St Johns & Fury Shoals Reef Systems
The Red Sea needs no introduction to scuba divers. These world famous dive sites are on every divers bucket list! Still reeling from the amazing service from Emperor Fleet in the Maldives we have chosen this same company again for the Red Sea.
Spoilt for choice with 21+ dives at the most remote and rewarding reef systems of the south. A less arduous itinerary for a more relaxed diving pace. Stunning typography with coral gardens, walls, overhangs and swim-throughs. Expect to see turtles, sharks, grey reef sharks, reef fishes, macro, shoals of glass fish, snappers, butterfly fish and barracuda.
This is a great itinerary for everyone regardless of your experience level. You don't need a minimum number of dives to join this trip, but you should be comfortable diving in current as they can be unpredictable and strong. Many dives are below 18m therefore it is recommend having advanced experience or taking your PADI Advanced Open Water course on board to maximise your enjoyment from the trip.
Divers may find some dives challenging and may be asked by the Cruise Director to skip dives that are not suitable for their diving experience. Diving is from a dhoni to give precise entry and exit points.
Thursday 10 - Wednesday 16 October 2024
6 nights 5 dive days
Prices per person in Euro
Upper Cabin 8 places € 1,300
<< upper cabins now reserved >>
Lower Cabin 12 places € 1,200
All cabins are twin share, no double beds.
Check In - Check Out - No Fly Before Dive
Emperor offers a courtesy shared transfer on the day of arrival and the day of departure to/from Marsa Alam and Hurghada airports or local hotels and Port Ghalib where the ship is docked.
Please note Hurghada Airport is about a 3 hour drive from Port Ghalib approx. 220 km. Marsa Alam International Airport to Port Ghalib approx. 15 minutes 8 km
In the Marsa Alam/ Port Ghalib area there is a range of city hotels and costal resorts available for day use or prolonged stays. Some stunning off-shore reefs for diving and snorkeling.
Check in starts around 18:00 on 10th October and the boat sails early morning next day. The last dive is around noon on 15th October. The boat comes back to the port this last night at 17:00 and the check out is following day at 09:30 AM.
Cabin Specifications
Lower Deck Twin
Lower deck twin cabins measure between approx. 7 to 9sqm with port holes, two single beds and individually controlled air con. Ensuite bathroom with shower and 2 cabin towels per guest. Hairdryers available, on request.
Upper Deck Twin
Upper deck twin cabins are approx. 9sqm with large windows, two single beds and individually controlled air con. Ensuite bathroom with shower and 2 cabin towels per guest. Hairdryers available, on request.
Included: Shared cabin, 7 nights on board (last night either on board or in a hotel). 6 days diving, local transfers, guide, 12 litre tanks, weights, full board & soft drinks, red wine with dinner, environmental tax, Marine Park fees and port departure fees. Free Nitrox on all boats, subject to availability. Transfers are included from either Hurghada or Marsa Alam airports or hotels. It's a 3 hour bus journey from Hurghada to our departure at Marsa Ghalib Port. So arrival to Marsa Alam airport probably best.
Not included: Flight/visa, diving equipment, tanks other than 12 litres and alcohol. Dive equipment rental: Full range (25 Euro per day for full set)
Itinerary Highlights
Sailing to the southernmost reefs, you’ll depart from Port Ghalib and dive some sites to the South before sailing overnight to your southernmost point in the St. John’s area. Depending on weather, government approval and marine life sightings in recent weeks, we may sail to the southernmost islands of Rocky and Zabargad, or we’ll moor instead in the vast reef system of St John’s to begin the adventure in the South.
When leaving Port Ghalib the route can sometimes take in a dive at Abu Dabab on the first or last day. Often spoilt for choice, your guides will pick sites that they know to be the best for the time of year and can find excellent alternatives should the weather affect the normal route. Although the distances are long, where possible we travel overnight so, as a 21 plus route, our aim is to get as many dives in as possible at some of the most impressive reefs. Below are some of the highlights.
On the way to Fury Shoals, we’ll dive Sha’ab Sharm with its wall dives and white tip reef sharks. At Fury Shoals, dive Sha’ab Claude with its famous swim-throughs and huge porite corals. White tip reef sharks and an anemone and clownfish settlement can be seen a little off the reef to the South. Abu Galawa Soraya has a fantastic coral garden and a wreck of a private sailing boat populated with glass fish.
About the MV Asmaa
Emperor Divers are the leading live-aboard operator in the Red Sea with 4 beautiful marine vessels in operation. Emperor Asmaa is designed with the diver in mind, comfortably accommodating 20 people in 10 twin-berth cabins, all ensuite. Really popular with dive groups who enjoy the closeness and atmosphere she radiates. Genuine value for money for divers looking to explore some of the best sites the Red Sea has to offer in a more intimate atmosphere.
Pre-Covid Flight Information!!
Direct Flights on a Thursday to Marsa Alam (RMF)
The following routes were running pre-Covid. PLEASE make your own enquiries
Domestic flights from Cairo are always possible with Egypt Air on Monday, Wed, Thursday, Sunday. Also international and domestic flights into Hurghada and road transfer to Marsa Alam
Germany
Cologne/Bonn (CGN) and Leipzig/Halle to Marsa Alam (RMF)
SunExpress
https://www.sunexpress.com
Berlin
Luftansa
https://www.lufthansa.com
Dusseldorf, Frankfurt
Tui Fly
https://tuifly.com
Belgium
https://www.tuifly.be
London Gatwick
TUI Airways GBP 509 return
https://www.tui.co.uk/
Czech Republic
Smart Wings QS 1223
https://www.smartwings.com
Zurich
Edelweiss Air WK 151
https://www.flyedelweiss.com
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