Emperor 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!

"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 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."

Photo by Keith McKay

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.

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.

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:

• 16/04 - 23/04: Emperor Elite
• 13/08 - 27/08: Emperor Elite

Frogfish change colour over time to match their surroundings and, not surprisingly, grow larger as they grow older.  Underwater photographer and frequent visitor to Emperor Nuweiba, Jan Davies, has sent us four photos from 2005 to 2009 of what he believes to be the same Frogfish showing how it has adapted its colouration over the years with its surroundings.

Are there any Frogfish experts out there who can confirm that this could be the same fish growing older over the years?

Frogfish 2005

Frogfish 2006

Frogfish 2007

Frogfish 2008

Then just the next day, the Zaher family from Switzerland went out on the speedboat for a one-tank dive in Marsa Mubarak. On their way out of the marina they spotted eight bottlenose dolphins and actually went snorkelling with them. What a fabulous family experience! Wait for it...on their dive in Marsa Mubarak south they found two eagle rays passing them on a sandy spot! Yet another magical Marsa day.

First thing one morning en route to the first dive at Fanous West, the lucky passengers on Sea Dream came across a school of dolphins - some 25 in number and were able to snorkel with them. As if that wasn't enough on the 3rd dive of the day, at Fanous East, the group dived with three dolphins for up to 77 minutes - and Angela Munroe, trip organiser from Dive Odyssea, took some great pictures to prove it!

Sharks were also on the agenda for the week with 2m white tip reef shark spotted on a drift dive at Small Giftun and a baby white tip popped up to say hello at Sha'ab Adel (aka Habili Gota) on the very last dive of the holiday.

He (she?) wasn't alone on that last dive with 2 eagle rays right at the start of the dive (see Angela's photo), two Great Barracuda and a very photogenic leopard shark - Simon Cooper took full advantage - see above!

All in all a fantastic week - and what is most encouraging is that dive guides in Hurghada are unanimous in saying that there is more and more activity on the reefs this year than previously - especially the "big stuff"! So come on down to Hurghada for a week of great diving as well as all the benefits this buzzing resort has to offer.

This year, Project AWARE Foundation and Shark Alliance Partners are going back to governments for follow-up action under the EU Shark Plan seeking stricter fishing quotas (and zero quotas for the most vulnerable species) and a stronger finning ban.

Make your voice heard by visiting here:

In just 6 days, this is the 'A' list line up for marine life sightings that guests at Emperor Sharm have enjoyed.

Now is the time to book those flights and let Emperor do the rest (well the fish play a bit of a part in it too...)

HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association) - of which Emperor Divers is a founding member - has issued the following useful and informative statement - it's worth a read.

"Recent reports of Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) sightings at Elphinstone and the reaction of some divers to encountering these sharks under water prompted us to release this statement to all of you.

Meeting one of these magnificent creatures is an absolute privilege, that not many people will have a chance to experience. But remember what you are dealing with, a species that is second only to the Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) in number of reported shark attacks worldwide. Despite this fact, a Tiger Shark is not a dangerous animal per se.

They are, however, among THE top predators in the sea, and probably the least discriminative shark species in terms of feeding habits and items. Coupled with a maximum length of more than 5 meters, they must be treated with great caution and respect.

But there is no reason for hysteria or panic. Following some simple behavioral rules and having basic knowledge on shark biology does help to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Calm and controlled behavior from the human side is the key to an enjoyable and truly impressive encounter. As a predator, a shark will react with interest to erratic or hectic movements, as well as to rapid ascents (especially directly above it).
Stay alert, keep looking around you, so that they don't have the chance to sneak up on you or startle you. Staying next to the reef helps you keeping the overview and limits the open areas around you.

Properly brief any divers entering the water on what to expect, and try to evaluate, if they are experienced enough for a possible shark encounter.

It is generally people, that are creating dangerous situations with sharks... Feel free to report unusual sightings or behaviors from any of your dives."

Topping the bill on two successful 'Early Bird' trips to Tiran were sightings of hammerheads on the back of Jackson, oceanic white tips also in Tiran and huge schools of snapper, batfish, unicornfish and giant trevallies still hanging out in Ras Mohammed.

Add to that the manta and mobula ray at Near Garden and that has to equate to Red Carpet celeb status for the Red Sea.

Best book,get out there now and join the show!