Emperor Divers News tag:www.emperordivers.com,2009-06-03:/blog//4 2010-03-09T11:03:33Z News from Emperor Divers and the Red Sea Movable Type Pro 4.32-en Emperor at LIDS Dive Show tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.690 2010-03-09T10:57:59Z 2010-03-09T11:03:33Z Dive the Red Sea and enjoy Emperor's Value for Money diving. You get the best service added to the best diving at undeniably great value. 'In Resort' dive packages give you the complete holiday experience. Bryony Stand 400. March 27/28

Dive the Red Sea and enjoy Emperor's Value for Money diving. You get the best service added to the best diving at undeniably great value.

'In Resort' dive packages give you the complete holiday experience. There's the chance to win 4 x 5-day dive packs and when you book at the show, buy one dive pack and get one free.

Marsa Alam June 2009 110_sm.jpgThis is the perfect year-round destination from the UK. Emperor covers more ground (and sea) than most with centres in Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Nuweiba, Sharm El Sheikh and Dive Tribe/El Gouna.

Take advantage of one-off show liveaboard offers on Emperor's luxury fleet - even more great value diving in fabulous surroundings from the Red Sea's top diving company!

Email today for more fascinating information info@emperordivers.com


 

]]> Tekstreme at LIDS Dive Show tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.689 2010-03-09T10:45:40Z 2010-03-09T10:57:49Z It's Dive Show time again! Make a date in your diary for March 27/28 and visit Tekstreme at Emperor Divers - Stand 400. Bryony techcavesm.jpgIt's Dive Show time again! Make a date in your diary for March 27/28 and visit Tekstreme at Emperor Divers - Stand 400.

Meet the Tekstreme team and pick up valuable advice on technical diving and courses in all of our Red Sea Tekstreme locations - Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm.

You can book some 'Show Special' Technical diving deals, only available during the show, directly at Emperor's stand.

We look forward to seeing you there or email us today at tekstreme@emperordivers.com

]]> Emperor Divers teams up with Dive Tribe in El Gouna tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.688 2010-03-02T14:08:37Z 2010-03-04T12:33:40Z The Dive Tribe and Emperor Divers have teamed up to create Emperor Dive Tribe, El Gouna. Adding to the long-established Emperor dive centres in Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Nuweiba and Sharm el Sheikh, divers now have an even greater choice to dive with Emperor Divers' expertise coupled with the Dive Tribe knowledge of the El Gouna area. Bryony divetribe_logo.jpgThe Dive Tribe and Emperor Divers have teamed up to create Emperor Dive Tribe, El Gouna.

Adding to the long-established Emperor dive centres in Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Nuweiba and Sharm el Sheikh, divers now have an even greater choice to dive with Emperor Divers' expertise coupled with the Dive Tribe knowledge of the El Gouna area.

The Dive Tribe has an excellent reputation for quality, safety and service. Established in October 1999, the centre has won several awards for excellence and under the management of award-winning Red Sea dive company, Emperor Divers, guests can take advantage of an enjoyably enhanced experience. Together, the centre offers the full range of day diving and dive courses and a variety of water sports.

For more information on diving Emperor El Gouna, email info.reservations@emperordivers.com


 

]]> ED Awards Sharm - 2010 tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.687 2010-03-01T09:41:59Z 2010-03-01T10:40:22Z "It's strange how all the important awards each year happen around the same time and you don't know which one to attend. There's the Oscars, Baftas, Emmys, Grammys and - most importantly - the EDs. Bryony Commentary by Duncan McAllister, Sharm's Dive Centre Manager

It's strange how all the important awards each year happen around the same time and you don't know which one to attend. There's the Oscars, Baftas, Emmys, Grammys and - most importantly - the EDs.

The EDs are voted for by the instructors themselves and therefore reflect their own ideas on how each individual performs. This year the awards were attended by everyone in the dive centre from jetty staff to boat crews and, of course, the instructors. It also made me realise we have over 55 staff here in Sharm and they all deserve a mention for their hard work throughout the year and the service they provide to our guests and friends.

Not only was it the first time so many of us had been together but it was also Dan's leaving do, so it all just seemed to fit into place as a great night and occasion.

So not to keep you in suspense anymore here are the categories, nominees and winners.

Favourite Instructor Award       Pete, Denis, Elise, Terry and Shaun  
The winner Denis
Team Player Award                Denis, Dan, Roger, Terry                   
The winner Terry
Most Social Award                 Roger, Mat, Elise, Shaun                  
The winner Roger
Most Improved Instructor         Liz, Ryan, Elise                               
The winner Ryan
Biggest Contributor                Carol, Ali (Senior Driver), Dan            
The winner Dan
Biggest Mistake                     Ryan, Steve P, Sonya                     
The winner Steve P
Favourite Egyptian Staff          Ali (Senior Driver), Gamal, Saad        
The winner Ali
Most Improved Egyptian Staff  Gamal, Saad, Ali (Equipment)          
The winner Saad
Best Boat                             Marcus, Shorouk, Kastan Sea                                    
The winner Kastan Sea

 

0310 Terry recieves his ED from Steve H.JPG  Terry receives his ED from Steve H

0310 Ali receives his ED from Denis.jpg   Ali receives his ED from Denis

0310 Dan receives his ED from Duncan.jpg   Dan receives his ED from Duncan 

0310 Denis recieves with ED from Carol.jpg   Denis receives his ED from Carol

0310 Roger receives his ED from Susi.jpg  Roger receives his ED from Susi

0310 Ryan recieves his ED from Tammi.jpg   Ryan receives his ED from Tammi  

0310 Steve P receives his ED from Laura.jpg Steve P receives his ED from Laura

0310 Saad recieves his ED from Dan.jpg   Saad recieves his ED from Dan


 

]]> Whale of a 'shark time' in Hurghada tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.685 2010-02-26T07:10:48Z 2010-02-26T07:19:22Z Hurghada had a welcome surprise visit recently from a 4m whaleshark. Emperor dive guides spotted the visitor on the surface close to the shore close to the marina of the Dive Centre. Bryony Hurghada had a welcome surprise visit recently from a 4m whaleshark. Emperor dive guides spotted the visitor on the surface close to the shore near the Dive Centre marina.

whale shark regency sm.jpgEmperor dive guests were fortunate enough to be on the boat but, alas, not able to get into the water but, "The view from the boat was awe-inspiring."

New divemasters, Terry and Islam, said the guests were very happy with the days diving but that this was the 'icing on the cake!'

Note: Pic of similar model!


 

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]]> Dan has left the building - all because of a few Sperm Whales! tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.684 2010-02-24T09:42:34Z 2010-02-24T10:10:54Z It's official, after so many near encounters the end has finally come and the 'Dan Era' is over. After more than five years Dan Zanoni, Marine Biologist, has left the building and gone on to pastures new. We tried to keep him, but when you are up against someone's dream job you're always facing an uphill struggle. Bryony Duncan McAllister, Sharm el Sheikh's dive centre manager, reports:

"Its official, after so many near encounters the end has finally come and the 'Dan Era' is over. After more than five years Dan Zanoni, Marine Biologist, has left the building and gone on to pastures new. We tried to keep him, but when you are up against someone's dream job you're always facing an uphill struggle.

Dan.jpgDan has always wanted a job that combined his diving, his degree (marine biology) and involved some form of research. Out of the blue in November he was approached by his old university in Norway with an offer to return and be in charge of their new Sperm Whale Research Team and it was just too much temptation to resist.

And so we say farewell to a very popular member of the team, but I am sure we will be able to get him to do some guest appearance articles for the Newsletter, as these have proved so popular. I wonder what those might be about?

He says to all his friends - if you ever want to go snorkelling with Killer Whales in November in Norway, feel free to make contact, but bring a dry suit and extra thermals, you'll need it."

 

 


 

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]]> Surprise Marsa Alam dive ends in tears...happy ones! tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.683 2010-02-23T12:10:49Z 2010-03-09T08:12:53Z After two very nice morning dives, I was a little disappointed when the Captain said we had to move as the wind had changed direction. Due to an unusual south wind we headed to Marsa Mubarak South reef. Bryony Bottlenose Dolphin encounter on 8th February 2010
By Sarah Iles, dive guide, Emperor Marsa Alam

Photo by Keith McKay

Keith McKay 20th Feb dolphin encounter sm.JPGAfter two very nice morning dives, I was a little disappointed when the Captain said we had to move as the wind had changed direction. Due to an unusual south wind we headed to Marsa Mubarak South reef.

We jumped in on a site that I knew had amazing corals and there to greet us were lots of big red snapper and spotted sweetlips.

Suddenly I was aware of a diver getting my attention. I turned to look and above us were five big bottlenose dolphins.

They came down to inspect us, swimming very close. They surfaced for air and then came back, playing around us before disappearing off into the blue.  Of course we were all elated, but it was time to turn back.

Swimming over a stunning hard coral garden we were still totally enjoying our encounter, when they came back! This time they started mimicking us swimming and coming even closer, right up to us as we made our way to the boat. WOW!  An incredible experience, made even better by a guest who was an instructor with over 2500 dives coming to me with tears in his eyes, saying he had never had a better dive.

Just goes to show that when you think that moving dive sites is a bad decision, surprises can happen and make your day.

Go diving in Marsa Alam - a whole lot more information awaits you here.

]]> BSAC Technical divers and Tekstreme instructors pass with flying colours tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.682 2010-02-23T09:14:38Z 2010-03-09T08:17:18Z After a week of intensive training, Tekstreme is pleased to announce that all BSAC students and instructors passed their courses with flying colors. Bryony After a week of intensive training, Tekstreme is pleased to announce that all BSAC students and instructors passed their courses with flying colors.

From the Open Circuit side of technical diving, under the close supervision and direction of BSAC Technical instructors Ray McKee and Brian Smith, the week of training ran very smoothly. The students enjoyed dives on reefs such as Tower Reef and Woodhouse Canyon with the weather proving to be fantastic for most part of the week with crystal clear warm waters that remained calm and flat.

From the Closed Circuit side of technical diving, BSAC's Mike Rowley provided his expertise, tuition and knowledge to help the divers achieve their CCR advanced mixed gas instructor certificates.

 

IMG_0009 BSAC divers pass courses.JPGCongratulations to BSAC divers on completion of:
Peter Moody - OC Advanced Mixed Gas Diver
Peter Huntley - OC Advanced Mixed Gas Diver
Steve Capes - OC Advanced Mixed Gas Diver
Tony Smyth - OC Advanced Mixed Gas Diver
Charlie Leeson - CCR Advanced Mixed Gas Instructor

Congratulations also to Tekstreme technical instructors on completion of:
Cat Parfitt - OC Advanced Mixed Gas Instructor
Sarah Woodford - OC Advanced Mixed Gas Instructor & CCR Advanced Mixed Gas Instructor
Chris Armstrong - OC Advanced Mixed Gas Instructor & CCR Advanced Mixed Gas Instructor
Shaun Lambert - OC Explorer Mixed Gas Instructor
Steve Hinton - OC Sports Mixed Gas Instructor

Said Tekstreme Manager, Cat Parfitt, "Personally I would like that to pay special thanks to Mike Rowley for giving us his time, experience and guidance in all aspects of the week. His in depth explanations, historical insights and general diving knowledge reflects his position and respect within the technical diving community.

 
Tekstreme is working very hard alongside BSAC to promote and provide technical training to offer UK divers a warm-water experience. Our BSAC Technical training centre can provide a base for instructors to teach their students. We can provide the support and local knowledge to make instruction easier.

Find out more at www.tekstremediving.com or email  info@tekstremediving.com


 

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]]> Emperor teams up with Dive Tribe in El Gouna tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.681 2010-02-19T11:44:39Z 2010-02-20T22:10:07Z Dive Tribe and Emperor Divers have teamed up to create Emperor Dive Tribe, El Gouna; a great mix as you now have even more choice to dive with Emperor Divers coupled with the Dive Tribe experience of the El Gouna area. Bryony divetribe_logo.jpgDive Tribe and Emperor Divers have teamed up to create Emperor Dive Tribe, El Gouna; a great mix as you now have even more choice to dive with Emperor Divers coupled with the Dive Tribe experience of the El Gouna area.

The Dive Tribe has an excellent reputation for quality, safety and service. Established in October 1999, the centre has won several awards for excellence and is now managed by award-winning Red Sea dive company, Emperor Divers. Together, the centre offers the full range of day diving and dive courses and a variety of water sports.

Longwood is offering some excellent deals for groups so book your new diving experience today:
info.reservations@emperordivers.com
or
www.longwoodholidays.co.uk

or

www.regal-diving.co.uk

 

]]> Nuweiba's Mimic Octopus disappears in a puff of smoke tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.680 2010-02-19T11:21:28Z 2010-02-19T11:29:01Z The very elusive Mimic Octopus has made another magical appearance for Emperor Divers in Nuweiba. Bryony The very elusive Mimic Octopus has made another magical appearance for Emperor Divers in Nuweiba. At the start of a dive on the House Reef last month, guest, Jenny Johnson, managed to get a couple of quick shots of this little Mimic Octopus before it disappeared with a spurt of ink back to the sanctuary of its hole in the sand (first two pics). A kind of 'now you see me now you don't occasion!'

The Mimics have been here in Nuweiba for many years as this photo from regular visitor to Emperor Divers, Steve Mullooly, taken in 2005 shows (far right).

 Mimic octo Jenny.jpg  Mimic vanishes.JPG  Mimic Octo NuweibaSteve.JPG

]]> Exploration Safaris - virgin diving tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.679 2010-02-19T11:17:38Z 2010-02-20T22:08:04Z Dive where other dive boats have never dived before! Here's your chance to discover and explore new sites that even our most experienced dive guides haven't yet ventured. Bryony 0210 exploration trip photo.jpgDive where other dive boats have never dived before! Here's your chance to discover and explore new sites that even our most experienced dive guides haven't yet ventured.

We can't guarantee what you'll discover but we can guarantee a memorable time and an exciting adventure. It could be you discovering a new ancient wreck, an unknown destroyer such as the Myngs or a pristine reef! On the first and last days you'll dive some of the best known reefs in the St Johns and Fury Shoals area.

2010 dates:


Other dates available to groups on request.

Email safaris@emperordivers.com for more information

]]> American guests rate Emperor Asmaa liveaboard trip 'excellent' tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.678 2010-02-19T11:14:19Z 2010-02-19T11:16:44Z Excellent service, great guide, excellent food and unlike any other diving I've done before. Bryony "Excellent service, great guide, excellent food and unlike any other diving I've done before. Everyone was friendly and relaxed but very professional. Loved the help with getting dive gear on and off. Found the website very helpful; one of the reasons we chose Emperor Divers. Hats off to Juan our dive master, he really did an excellent job."

Kathryn Amerell, Valdez, AK, USA

]]> New hotel choice for Sharm tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.677 2010-02-19T11:11:28Z 2010-02-19T11:14:10Z New to Emperor's hotel choice is the Badawia Hotel, situated in the Om El Sid area of Sharm el Sheikh. This small, low rise hotel awaits you with a friendly welcome. Ideal for both couples and families as there are lots of on-hand amenities including a swimming pool and shuttle bus to the nearest beach with watersport facilities. Bryony New to Emperor's hotel choice is the Badawia Hotel, situated in the Om El Sid area of Sharm el Sheikh. This small, low rise hotel awaits you with a friendly welcome. Ideal for both couples and families as there are lots of on-hand amenities including a swimming pool and shuttle bus to the nearest beach with watersport facilities.

Although just a few minutes stroll away from the new shopping centre, El Mercato, the hotel is set back from the hustle and bustle. Rooms are set around the pool and sun terrace and have views of either the pool or gardens.

When you choose a Cruise & Stay package with Emperor, this hotel is part of your package.

Emperor Divers provides free transport to and from the dive centre each day for dive
]]> Kevin Prosser's chuffed with Sharm tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.676 2010-01-28T09:47:12Z 2010-02-01T16:31:24Z Please pass on my thanks to all involved at Emperor Divers for making my stay a really enjoyable experience in Sharm. I have returned to diving after a 23 year break and the BSAC ocean diver course was just the ticket to bring me back up to speed with latest equipment and best practice. I really, really enjoyed the reef and hard boat diving and the whole service from all involved was a fantastic experience. Bryony Please pass on my thanks to all involved at Emperor Divers for making my stay a really enjoyable experience in Sharm. I have returned to diving after a 23 year break and the BSAC ocean diver course was just the ticket to bring me back up to speed with latest equipment and best practice. I really, really enjoyed the reef and hard boat diving and the whole service from all involved was a fantastic experience.
 
My special thanks to my instructor Mat Cotton who was very thorough and professional in his approach. I have had experience of various instructors over the years and Mat certainly stepped up to the plate. Suffice to say, if my daughter wished to learn to dive I would recommend she attends Emperor Divers.  

I will be looking to return in the spring to complete the BSAC sport diver course (ideally with Mat or Pete) and hopefully thereafter enjoy some additional non-course diving. I have joined the local Chester BSAC branch and will wholeheartedly recommend Emperor Divers to all concerned for both courses and holiday diving in the Red Sea.

Kevin Prosser, England
]]> Meet us this month at Duikvaker, Netherlands tag:www.emperordivers.com,2010:/blog//4.675 2010-01-28T09:44:42Z 2010-02-01T16:33:45Z Come along and meet the team. From 5 - 7 February, we will be at Duikvaker, Expo Houten, Netherlands on Stand G02. We hope to see you there! Bryony Come along and meet the team. From 5 - 7 February, we will be at Duikvaker, Expo Houten, Netherlands on Stand G02. We hope to see you there!

]]>