The M/Y Emperor Elite is a 38-metre liveaboard designed specifically for divers, sailing year-round to some of the Red Sea's most spectacular dive sites.
As part of the renowned Emperor fleet, which stands for quality and service worldwide, it has already been recognised as "Best Liveaboard 2020" by DIVE magazine. She offers space for up to 26 guests, looked after by a professional crew of 10 who are dedicated to the safety and comfort of all passengers.
The diving routes depart from Hurghada or Marsa Ghalib, depending on the tour, and cover a variety of well-known regions - including "Simply the Best", "South and St John's", "Reefs and Wrecks" or the shark-inspired "Red Sea Sharks" route.
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On board, guests can choose between modern standard cabins and two comfortable suites. The ship has a total of 13 cabins, including eight standard cabins on the lower deck, three premium double cabins on different decks as well as a spacious premium executive suite and a junior suite on the upper deck. All cabins are air-conditioned, have en-suite bathrooms and offer ample storage space for personal belongings.
The communal areas include two air-conditioned lounges with a bar and entertainment system, a spacious sun deck with partial shade and cosy seating and lounging areas. The ship places particular emphasis on a relaxed atmosphere, which provides the perfect setting for an exciting diving trip.
Numerous extras are included in the cruise price: free Nitrox, WiFi on board and red wine with dinner provide additional comfort. All harbour, fuel and national park fees are also included, so there are no hidden extra costs - transparent pricing is part of the Emperor standard.
The diving safari on board the Emperor Elite includes seven nights' accommodation, six full days of diving with at least two guided dives per day and all local transfers. The price also includes tanks, weights, environmental and marine park fees and all diving licences. Two experienced dive guides are on hand throughout the trip to accompany guests to the most fascinating spots in the Red Sea.
This trip offers you some of the best diving in the Red Sea and includes Daedalus, Fury Shoals and Elphinstone. With less distance to cover than other itineraries, you'll have more time to immerse yourself in these iconic sites, and there's less chance of seasickness as the descents are shorter and the moorings are safe. Depending on the prevailing weather conditions, your guides will select suitable locations for night dives outside the Marine Park.
On the way to the Fury Shoals we can dive in the Marsa Alam area or perhaps dive in Sha'ab Sharm with its wall dives and white tip reef sharks. Oceanic whitetip sharks and silky sharks are sometimes found in the blue, and turtles often visit the south side before heading further south. In Fury Shoals we have more time to explore the huge reef system than other routes offer. Of course, we dive into the classics like Sha'ab Claude (aka Claudio) with its famous swim-throughs and huge Porites corals, Malahi with its mazes and friendly turtles and Abu Galawa Soraya with its fantastic coral garden and the wreck of a private sailboat littered with glassfish. Sataya with its resident spinner dolphin population is a must for snorkelling between dives, plus we have some good underwater offerings, in addition we can spend time exploring lesser dived sites such as Sha'ab Hamam (stairway to heaven), Abu Galawa Kebir with the Tien Hsing wreck, Gota Sataya and if the weather cooperates there are some underwater reefs to moor at such as Habili Sameh that will blow you away!
Daedalus Reef, part of the Red Sea Offshore Marine Park, is a large oval reef with a lighthouse and is the most remote offshore reef in the Egyptian Red Sea. The deep walls and drop-offs offer some of the most spectacular diving to be found anywhere. Daedalus has mountainous, pristine hard coral formations. There is also a good chance of seeing schools of hammerhead sharks, especially from May to November, and grey reef sharks.
Of course, no trip south would be complete without a stop at the world-famous Elphinstone, with its steep walls covered in soft corals and likely encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks. Depending on the experience of the group and the weather, you may even have the opportunity to dive in at the beginning and end of your amazing trip!
Check-out begins in the early morning of the day of disembarkation, with all guests departing by midday.
The last dive takes place on the penultimate day of the trip. Divers are advised to wait 24 hours after the last dive before flying.
Sample itineraries and maps are for illustrative purposes only. The exact route and locations visited may change depending on local regulations, guest experience, weather and logistics and are at the captain's discretion.
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Double cabin twin lower deck
- 2 single beds
- En-suite bathroom
- adjustable air conditioning
- max. 2 guests
Two single beds (side by side) with air conditioning and en-suite bathroom, bathrobe, 22" flat screen TV, hairdryer, minibar, media player available in each cabin.
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Double cabin twin upper deck
- 2 single beds
- En-suite bathroom
- adjustable air conditioning
- max. 2 guests
Two single beds (side by side) with air conditioning and en-suite bathroom, bathrobe, 22" flat screen TV, hairdryer, minibar, media player available in each cabin.
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Double cabin main deck
- 1 double or 2 single beds
- En-suite bathroom
- adjustable air conditioning
- max. 2 guests
A double cabin is located on the main deck, with air conditioning and en-suite bathroom. Each cabin has a 22" flat screen TV, hairdryer, mini-bar and media player for viewing.
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Junior Suite Upper Deck
- 1 double bed
- En-suite bathroom
- adjustable air conditioning
- max. 2 guests
Spacious cabin with double bed and en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, bathrobe, 22-inch flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, media player available in each cabin
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Executive Suite Upper Deck
- 1 double bed
- En-suite bathroom
- adjustable air conditioning
- max. 2 guests
Spacious cabin with double bed and en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, bathrobe, 22-inch flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, media player available in each cabin
Included: VAT, harbour fees, national park fees, fuel surcharge, hotel transfers, soft drinks, tea & coffee, drinking water, wine with dinner, special dinner, snacks, full board (all meals), nitrox, dive packages, additional dives, towels for use on deck, cabin towels, WiFi.
Optional extras: travel insurance, diving insurance (7 EUR per day), tips (40 EUR), airport transfer (12-58 EUR per activity), alcoholic drinks (3.50 EUR), rental equipment, Nitrox course (160 EUR), private dive guide (599 EUR), diving courses (69-250 EUR).
Prices for rental equipment
Rental equipment is available on this ship. Please indicate what you need on the booking form. Details below of what is included and the additional prices.
- 15 litre bottles 35-46 EUR
- Regulator 83 EUR
- BCD 83 EUR
- Fins 21-21 EUR
- Mask 14 EUR
- Nitrox bottle included
- Signal buoy 14 EUR
- Torch 48 EUR
- Dive computer 14 EUR
- Complete equipment (with: regulator, BCD, fins, mask, signal buoy, dive computer, wetsuit) 206 EUR
- Wetsuit 55-83 EUR
- Air temperature: Warm all year round with average temperatures between 24.1 °C in January and 35.6 °C in August.
- Water temperature: Stable temperatures between 22 °C in February/March and 29 °C in August, ideal for diving.
- Rainfall: Very dry climate with minimal rainfall, mainly in October and November.meteoblue+2Weather Atlas+2Nomad Season+2
Egypt is located in north-east Africa and connects Africa with Asia via the Sinai Peninsula. The Red Sea stretches along the east coast of Egypt and is an important maritime region with rich marine life, clear waters and unique coral reefs.
Population & Religion
Egypt has over 100 million inhabitants, the vast majority of whom are Muslim (mostly Sunni). There are also small Christian minorities, mainly Copts. Religion plays a central role in social life.
Economic factors & tourism
Tourism is a mainstay of the Egyptian economy. In addition to cultural highlights such as the pyramids and temples, diving tourism on the Red Sea is an important economic factor, especially in regions such as Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Sharm El-Sheikh and Dahab. Diving and beach tourism creates numerous jobs in the hotel industry, catering, travel agencies and as diving guides.
Importance of diving in the Red Sea
The Red Sea is considered one of the most biodiverse seas in the world. It is known for:
- Coral reefs in excellent condition
- Year-round diving conditions due to warm water temperatures
- Diversity of marine life such as dolphins, sharks, turtles, moray eels and colourful reef fish
- Spectacular wrecks, e.g. the SS Thistlegorm
- Good underwatervisibility of up to 40 metres
These conditions make Egypt one of the world's favourite destinations for beginners and experienced divers alike.
Conclusion
Diving in the Red Sea is of great economic and ecological importance for Egypt. Not only does it contribute to regional development, but it also helps to raise awareness for the protection of marine ecosystems. Combined with cultural treasures, Egypt is a unique destination for recreation, adventure and nature experiences.