredible giants, here is what makes this island so special:

Slow Travel Vibes: With virtually no cars, the island is a sanctuary for those looking to swap traffic jams for scooter rides and coastal walks.

Seaweed Heritage: Watch the traditional seaweed farmers at work—a beautiful glimpse into the island’s history and local way of life.

The Mola Mola: Visit during the right season for a chance to see the world's heaviest bony fish, the elusive Oceanic Sunfish.

Mantas Year-Round: You don’t have to wait for a specific month to see Manta Rays here; they are the island's most famous permanent residents!

Devil’s Tear: Experience the raw power of the ocean at this iconic blowhole—perfect for that ultimate sunset photo.

Ready to explore the "Nusa Lembongan"? Whether you’re diving with us or just soaking up the island life, Nusa Lembongan is waiting.

Emperor Group confirms that its liveaboard vessel Emperor Explorer was lost following a fire in the Maldives on Saturday 9 May.

All guests and crew were evacuated safely and have since been transferred to sister vessel Emperor Serenity, where they are being cared for. No injuries have been reported.
“Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone on board, and we are profoundly grateful that all guests and crew are safe and well," Alexander Bryant, CEO of Emperor Group, said.
“We are now focused on supporting our guests and crew.”

Flexible Booking Policy!

Ready to get back in the water? We’ve just made it easier than ever to get your next liveaboard adventure on the calendar!

For the whole of May, you can lock in your getaway for any time between now and October with a tiny 100 GBP/USD/EUR deposit. Final balance 60 days before you travel.

And because we know travel plans can sometimes be a bit wiggly, if your airline cancels your flight, we’ll reschedule your trip for free within a year.

Easy, transparent, and stress-free; just the way a holiday should be!

The important bits:
Book by: 31 May 2026
Travel dates: 1 May – 31 October 2026
Deposit: Only 100 GBP/USD/EUR per person
Final balance: Due 60 days before departure
Cancellations: One free reschedule within 12 months if the airline cancels your flight

Contact the team on [email protected] to book and for more information

As our repeat guests, you already know that Sharm El Sheikh is practically a second home. But even if you’ve spent weeks on our decks or hanging out at the dive centre, this "City of Peace" always has a few more secrets to share.
Whether you’re back for the world-class Red Sea diving or just fancy a bit of Sinai soul, here is why Sharm is still top of the list for 2026:

A Hub for History: Beyond the resort buzz, Sharm is a global centre for diplomacy. There’s a reason it’s known as the "City of Peace"—it has hosted more international summits than almost any other coastal destination.
Ancient Wonders: A short hop from the coast takes you to St. Catherine’s Monastery. Nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai, this 6th-century UNESCO site is the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery on the planet.
The Ultimate Wreck Dive: You’ve likely heard the briefings, but have you seen it lately? The SS Thistlegorm remains a hauntingly beautiful WWII time capsule. There is nothing quite like seeing those Bedford trucks and Norton motorbikes silent on the seabed.
Year-Round Heat: We don’t really do "winter" here. With water temperatures rarely dipping below 21°C in January, it’s the ultimate escape for those chasing perpetual summer.
Marine Biodiversity: Ras Mohammed National Park was Egypt's first protected area for a reason. The meeting of the Gulfs creates a nutrient-rich playground for over 1,000 species of fish.

We know many of you have your favourite Ras Mo spots or Thistlegorm memories. Are you planning your 2026 return to the Sinai Peninsula yet?

Drop your favourite Sharm "hidden gem" in the comments, or let us know how many times you’ve visited us in Sharm!