John told us:

It was certainly great to be back in Egypt after a break of a couple of years and back in Marsa Alam for the first time since 2009. Bookings for Egypt are picking up again and it was nice to see the flight to Marsa was just about full. A friendly face was waiting in the arrivals hall, Regaldive's Rep, Ramadan. He's there to help all Regal's guests with the visa process and show you to your transportation. 

It's only 10 minutes from the Airport to the Marina Lodge, our location for the week. The resort is on the quieter side of Port Ghalib, overlooking the marina and with the Emperor dive centre on site, it's perfect. Marina Lodge is small and friendly, so it's ideal for divers.

I'd met some of the staff from Emperor on my last visit, but there were many new faces too. A very friendly team there, so it soon felt that I had known them all for ages. 

Diving with Emperor is mainly day boat diving, similar to how you may have dived from Sharm and Hurghada, so it's very relaxed, with a comfortable and hopefully calm transit to all of the dive sites. After the usual boat and dive briefings, we started with a nice easy dive, after a quick weight check.  It didn’t take long to get re-acquainted with the lovely reefs in the area, but the highlight of the first day was diving with a Dugong, the first time for me. It’s taken a while, but I’m glad to finally tick it off the list.

The second day involved a special trip, to the iconic Elphinstone Reef. An early start is required, as it’s 6 miles offshore, but we were served a tasty and filling breakfast on the boat. Conditions on the surface were a bit more challenging than the local sites, but once in the water things calmed down to a gentle drift. Big stuff turning up is a bit less likely at this time of year, but there’s plenty of reef fish and beautiful soft corals to help make it worth the trip.

The next day's diving was also a supplementary trip, South to Samadai, otherwise known as Dolphin House. This is the home to a pod of Spinner Dolphins that sleep and rest there during the day. It’s not possible to dive with them and the snorkelling is carefully controlled to avoid disturbance. The dives are conducted on the sloping reefs and pinnacles on the outside of the horseshoe shaped reef.  Only a quick glimpse of the Dolphins took place on this occasion, but that is nature, I’ve been lucky enough to have some close encounters on my previous two visits. But, as compensation, we did have a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins riding the bow wave of the boat on the way home.

My last days diving with Emperor was in a calm bay called Shoni Kober, just south of Port Ghalib. lovely reefs with the usual suspects in profusion. The highlight of the day was the second dive which brought us five huge Green Turtles, some swimming towards the Sea Grass for a snack, others just resting and sleeping. They seem oblivious to divers and you can get nice and close. One even almost bumped into my buddy who only turned to see him at the last moment and had a shock to see a huge Turtle just two feet away! 

It was so nice to get back to diving in Egypt and I’d like to thank Emperor Divers, particularly Tracy, for their great service and some lovely diving.  

If you have the chance to visit Marsa Alam, I'm sure that you'll enjoy some great diving!

Marina Lodge The Marina Lodge at Port Ghalib offers a good standard of accommodation and facilities. Located in the resort of Port Ghalib, this hotel is ideally situated, close to the airport and with Emperor Divers on site. Port Ghalib is located just 10 minutes from Marsa Alam airport and offers superb access to the fantastic dive sites of the southern Red Sea from its jetty. The position of this attractive hotel makes it a popular and convenient choice for divers. 7 night trips start from £559pp including twin share, half board accommodation, flights and transfers.

Marsa Alam is the gateway to the exciting Southern Red Sea and its myriad pristine reefs. Once the sole preserve of liveaboard boats, this area is now accessible directly from the shore. This is virgin diving away from the crowds at its very best.

Regaldive offer various accommodation options in Marsa Alam to suit a wide range of budgets. For more information, please visit our Marsa Alam accommodation details.

To find out more about diving in Marsa Alam, please call the Regaldive team on 01353 659999.

The new additions are: Fiji Aggressor, Thailand Aggressor and Oman Aggressor, as well as sister boats based in Palau: Rock Islands Aggressor and Palau Aggressor II.

Fiji Aggressor is a 30 metre yacht built and powered for comfort, safety and stability. Accommodating 10 guests, accommodation includes four deluxe staterooms with a double and single berth and one owner’s stateroom with a queen bed. Fiji Aggressor offers a 7 night itinerary encompassing the dive highlights of incredible Fiji: ‘Gau, Makongi, Namena and Wakaya Islands’.

A new addition to the Aggressor fleet, the 45 metre Oman Aggressor is a spacious steel yacht built and powered for comfort, safety and stability. All staterooms and the interior of the yacht are new and have a stylish design. Her comfortable accommodation for 22 guests includes 11 spacious staterooms. Commencing in November 2017, Oman Aggressor will offer four unique itineraries known as ‘The Jewels of Oman’. 

The Rock Islands Aggressor and Palau Aggressor II are sister ships. Each vessel is 32 metres long, built and powered for comfort, safety and stability. There is comfortable accommodation for up to 18 guests in eight deluxe cabins and one double cabin. Both 7 and 10 day ‘Best of Palau’ itineraries are offered on either vessel.

Call the Regaldive team on 01353 659999 to book your next diving adventure.

Muscat is a great base from which to explore Oman and offers a variety of diving opportunities both out of the city itself, and from the resorts which are located further down the coast to the south of the capital. The diving here is characteristic of Omani waters: plankton-rich, which attracts large fish stocks and pelagics, but means visibility is usually around 10m. Stunning coral-covered walls and a general lack of current means plenty of time to spot marine life including lots of turtles, rays, various shark species and the occasional whale shark.

Oman Sail dive centre offers boat diving to a range of dive sites. The proximity of the centre to the famous sites at the Daymaniyat Islands, make this an ideal base for exploring these sites. The Damaniyat Islands’ large unspoiled reefs host a wealth of sea life unparalleled in the region. On average, the exotic waters around Oman offer a wonderful visibility of 20 to 30 metres.

Shallow coral reefs teem with around 1,300 - 1,500 different species; leatherback sea turtles paddle just beneath the surface, and you may even be lucky enough to observe the magnificent whale shark. Considered to be ‘the’ Damaniyat Islands dive specialists, SeaOman's PADI certified instructors and dive masters have in-depth knowledge of each one of its 29 dive sites, ensuring that each trip into Oman’s underwater paradise feels like the adventure of a lifetime.

Day boats depart around 9.00am and return at around 3.00pm with travelling time to the Daymaniyat Islands around 1 hour. FREE nitrox is available.

Millennium Resort Mussanah is a luxurious resort located in the South Batinah Region of Muscat, along the coastal beach of the Gulf of Oman, offering spacious and comfortable accommodation, a notable spa and a wide range of leisure facilities. Located between Barka and Sohar, the resort is 45 minutes’ drive from Muscat International Airport. The Millennium Resort Mussanah will appeal to divers and visitors who are looking for a high standard of accommodation, along with a wide range of facilities in a Beach Resort hotel. The resort has been designed to provide exceptional comfort and service within a memorable blend of Arabian and Asian themes. The panoramic views over the resort's private 54 berth marina, the Gulf of Oman and the Hajar Mountains are a particular highlight.

To find out more, call our friendly team on 01353 659999, or visit: Millennium Resort Mussanah

Dewi Nusantara - known as the Goddess of the Indonesian Archipelago!

It is exactly ten years since the keel of Dewi Nusantara was laid in Karangan River, East Kalimantan, Borneo back in 2007. To celebrate this significant occasion we are pleased to announce a Best Ever Offer with savings of up to £2,360pp**. This fantastic offer is unlikely to ever to be repeated!

Book yourself on the following cruises and bring your buddy for FREE:

• 16 June 2017 departure:  Alor & Wetar itinerary (Maumere-Maumere)
• 28 June 2017 departure: Alor & Wetar itinerary (Maumere-Maumere) 28 June trip has now SOLD OUT

1st Diver £4,720 plus US$195 port/park fee, 2nd Diver £0 plus US$195 port/park fee

If you are travelling solo and are willing to share a cabin, you will receive 50% off for 16 & 28 June 2017 sailings, so your place will be £2,360 plus US$195 port/park fee.

Offer Valid until 15 March 2017. Bookings will be made on a first come/first served basis. 

** This amazing offer supersedes all other offers

About Alor & Wetar...

Alor is a place of numerous world class dive sites including Beangabang and the unique Clown Valley. Astonishing seascapes, kalediscope colours, diverse marine life and critters galore, including the rare Rhinopias species. Whilst amazing and rare, Rhinopias aren't even considered a surprise in these parts! The paddle-flap and weedy scorpionfish are also both regular contenders! 

Wetar Island is a remote and rarely visited island in the very eastern Lesser Sundas yet it hosts many amazing dives. The fantastic mix of reef and muck dives offer something for everyone at the heart of the Coral Triangle.

To find out more, please contact our friendly team on 01353 659999.

We have just added even more terrific deals to our liveaboard selections for you. We are also giving you a chance to Win a Ski Trip to France for Two when you book your diving holiday with Regaldive by 28 February 2017. 

There are further savings on some products, including some amazing offers on liveaboards available NOW!

Example Savings:

LIVEABOARD TRIPS: SAVE UP TO £1,476PP

• SAVE up to £736pp on Bahamas liveaboards
• SAVE up to £223pp on Caribbean liveaboards
• SAVE up to £1,045pp on Cocos Island Liveaboards
• SAVE up to £596pp on Fijian liveaboards
• SAVE up to £1,476pp on Galapagos liveaboards
• SAVE up to £1,145pp on Indonesian liveaboards
• SAVE up to £530pp on Maldives liveaboards
• SAVE up to £786pp on Oman Liveaboards
• SAVE up to £870pp on Palau liveaboards
• SAVE up to £325pp on Philippines liveaboards
• SAVE up to £150pp on Red Sea liveaboards 
• SAVE up to £600pp on Sudan liveaboards
• SAVE up to £746pp on Thailand Liveaboards
• SAVE up to £693pp on Truk Lagoon liveaboards

Our February Savings  are available from 16-24 February 2017 only. Enquire today to benefit from these terrific savings!

* For February Sale Terms and Conditions, please see here

GREAT SAVINGS ON RED SEA DIVE PACKS iN MARSA ALAM & EL GOUNA

Regaldive are also offering a great range of Dive Pack Offers with Emperor Divers including:-

• Marsa Alam Buy 5 days’ boat diving (10 dives) for just £164 
• El Gouna Buy 5 days’ boat diving (10 dives) for just £164

Valid for diving taken from:

• 1 March 2017 to 31 August 2017 and 
• 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2017

5 Day Dive Pack Offers are only available for new bookings made from 16 February 2017.

Save on Diving and Accommodation Packages with MERCURE Manado, Indonesia - Save up to £154pp 

Great savings of up to £154 per person are now available on dive trips to Indonesia staying at Mercure Manado Tateli Beach Resort.  

• 7 Night Stay at Mercure Manado Tateli Beach Resort including 6 days' boat diving, full board & transfers
  Was £769pp Now £692pp - SAVE UP TO £77
• 10 Night Combo Trip: Twin Centre staying at Mercure Manado Tateli Beach Resort including 9 days' boat diving, full board & transfers
  Was £1,292pp Now £1,172pp - SAVE UP TO £120

Flights are not included but may be booked through Regaldive. Valid for stays taken by 31 December 2017. Book by 10 March 2017.

Call us on 01353 659999 or email us for a quote TODAY

Win a Ski Holiday to France for Two People!

Book your diving holiday with Regaldive in February 2017 and you will be entered into our competition to win an exciting 7 Night Ski Holiday to France for two people. 

This fabulous seven night prize** is worth up to £2,250 and is based on two people sharing one room at Xtra Chalet Le Curling, Espace Killy Ski Area, Tignes, flights from the UK, transfers and lift passes, courtesy of Regaldive’s sister company Inghams, the ski & snowboard holiday experts. 

So, if you are a diver with an interest in skiing, or if you fancy learning to ski, this is the one for you!

** Please see our blog article for further details, including Terms and Conditions

Save 33% for 33 years

Galapagos Aggressor III  - Save up to £1,476 on 2017 Trips

• Aggressor III Wolf & Darwin itinerary was £4,474 now £2,998 save £1,476

 Indo Aggressor - Save up to £1,145 on 2017 Trips

• Komodo National Park itinerary was £3,470 now £2,325 save £1,145

Oman Aggressor - Save up to £786 on 2017 Trips

• Hallaniyat Islands - 7 night itinerary was £2,384 now £1,598 save £786

Palau Aggressor II - Save up to £821 on 2017 Trips

• Best of Palau 7 night itinerary was £2,489 now £1,668 save £821

Rock Islands Aggressor - Save up to £870 on 2017 Trips

• Best of Palau 7 night itinerary was £2,638 now £1,768 save £870

Other offers from Aggressor FLEET

• Bahamas Aggressor was £2,299 now £1,563 save £736
• Okeanos Aggressor I save up to £1,045
• Okeanos Aggressor II save up to £1,026 

For more information, contact our friendly team on 01353 659999.

SAVE A MINIMUM OF 10% ON YOUR NEXT DIVING HOLIDAY!

Although we will not be exhibiting at Oceans 2017, we don't want you to be disappointed with the usual savings we offered at this show. Hence, our February Special Offers are now underway...

Book your Regaldive holiday between Thursday 16 February and Friday, 24 February 2017 and you can SAVE an incredible 10% on diving holiday and liveaboard packages worldwide.

Example Savings:

Liveaboard Trips: Save up To £1,476pp

• SAVE up to £736pp on Bahamas liveaboards
• SAVE up to £223pp on Caribbean liveaboards
• SAVE up to £1,045pp on Cocos Island Liveaboards
• SAVE up to £596pp on Fijian liveaboards
• SAVE up to £1,476pp on Galapagos liveaboards
• SAVE up to £1,145pp on Indonesian liveaboards
• SAVE up to £530pp on Maldives liveaboards
• SAVE up to £786pp on Oman Liveaboards
• SAVE up to £870pp on Palau liveaboards
• SAVE up to £325pp on Philippines liveaboards
• SAVE up to £150pp on Red Sea liveaboards 
• SAVE up to £600pp on Sudan liveaboards
• SAVE up to £746pp on Thailand Liveaboards
• SAVE up to £693pp on Truk Lagoon liveaboards

Our February Savings  are available from 16-24 February 2017 only. Enquire today to benefit from these great savings!

RED SEA DIVE PACK OFFERS - 5 DAYs diving IN MARSA ALAM & EL GOUNA

Regaldive are also offering a great range of Dive Pack Offers with Emperor Divers including:-

• Marsa Alam Buy 5 days’ boat diving (10 dives) for just £164 
• El Gouna Buy 5 days’ boat diving (10 dives) for just £164

Valid for diving taken from:

• 1 March 2017 to 31 August 2017 and 
• 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2017

5 Day Dive Pack Offers are only available for new bookings made from 16 February 2017.

Call the Regaldive team on 01353 659999 or email us today to book your next diving adventure.

DIVE INTO OUR DESTINATIONS:

- Azores - Bahamas - Caribbean - Cocos Island

- Galapagos - Indonesia - Lanzarote - Maldives

- Malta & Gozo - Mexico - Oman - Palau - Pemba

- Philippines - Red Sea - Socorro Islands - South Africa

- Sudan - Thailand - Truk Lagoon

* Subject to Terms and Conditions - please see here

Call us on 01353 659999 or email us for a quote TODAY

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Mercure Manado Tateli Beach Resort is set in lush, tropical gardens. Located 10 km from Manado, the Resort is just a 30-minute boat ride to Bunaken National Park’s reefs and dive sites. Tateli Beach Resort is part of the Accor Group, synonymous with good service and quality, and offers an idyllic setting, expansive private beach and marina. 

Our special offers packages allow you to explore beautiful Bunaken National Park from Mercure Manado Tateli Beach Resort for 7 nights. Packages are available with or without flights.

7 NIGHT STAY AT MERCURE MANADO TATELI BEACH RESORT
- SAVE UP TO £77

Was £769  Now £692  Save £77 

Price includes:

Staying at Eco Divers Mercure Manado Tateli Beach Resort

• 7 nights’ accommodation in an air-conditioned room (double/twin sharing)
• 6 days of boat diving on Air (up to 2 guided day-dives per day), with cylinders & weights
• Full Board Meal Plan, including mineral water
• Airport transfers

Valid for stays taken by 31 December 2017. Book by 10 March 2017.

   Please Note: No further discounts (February Sale / Affiliate partnerships etc) are available with these packages

MALDIVES LIVEABOARD SAVINGS - BOAT ONLY PRICES

SUPER SAVINGS AVAILABLE - SAVE UP TO £530

These great offers are available on selected dates only - see the liveaboard availability for all offers. Here is just a taste .....

SAVINGS INCLUDE:

Emperor Serenity

• 19 February 2017 - Best of Maldives - Was £1,977pp - Now £1,484pp  
  SAVE £493
• 9, 22 & 29 October 2017 - Best of Maldives - Was £1,824pp - Now £1,484pp  
  SAVE £340
• 5 November 2017 - Best of Maldives - Was £1,824pp - Now £1,484pp  
  SAVE £340
• 7 January 2018 - Best of Maldives - Was £1,928pp - Now £1,398pp  
  SAVE £530

Emperor Orion

• 19 February 2017 - South Central 7 Atolls - Was £2,079pp - Now £1,613pp  
  SAVE £466
• 4, 11,18 & 25 February 2018 - South Central 7 Atolls - Was £2,074pp - Now £1,802pp  
  SAVE £272

Emperor Virgo

• 16 April 2017 - Best of Maldives - Was £1,659pp - Now £1,441pp   
  SAVE £218
• 24 & 31 December 2017 - Best of Maldives - Was £1,659pp - Now £1,441pp   
  SAVE £218

Emperor Leo

• 26 March 2017 - Best of Maldives - Was £1,832pp - Now £1,527pp   
  SAVE £305
• 16 December 2017 - Best of Maldives - Was £1,693pp - Now £1,226pp  
  SAVE £467

Emperor Voyager

• 4 February 2017 - Best of Maldives - Was £1,617pp - Now £1,269pp   
  SAVE £348
• 30 December 2017 - Best of Maldives - Was £1,617pp  - Now £1,441pp  
  SAVE £176
• 7 January 2018 - Best of Maldives - Was £1,617pp  - Now £1,441pp  
  SAVE £176
• 13 January 2018 - Best of Maldives - Was £1,390pp Now £1,209pp   
  SAVE £181

Emperor Atoll

• 2 April 2017 - Pelagic Magic - Was £1,544pp Now £1,390pp  
  SAVE £154
• 7 January 2018 - Best of Maldives - Was £1,617pp  - Now £1,183pp  
  SAVE £434

Must be booked by 19 February 2017.

RED SEA LIVEABOARDS (FLIGHTS INCLUDED)

SUPER DEALS AVAILABLE

These great offers are available on selected dates only - see the liveaboard availability for all offers. Here is just a taste .....

Emperor Superior

• 10 March 2017 - Reefs and Wrecks  Now £1,015pp
• 28 April 2017 - Get Wrecked  Now £1,066pp

Emperor Elite

• 17 February 2017 - Reefs and Wrecks  Now £897pp
• 24 February 2017 - Famous Five  Now £923pp
• 1 December 2017 - Get Wrecked  Now £965pp

Emperor Asmaa

• 9 February 2017 - South and St. Johns  Now £955pp
• 1 & 8 December 2017 - South and St. Johns  Now £888pp

Must be booked by 19 February 2017.

Call the Regaldive team on 01353 659999 to book your next diving adventure. 

These offers are only available until 19 February 2017 and are valid for new bookings only. BOOK TODAY to benefit from these great savings.