For families who love the ocean, planning a diving holiday can involve finding a balance between experienced divers, younger children and those who would rather explore with a mask and snorkel. Emperor Divers is introducing a new Southern Red Sea itinerary designed to bring those different interests together.
The seven-night Southern Red Sea Family Adventure will make its first departure aboard Emperor Asmaa on August 21, 2027. Rather than adapting a conventional dive-focused cruise to accommodate children, Emperor says the route, daily schedule and onboard activities have been developed specifically around families spending time together.
A different pace for a Red Sea liveaboard
The itinerary will feature later starts, shorter sailings and mainly coastal dive sites, creating a more relaxed programme than a traditional Red Sea safari. Families can typically expect three dives per day rather than four, with regular opportunities for snorkelling and activities onboard.
Certified divers will still have plenty of time underwater, with Emperor indicating that the seven-night trip will typically offer more than 16 dives, weather permitting. The difference is that the schedule is intended to leave room for other experiences rather than making the number of dives the sole focus of the holiday.
The Southern Red Sea’s marine life will be central to the week. The itinerary includes opportunities to snorkel with wild spinner dolphins, encounter green turtles and explore coral reefs, swim-throughs and smaller wrecks. The schedule will remain flexible to make the most of wildlife opportunities, although encounters with wild animals can never be guaranteed.
Diving and snorkelling for different experience levels
Children can join the trip from the age of eight, and the itinerary is designed to accommodate certified divers, young divers, beginners and snorkellers. Bubblemaker and Discover Scuba Diving experiences will be available for those who are not yet certified.
Approximately 85 per cent of the sites visited also offer snorkelling opportunities, allowing non-divers to experience many of the same locations as diving family members. This is an important distinction for families who might otherwise spend much of a liveaboard holiday separated by different activities.
Emperor’s official itinerary information provides further details about age requirements and diving limits. Bubblemaker experiences are available for eligible children aged eight to ten, while certified Junior Open Water Divers aged ten to eleven are limited to 12 metres and those aged twelve to fourteen to 18 metres. Older divers’ limits depend on their qualifications and experience. Families should confirm the suitability of all activities with Emperor before booking.
An underwater classroom
The programme will also include informal marine life presentations, practical activities and a shared sightings challenge. Families will be encouraged to identify species encountered during the week and learn more about the Red Sea environment together.
Emperor Asmaa has just 18 berths, providing a small-group setting both onboard and in the water. The company expects a typical departure to accommodate around four families, although the exact composition will depend on bookings.
What is included?
The Southern Red Sea Family Adventure will be covered by Emperor’s No Hidden Extras promise. Marine park fees, port and harbour fees, Nitrox and fuel charges are included in the advertised trip price.
The first departure is scheduled for August 21, 2027. Families can find further information, including the itinerary and booking details, through Emperor Divers or by contacting the reservations team at reservations@emperordivers.com.
