Frequently Asked Questions - Egypt
General Questions about
Emperor Divers Egypt
Yes. For your financial security, all payments made by credit card are held in a client account until your Egypt diving holiday takes place. This gives you complete peace of mind when booking with Emperor Divers.
No. Emperor Divers does not pass on any credit card fees when you book an Egypt diving holiday. The price you see is the price you pay.
We accept Visa and MasterCard payments for Red Sea liveaboards and dive resort bookings. All prices are charged in Euros, so you should check with your bank regarding any international transaction fees or exchange rate charges.
All qualified divers – and anyone taking part in a PADI course – in Egypt must complete an RSTC Medical questionnaire.
If you have, or think you may have, any of the medical conditions listed on the form, you will need written clearance from a doctor that is valid within 12 months of your planned trip.
To avoid delays, additional costs or missing diving activities, we strongly recommend arranging any required medical clearance before you travel and bringing it with you.
For students under the age of 18, all paperwork must be signed by a parent or guardian.
Yes. Comprehensive dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory when diving with Emperor Divers in Egypt. You must bring proof of your insurance cover with you and present it when checking in.
Emperor Divers will not be responsible for any financial loss incurred by issues beyond our control such as, but not limited to, weather, ‘Act of God’ or changes made by the local authorities. It is a condition of your booking with Emperor Divers that you purchase comprehensive dive and travel insurance cover specific to your booking.
You are responsible to check that these include:
- Dive Injury Insurance: covering all risks, costs and expenses likely to be incurred as a result of a diving injury, including but not limited to re-compression chamber treats, air evacuation, and loss or damage to possessions. This insurance should cover all scuba diving or water sports activities that you are likely to undertake during your trip, and
- Medical Evacuation Insurance: covering all risks, costs and expenses likely to arise from a diving or non-diving injury requiring your evacuation to a place of specialist care, including but not limited to low altitude air evacuation; specialist treatment and direct; and indirect losses; and
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: valid at the time of booking to cover any pre-departure cancellations should you have to cancel your trip for an insured reason such as illness or serious accident, any changes or cancellation to your travel plans, loss or damage to your luggage and contents.
You must be satisfied that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness, diving injuries and medical evacuation.
Should diving insurance not be obtained prior to your departure, it can be arranged on arrival with Dive Assist. Pricing information can be found on the relevant product price list, or contact us at [email protected].
If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, Emperor will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available.
The Red Sea is a year-round diving destination with sunshine throughout and very little rainfall.
From mid-November to the end of March, air temperatures are cooler and winds can be stronger. Many divers enjoy this period because the boats and dive sites are generally quieter.
From April to June, divers may encounter manta rays and the occasional whale shark. During the summer months, the Red Sea is known for large schools of fish including barracuda, trevallies, snapper and batfish, while water temperatures are at their warmest.
From September to mid-November, warm seas combine with comfortable air temperatures, making this one of the most popular times to dive in Egypt. Marine life sightings will vary depending on the dive resort or liveaboard itinerary you choose.
The Red Sea is home to over 1,000 species of marine life and 200-300 types of coral.
Some of the most popular species seen by divers include clownfish, moray eels, turtles, Napoleon wrasse, dugong and parrotfish – along with some amazing pelagics.
The marine life you encounter will vary depending on where you dive, and each Emperor Divers dive centre and liveaboard itinerary page provides examples of the species commonly found in that area.
Red Sea water temperatures range from around 21°C in winter to 29-30°C in summer, making Egypt a year-round scuba diving destination.
Generally, Marsa Alam area is 1 degree warmer than the Hurghada area and the Deep South is 1 degree warmer than Marsa Alam area.
Approximate Red Sea temperatures by month
January: 22°C
February: 21–22°C
March: 21–22°C
April: 22–23°C
May: 23–24°C
June: 25–26°C
July: 28–29°C
August: 28–29°C
September: 28–29°C
October: 27–28°C
November: 25–26°C
December: 23–24°C
Approximate Red Sea temperatures by season
Winter: 21–24°C
Spring: 22–24°C
Summer: 26–29°C
Autumn: 25–29°C
The best wetsuit for diving in the Red Sea depends on the season and your personal preference.
During the warmer months, many divers are comfortable in a Lycra suit, 3mm wetsuit or shortie.
However, if you are planning multiple dives per day or diving during the winter months, many divers prefer a 5mm full-length wetsuit.
If you are unsure which wetsuit is best for your trip, our team will be happy to advise.
All Emperor Divers tanks in the Red Sea are fitted with 5/8-inch DIN valves.
Divers using M26 regulators should be aware that M26 valves and adapters may not be readily available outside Europe.
Stocks are limited, so we strongly recommend bringing your own adapter or checking availability with us when making your booking.
You can safely store your scuba diving equipment overnight either on the boat or in a secure equipment room, depending on where you are diving.
No. Emperor Divers does not currently offer underwater camera rental in the Red Sea.
However, camera rental services are often available through independent outlets in many resort areas
PADI recommends waiting at least 12 hours before flying after a single dive and at least 18 hours after multiple dives over multiple days.
For additional safety, Emperor Divers requires all guests to leave a minimum of 24 hours between their last dive and their flight.
Yes. If you are travelling alone, a dive buddy will be allocated either at the dive resort or onboard your liveaboard.
All divers are expected to dive within the limits of their certification and experience.
You are responsible for your own safety and that of your buddy, and should always plan your dive, use a personal dive computer and begin, conduct and finish each dive together.
Possibly. If you are certified through PADI or SSI, we may be able to verify your qualification through their online databases.
However, we strongly recommend arranging a replacement certification card before travelling to Egypt whenever possible.
Yes. You can still dive in Egypt if you have lost your dive logbook, provided you can show proof of your diving level. Depending on your level, estimated experience and when you last dived, we may ask you to complete a check dive or scuba review before your arrival or on your first day.
There is no single answer, as it depends on your certification level, diving experience and how long it has been since your last dive.
For safety reasons, Emperor advises divers to follow their agency recommendation, many agencies recommend a Scuba Review if it has been longer than six months since your last dive.
A Scuba Review can be completed at any Emperor Divers’ resort and includes theory, pool work, and a dive from the beach. This should be booked before arrival.
If you are joining a Red Sea liveaboard, any refresher training should be completed before boarding.
Regardless of certification level or experience, all guests complete a check dive on their first dive. Our experienced guides will then provide advice and feedback to help ensure you get the most from your diving holiday.
The maximum depth for recreational diving in Egypt depends on your certification level, experience and insurance cover.
Emperor Divers guide recreational dives to a maximum depth of 30 metres or within the limits of your qualification.
Divers with an appropriate deep diving certification, a suitably qualified buddy and insurance that covers diving to 40 metres may dive to that depth under Egypt’s CDWS (Chamber of Diving & Water Sports) regulations.
Technical diving follows different regulations. Please contact our reservations team for further information. Email [email protected] for more details.
A typical scuba dive in the Red Sea with Emperor Divers lasts approximately 60 minutes.
Emperor Divers is committed to protecting the marine environment and asks all divers to follow responsible diving practices.
Please do not touch, feed, chase, ride, catch or harass marine life, and avoid damaging the reef.
We also ask divers not to use gloves or carry knives unless specifically required.
For safety reasons, divers should return to the boat with at least 30 bar remaining, avoid ascending or descending close to the reef, and use good buoyancy control at all times, particularly when using cameras. Solo diving and decompression diving are not permitted.
Following these simple rules helps protect the Red Sea and ensures everyone enjoys a safe and memorable dive experience.
Questions about
Emperor Egypt Liveaboards
Check-in for Emperor Divers Egypt liveaboards starts from 18:00 on the day of embarkation.
If your flight arrives significantly earlier or later than the advised transfer times, please contact us to discuss the options available.
Check-out is at 09:00, with guests usually departing the boat at around 09:30.
If you are continuing your Red Sea holiday at a resort or hotel, please let us know when booking. Day-use rooms may be available on request and we strongly recommend arranging these with our reservations team before you travel.
Yes. Guests arriving for an Emperor Divers Red Sea liveaboard will be met at either Hurghada International Airport or Marsa Alam International Airport on the day of embarkation.
Your transfer representative will be wearing an Emperor Red Sea T-shirt and holding an Emperor Red Sea sign. The meeting point is located outside the arrivals building.
A contact number for Emperor’s Airport Representative can be found on your ‘Read Before You Leave‘ document.
Yes. Emperor Divers provides complimentary shared transfers on the day of arrival and departure between the airport, port and selected local hotels at scheduled times. These transfers are shared with other guests and are not private transfers.
If you require transfers outside the scheduled times, private arrangements can usually be made at an additional cost and should be discussed when booking.
Once you have your flight details, please contact us and we will advise the best transfer options available.
Yes. Taxis are available at both Hurghada and Marsa Alam airports.
However, airport taxis can be expensive and prices may vary. In many cases, pre-booking a private transfer through Emperor Divers offers better value and provides the reassurance of local support should you need assistance.
Yes. If you are staying in Marsa Alam, Hurghada or El Gouna before or after your Egypt liveaboard, please let us know when booking.
Subject to your hotel’s location, transfers between your hotel and the liveaboard are included on both embarkation and disembarkation days.
The number of dives available each day depends on the itinerary and the distances between dive areas.
Most Red Sea liveaboard itineraries offer between three and four dives per day. There is normally no diving on your first day onboard or your final day before disembarkation.
For safety reasons, all guests must leave a minimum of 24 hours between their last dive and flying or travelling to altitude.
The experience required depends on the itinerary you choose, but Emperor Divers recommends that all guests are certified as Open Water Divers or equivalent at a minimum.
Red Sea liveaboard diving is conducted from zodiacs and strong or unpredictable currents can occur at any time, particularly around new and full moons. Divers should therefore be comfortable with drift diving
On some dives the recommended depth is below 18m, therefore advanced or Deep Diver training is advised. Please check each itinerary regarding any minimum number of dives required.
Please see our Egypt Diving Guidelines.
No. Specific dive sites cannot be guaranteed on any Egypt liveaboard itinerary.
Weather conditions, sea state, port authority requirements and Egyptian Government regulations can all affect the planned itinerary.
While Emperor Divers always aims to visit the advertised dive sites, guest safety remains the priority. In adverse conditions, the captain and guides will decide which dive sites can be visited safely. If dive sites are changed or missed because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances, refunds or compensation will not be offered.
Yes. Emperor Divers offers the PADI Advanced Open Water course on all Red Sea liveaboards, along with a range of specialty courses designed to build your diving experience.
Course availability depends on the itinerary and instructor availability. Prices include course materials where required and certification fees. Courses arranged onboard are subject to an additional 14% VAT charge.
For students under 18 years of age, all course paperwork must be signed by a parent or guardian.
It depends on your certification level, experience and how long it has been since your last dive.
Less experienced divers who have not dived for an extended period may be asked to complete a Scuba Review or PADI Reactivate programme before joining the liveaboard. This should be completed with a local instructor before travel and evidence provided to your Emperor guide.
More experienced divers may only require a simple skills refresh during the check dive.
Regardless of qualification or experience, all guests must complete a check dive before taking part in normal diving activities. This allows you to become comfortable with your equipment and surroundings and helps our guides assess your safety and comfort in the water.
In the interests of guest safety, Emperor Red Sea reserves the right to restrict diving activities if an instructor has concerns about a diver’s ability or safety.
The number of guests on a Red Sea liveaboard varies from boat to boat. Please see the relevant information for each boat and that will tell you the maximum number.
The number of dive guides varies between boats and itineraries. Please refer to the information page for your chosen liveaboard, where the typical guide-to-guest arrangements are detailed.
Our guides most commonly speak English, German and Spanish. Additional languages may be available depending on staff availability and departure dates. If you have specific language requirements, please contact us before booking and we will be happy to check availability.
We recommend bringing a mask, snorkel, fins, boots, wetsuit, regulator, BCD, SMB with at least five metres of line, a dive computer with spare batteries and a torch for night dives.
Your equipment can be stored on the spacious dive deck throughout your liveaboard trip, and a spares box is available onboard. Dive and sun deck towels are provided in your cabin.
Red Sea water temperatures average around 29°C and many divers find a 3mm wetsuit or shortie suitable.
Equipment rental is available through Emperor Divers and should be reserved before arrival to ensure availability. To prepare correctly sized equipment, we require your height, weight, shoe size and usual clothing sizes.
For safety reasons, all divers must use a dive computer and SMB on every dive, as well as a torch for night dives.
The best Red Sea liveaboard itineraries for beginner and less experienced divers are generally our South & St John’s and North & Easy trips as no minimum number of dives are required and snorkelling is possible.
Our Get Wrecked and Reefs & Wrecks itineraries are also good for beginners with just 20 logged dives recommended.
Inexperienced and beginner divers may find some dives challenging and may be asked by the Cruise Director to skip dives that are not suitable for their level of experience.
Information regarding diving conditions, itineraries and advice regarding diver experience can be found here: Egypt Diving Guidelines.
Please chat to us using the live chat on our website or email us at [email protected] with any questions or concerns you may have and we will be happy to help and advise you.
Yes, although not all Red Sea liveaboard itineraries are suitable for snorkelling.
Our South & St John’s and North & Easy trips are particularly good as no minimum number of dives are required and snorkelling is available.
All snorkellers must complete a medical form before boarding and a self-assessment before entering the water. Snorkelling is only permitted when a guide is available, conditions are suitable and the crew are aware of your location. A flotation aid must be worn at all times.
A private snorkelling guide can be arranged before arrival for an additional charge.
For safety reasons, some dive sites and itineraries may not be suitable for snorkellers or guests wishing to try scuba diving.
Yes. Children are welcome on Emperor Divers Red Sea liveaboards.
However, children aged 15 years and under must be supervised at all times by a parent or designated responsible adult. Emperor Divers is unable to provide a legal chaperone service.
Yes. Emperor Divers liveaboards can cater for most vegetarian, vegan and allergy-related dietary requirements when notified in advance.
Meals are usually served buffet-style and include a variety of local and international dishes. To ensure our chefs can prepare appropriately, please advise us of any dietary requirements before travelling.
As ingredients are sourced locally, some specialist products such as gluten-free alternatives, wholemeal pasta or soya substitutes may not always be available.
Yes. Every Emperor Divers liveaboard guest receives a complimentary SIM card with approximately 11.5GB of mobile data.
The SIM can be used directly in your own device or through a shared onboard router. Mobile coverage varies throughout the Red Sea, so internet access can occasionally be slow or unavailable.
Remote destinations such as Brothers, Daedalus and St John’s may experience multiple days without any mobile signal or internet connectivity.
Yes. Alcohol is available to purchase onboard Emperor Divers Red Sea liveaboards.
Local beer is typically around €3.50 per bottle and local wines start from approximately €15 per bottle. Guests are also welcome to bring their own alcohol onboard.
Questions related to Emperor Dive Courses
Emperor Divers offers the full range of PADI scuba diving courses in Egypt, from beginner programmes through to professional-level training at our dive resorts.
At our dive resorts, you can progress from Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water courses all the way through to Divemaster level. On our Red Sea liveaboards, we offer a range of PADI specialty courses, including Advanced Open Water, to help experienced divers build on their skills and experience.
Course availability depends on instructor availability, diving conditions and, on liveaboards, the itinerary being followed. All courses arranged in resort or onboard are subject to a 14% Value Added Tax (VAT).
If you are interested in taking a PADI course in Egypt, please contact us on [email protected] and we will be happy to discuss the options available.
Yes. Emperor Divers offers a range of beginner PADI diving experiences that allow you to try scuba diving before committing to a certification course.
Our dive resorts are PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centres and have been working with PADI for more than 30 years. Courses range from Discover Scuba Diving experiences through to Open Water, Advanced Open Water and Divemaster training.
At some resorts, it may also be possible to take part in a free pool try-dive before starting your course. Please contact us if this is something you would like to explore.
We also offer our Learn to Dive Guarantee in our dive resorts. If you discover that scuba diving is not for you, we will refund your course fee in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions.
Please note that beginner scuba diving courses are not available on our Red Sea liveaboards.
See Terms & Conditions for full details on each course.
The minimum age to become a certified scuba diver is 10 years old.
For younger children, Emperor Divers also offers the PADI Bubblemaker programme from the age of 8. This introductory programme is available at all Emperor Divers dive resorts and provides a fun and safe introduction to scuba diving.
No. You do not need to be a strong swimmer to learn scuba diving, but you must be comfortable in the water.
To complete a PADI certification course, you must be able to swim 200 metres using any stroke and be able to tread water or float unassisted for 10 minutes.
PADI courses in Egypt are available in a variety of languages.
Many PADI courses use digital learning materials, allowing you to study at home before your trip. These materials are available in numerous languages depending on the course.
Our instructors at both our dive resorts and onboard our liveaboards can teach in English, German and Spanish. Additional languages may be available depending on instructor availability and departure dates.
If you require tuition in a specific language, please contact us before booking and we will be happy to check availability for your preferred travel dates.
Questions about Diving
in an Emperor Resort
The arrival time for your first day of diving in Egypt depends on which Emperor Divers centre you are visiting and the diving arrangements for your trip.
Once your booking has been confirmed, we will provide full check-in details, including your hotel collection time or the time we expect you to arrive at the dive centre.
If you arrive in resort before your diving starts, you are welcome to visit the centre in advance to complete your check-in and prepare any rental equipment before your first diving day.
When diving with Emperor Divers in Egypt, you should bring your towel, swimwear, reef-safe sun cream, logbook, certification card, passport and any personal diving equipment you own.
Having these items with you will help ensure a smooth check-in process and allow our team to verify your certification and diving experience where required.
A typical day of diving in Egypt includes two scheduled dives.
Most Emperor Divers day boats are also equipped for an optional third dive, which can either be pre-booked in advance or arranged locally in resort.
Night dives are also available at most Emperor Divers destinations.
A typical day of diving in Egypt starts at around 8:00am, when divers are asked to set up and check their equipment before the boat leaves the harbour at approximately 8:30am.
Before the first dive, the crew will provide a boat briefing and safety briefing. The day is usually spent at sea between around 9:00am and 4:00pm and includes two or three dives, depending on the schedule.
Dive briefings are provided before each dive, and lunch is available between dives for an additional charge, payable in advance or at check-out.
On your first day of diving, you will also complete an assessment dive. Depending on the dive centre, this may take place from the shore or from a boat.
A selection of soft drinks is available on Emperor Divers day boats at no extra charge as part of our No Hidden Extras promise.
Lunch is also available and can be purchased for a small additional cost.
No. Special diving trips do not run every day and are subject to factors such as weather conditions and minimum participant numbers.
Each dive centre has noticeboards where guests can see which trips are scheduled, check availability and register their interest. Our guides and dive centre staff will also be happy to provide information about upcoming special trips.
Special diving trips can be booked directly through your guide or at the dive centre reception desk.
You can also add your name to the relevant special-trip noticeboard in resort, where upcoming departures and availability are displayed.
Most Red Sea day-diving sites are suitable for beginner and novice divers, although suitability will always depend on the weather conditions and sea state on the day.
If you are unsure which dive sites are best for your experience level, our team will be happy to advise and recommend suitable options based on your certification and diving experience. Please chat to us using the live chat on our website or email us at [email protected].
Yes. In many cases, non-divers can join Emperor Divers day boats for swimming and snorkelling.
For safety reasons, snorkellers must wait until a member of the diving staff has returned to the boat before entering the water. Snorkellers must also be accompanied by a dive guide and wear a flotation aid at all times while in the water.
Some locations and itineraries do not permit snorkelling. For example, when departing from Sharm El Sheikh, snorkelling is not allowed in Ras Mohammed National Park or on some dives in the Straits of Tiran.
Please check with our team before booking to confirm whether snorkelling is available on your chosen trip.
Yes. Children are welcome on Emperor Divers diving boats in Egypt.
As a general guide, the minimum age is four years old, although allowing children younger than this to join is at the discretion of the dive centre staff.
Children must be supervised by a parent or responsible adult at all times. If both parents are diving, one adult must remain with the child unless another responsible adult has been arranged. Boat crew and diving staff are not able to provide child supervision.
The opportunity to swim with dolphins in the Red Sea depends on which Emperor Divers resort you are visiting.
Guests staying in Port Ghalib or Wadi Sabarah generally have a greater chance of encountering dolphins than those staying in Sharm El Sheikh. The Marsa Alam region is particularly well known for its resident spinner dolphins and protected marine reserve areas.
Emperor Divers offers a full range of scuba diving equipment for hire in Egypt.
Equipment can be pre-booked before arrival in your preferred currency. Equipment arranged locally will include a service charge and is subject to a 14% sales tax. Current rental prices can be found here.
The dive centres and day boats provide ample storage space for diving equipment and carry a spares box onboard.
All divers are required to use a dive computer on every dive and a torch for night dives. We also recommend bringing your own mask, snorkel, fins, boots, wetsuit, regulator, BCD and spare batteries for your dive computer and torch.
For most divers, a shortie wetsuit is suitable during the summer, while a 5mm full wetsuit is popular during the winter months. Many instructors choose to dive in drysuits.
If you have any questions at all, please chat to us using the live chat on our website or email us at [email protected].
Yes. Most scuba diving equipment, including BCDs, regulators, wetsuits and weight belts, can be stored securely on the boat overnight for the following day’s diving.
Items that require charging or downloading, such as dive computers, cameras and torches, should be taken back to your hotel room each evening.
Most Emperor Divers instructors and dive guides speak English and German.
Additional languages may be available depending on the dive centre, staff availability and the dates of your trip.
If you require a guide or instructor who speaks a particular language, please contact us before booking and we will be happy to check availability for you. Contact us using the live chat on our website or email us at [email protected] with your dates and we can check this for you.
General Egypt/Red Sea Questions
Yes. Most visitors travelling to Egypt for a diving holiday will need an Egyptian entry visa and a passport that remains valid for at least six months after arrival.
It is your responsibility to check with the relevant Egyptian Embassy or Consulate that a visa can be issued for the passport you hold and whether you are eligible for a visa on arrival.
If your flights, transfers and accommodation have been arranged through a travel agent or tour operator, they may arrange the visa on your behalf.
If you are visiting Sharm El Sheikh and plan to dive sites such as Ras Mohamed, the SS Thistlegorm or the Dunraven wreck, or travel outside the Sinai region, you must obtain a Full Egypt tourist visa.
Vaccination requirements for travel to Egypt vary depending on your country of residence and individual circumstances.
Before travelling, you should consult your GP or healthcare provider for the latest advice. Be sure to tell them that you will be scuba diving, as some medications are not recommended for divers.
Environmental tax, marine park fees and port departure fees are included in the price of your Emperor Divers Red Sea liveaboard package and at our Egypt dive resorts.
This is part of our No Hidden Extras promise which means that fees and surcharges are included in the advertised price wherever applicable.
Please note that a 14% Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to purchases and payments made onboard a liveaboard or at one of our Egypt dive resorts.
Egypt operates on GMT+2 for most of the year.
The country also observes summer time between the last Friday in April and the last Thursday in October, making it one of the few countries in Africa to do so.
As a guide, when it is 12:00 noon in Egypt, the time is approximately:
• United Kingdom: 10:00am
• Germany: 11:00am
• Greece: 12:00 noon
• New York: 5:00am
• Chicago: 4:00am
• Los Angeles: 2:00am
The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), which is commonly abbreviated locally as LE.
The best currency to bring to Egypt depends on how you plan to pay during your trip.
Although Emperor Divers prices are displayed in Euros, we accept payments in Euros, British Pounds, Egyptian Pounds (LE) and US Dollars, as well as major credit and debit cards including American Express, Maestro, Visa and Mastercard.
Please note that all payments are ultimately converted and processed in Egyptian Pounds.
Before travelling, it is a good idea to check with your bank regarding exchange rates and any international transaction charges.
We also recommend informing your bank or card provider of your travel plans to help avoid security blocks on overseas transactions.
Egypt uses Type C and Type F electrical plug sockets, which are the standard European two-pin plug types.
Power is supplied at 220 volts, and you will commonly find European two-pin sockets, international multi-standard sockets and 2.5A USB charging points in hotels, resorts and on liveaboards.
