Marsa Alam's Resta Reef Hotel is such a great value hotel. And it's close to the famed House Reef at Moreen Beach with its unlimited diving as well as the boat diving nearby in Port Ghalib.

From now until 31 August (last check out), you can enjoy a FREE upgrade to All Inclusive when you book your holiday here.

Emperor has a PADI 5 Star centre right on site, so perfectly situated for the diving in Marsa Alam.

Here's a reminder of the good reasons to dive with Emperor Marsa Alam:

• Unlimited house reef, RIB/Zodiac & hard boat diving
• Elphinstone, shark, dugong and dolphins
• Underwater photographer friendly

» Click here for more information and to take a Virtual Tour

By Jim Yanny, Eco Divers/Emperor Divers

I first dived in Hurghada in 1985, moved there in 1992 and spent the next six glorious years enjoying the many and varied dive sites. Since then, I have had the good fortune to dive all over the world but just recently the opportunity arose for my wife, Cary, and I to return to Hurghada so we dived in with both feet!

We can honestly say that we were more than a little nervous about what we would be confronted with underwater. After all, these were going to be our first dives there in over fifteen years! When we lived there we loved Hurghada’s diving, offering at the time an exceptional combination of shallow ‘aquarium’ dives and deeper dramatic walls, plateaus and drop-offs. Not to mention regular dolphin encounters and easy access to the largest concentration of wrecks to be found anywhere in the Red Sea. However, during the nineties we also witnessed the growth of Hurghada from a sleepy backwater for divers into a hugely popular Red Sea resort with a massive increase in tourist numbers. Many divers had stopped going there, opting instead for alternative resorts further south. We were genuinely intrigued to learn how Hurghada’s previously magnificent underwater realm had fared after all these years at the hands of these ‘marauding tourists’. Were all the rumours of wholesale destruction true? Would returning to our once-favourite dive area be a move we would regret for the rest of our days? Nostalgia can be such a cruel emotion!

With two days of diving ahead, we were fortunate enough to be able to join a special trip north to the wreck of the Rosalie Moller, which we had never dived before. (I know, I know BUT we used to dive the Thistlegorm wreck back in 1993. Surely that goes some way to balance our credibility, right?). The Rosalie Moller is a wonderful wreck, almost perfectly intact and reminded us a lot of the Thistlegorm of twenty years ago. Just that bit deeper, mind you, which has helped to keep her in a great state of preservation but also making for an ever-so-slightly too short dive when done as a recreational profile if I am being honest. On our way home that day we vowed to return to dive the ‘Rosie’ at the earliest opportunity but not before having some extra training from Cat at Tekstreme so we could safely get more bottom time around (and inside?) the wreck.

On the second day we were able to head up to Carless Reef. We were blessed with exceptional conditions for April, as a rule a month of blowy weather. That day though we awoke to flat seas and not a breath of wind! Carless had always been my favourite Hurghada site. However, last time I dived here it had been the victim of a mass attack by Crown of Thorns starfish and it’s fair to say that it was in a pitiful condition with dead, grey coral for as far as the eye could see. At the time it broke my heart. I knew that Carless has been shut down for a few years before being reopened to divers but I was still filled with trepidation about what I would find. I fully expected the reef to be a pale shadow of its former glory. No pressure, then.

WOW, did I get a surprise! I simply couldn’t believe it; Carless Reef was just as beautiful as I remembered it. There were my great big free-swimming morays...the ‘ergs’ covered in anthias…the schools of banner fish…the pristine fields of table coral. On that one dive I was taken back twenty years. I am still pinching myself. This was a very personal dive for me and I’m not too shy to tell you that it brought a sizeable lump to my throat.

Those who know me know I take pride in my integrity, so trust me when I tell you how lovely Carless Reef looks in 2013. I myself can’t believe it. After all, twenty years is a long time and a lot of divers. I should give full credit to HEPCA and the Egyptian Government as it’s their efforts to fix moorings at the reefs and enforce responsible fishing and tourism practices that have sustained Carless Reef, so that I and many others are able to continue marvelling at its wonders to this day and hopefully for many years to come.

Our last dive was at Shaab Pinky on the north end of Big Giftun Island, a site we’d never previously dived but these days one of Emperor’s more visited dive sites. A shallow reef encrusted in coral and inhabited by octopus (not one, but two), a giant Napoleon, more giant morays, crocodile fish and schools of fusiliers bustling by on their way to somewhere important; a delicious dessert following the Carless main course.

Our return trip to the Red Sea was totally turned on its head. “Poor old Hurghada”, which we assumed had its best days behind it, turned out to be a major highlight of our diving and definitely provided our biggest smile and teariest eye. And yes, we WILL be back there soon. The hotel was comfortable and great value, the food was delicious, the après-dive beers at Friends Bar icy cold and the flight access convenient. And, of course, Emperor Divers’ service was its usual professional and welcoming self. Sure, Hurghada is a bigger town these days with more tourists but, you know, I’m there for the magic of the underwater world and when the diving is that good, that’s definitely OK by me.

For more information on diving Hurghada, click here.

We told you she had a fab makeover recently, well she also had new dive ladders fitted and upgraded beds. And now there's even freshly baked bakery delights and fresh juice to welcome you after your dives.

Add to that all the other upgrades - all her woodwork has been re-varnished and painted and the top deck for sunbathing has had a total refurb and is a fabulous place for relaxing - then there's her hot tub area - perfect for that end of the day unwind. She has free Wi-Fi when in signal area, air-con throughout and free wine with dinner - and you will want to join her, the team and crew for some warm Red Sea memories.

See more on Elite, including photos, here.

Anna Chouler wrote to us about a fund raising dive she completed whilst diving with Emperor Divers in Sharm El Sheikh. Read Anna's story of how she raised money for Guide dogs for the Blind...

 
"I was away with Deep Blue Pirates dive group from Whitley Bay, Newcastle Upon Tyne, diving in the Red Sea with Emperor Divers. I completed a 26 minute dive at a max depth of 15.1m, accompanied by my dive buddy Rachael Mckendry. The reason was to raise money and awareness for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Currently my total is at about £750, more information at www.justgiving.com/blindscubadive.
 
I am not blind so I had a blindfold on top of my dive mask to replicate what it would be like. Both myself and my buddy are experienced divers. Emperor Divers were a great help on my dive, running through the health and safety and encouraging me 100%. The local staff, although confused by why I would go into the water blindfolded, were great at helping me in and out of the water.
 
Divers will realise how hard this was as I couldn't  communicate by voice and needed to know from my gauges how deep I was, how long I had been diving and most importantly how much air I had left. I  worked with my dive buddy  to create touch communication so she could tell me the information I needed.
 
The Guide Dogs Charity makes a big difference to thousands of lives across the country. There is no government funding so they rely completely on donations from the public. It costs around £50,000 to breed, train and support a guide dog throughout its working life. There are currently 180,000 blind and partially sighted people that rarely leave their home. Guide Dogs are commited to change this.
 
The dive itself I really enjoyed and wasn't stressed at all - I think my buddy was more worried than I was; I found it very peaceful. My senses were definitely on overdrive, especially hearing; I could hear the other divers breathing in the water and any boats going overhead. I had no idea what direction i was going in. I felt myself going up and down at the end of the dive but in between I had no idea and had to completely rely on my buddy to lead me around.
 
I was out in Egypt as part of a group of 20 divers from Deep Blue Pirates who  have supported me through the preparation and dive with advice and as photographers and videographers and raised over £100 through the Deep Blue Pirate dive club members (www.deepbluepirates.net). Thanks to all who helped me achieve this and raise more money for a very good cause."
 
Anna Chouler
 

Karina Smit, Dive Centre Manager reports...

Our House Reef jetty has been completely refurbished and is now ready for action. It has been raised and completely made over with new wood and two new entry stairs for snorkelers and divers have been installed. Our House Reef continues to impress with Napoleons, turtles, black spotted stingrays and even Spanish dancers on the night dives. Come and enjoy the unspoiled and pristine reefs of the deep south!"

STOP PRESS! New offer: Emperor Divers Hamata: Zabargad Berenice Resort has some great deals between now and December from only GBP 246 / EUR 300.

Email info.reservations@emperordivers.com for more!

» Visit Emperor Hamata here and find out more...

El Gouna scores highly on TripAdvisor (as do all Emperor's centres), so here we would like to share a happy guest's feedback. It's good to hear it straight from those who experience it...

GenghisandOtherOne
Staplehurst, Kent

“fantastic - as usual”
Reviewed April 20, 2013
 

Dolphin and diver, El Gouna
(Emperor stock photography)

Just dived with Emperor again, for about the sixth time over the past few years ... On arrival, check in and registration was hassle free and I dived for 4 days. Highlight was Dolphin House at Shaab el Erg, where I was alone with my buddy in the gotta and a pod of 14 dolphins came right up to us and circled us a few times. A mother then brought her calf over for a close look at us, accompanied by a big bruiser of a male (he did NOT look cute). fantastic.

The boats are big and comfortable, the hire gear is good and the briefings and safety are excellent. Thanks to Bassem, Ahmed, Terry and the guys. You can leave you kit overnight safely. The lunches, prepared by the boat crew are fabulous. I took my (non diving) parents on the boats one day and my dad said it was as good as you get in the restaurants! The crew are very helpful and friendly and clearly know what they are doing.

I saw several snorkelers and non-divers on the boat and they were not treated like second class citizens, and there were some people doing courses etc. who looked like they were really enjoying it. Everyone had a One on One instructor this week.

Find out more on Emperor El Gouna, the diving and trips here.

With so many amazing sightings, it seems summer has come early in many Red Sea locations.

In Marsa Alam a pod of false killer whales (pic left) was spotted on the way back from Elphinstone to Emperor Marsa Alam, which is exceptionally rare.

The team at Emperor Hurghada reported a sailfish near Carless Reef and dolphins galore continue to put in appearances as well as thresher sharks and mantas.

Sharm has enjoyed early sightings of hammerheads, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and even a dugong in Ras Mohamed.

Says Emperor Divers’ General Manager, Mike Braun, “This is a great time to visit the Red Sea; so many remarkable sightings at the moment making diving even more exciting than usual. Plus we have some good-value diving/hotel packages helping to make things that little bit easier.”

Come and dive with the best www.emperordivers.com

Super Superior: Abu Nuhas - Giftun Island - Straits of Gubal
- SS Thistlegorm - Ras Mohamed

Yes it's Emperor's Classic Cruise on liveaboard Superior.

Sail away 7 - 14 June from Hurghada for just GBP 628 / EUR 765.

This route is a 21+ which means divers have managed 21 or more dives on a 7-day safari.

Find out, click here

or email info.safaris@emperordivers.com

Emperor Liveaboards offer the best group deals in the business.

How? Well you get a group discount even when that group is only SIX people. When five pay in full, then one goes FREE.

What if you're a group of 20+? We offer you FOUR FREE places when 20 pay full price. It's a win-win!

In fact, no matter what the numbers, we offer a FREE place for every five who pay.

And what's more, transfers are included:

• For Marsa Ghalib Port from Hurghada or Marsa Alam airports and hotels.
• For Hurghada from Hurghada airport and hotels.

Sail away in luxury on Emperor Elite or Emperor Superior on a choice of truly memorable routes - have a browse here.

If you have any questions then please email info.safaris@emperordivers.com and the team will be only too happy to help.

NEW great-value prices at Marina Lodge, Marsa Alam, from just  €295 / £242 (includes 3 days' boat diving)

Enjoy a FREE upgrade from HB to All Inclusive at the Resta Reef and Resta Grand Hotels. For stays between 01 May and 31 August.

AND Zabargad Berenice Resort, Hamata, has some great deals between now and December from only €300 / £246 (includes3 days' house reef diving).

Email reservations@emperordivers.com or speak to us via live chat or Skype at www.emperordivers.com

Now for the bits you need to know...
Marina Lodge quote based on 7nts HB Twin Share + 3 days boat diving (inc port fee) for travel dates 06/06-18/07/13
Resta Reef & Resta Grand book online as HB and your free upgrade will be sent with your confirmation
Zabargad Berenice Resort quote based on 7nts HB Twin Share + 3 days house reef diving for travel dates 01/05-20/07/13