Explorer Ventures Fleet is expanding its global liveaboard portfolio with two new vessels, further strengthening its offerings in the Maldives and Indonesia, two iconic destinations for liveaboard diving. 

Introducing Emperor Explorer II in the Maldives  

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire is introducing the Bonaire Shore Diver Specialty Course, a unique new program designed to help certified divers safely and confidently experience Bonaire's world-renowned shore diving. Developed in-house by Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire, the Bonaire Shore Diver Specialty Course is designed specifically around the unique conditions and diving culture that make Bonaire a world-renowned shore diving destination.

His achievement not only serves as an inspiration to young Bonaireans aspiring to build careers in the diving industry but also demonstrates that there are multiple pathways to professional success on the island.

The Murphy Henar Foundation was established in memory of Murphy Henar, a beloved employee of Buddy Dive Resort who was known for his passion for the ocean and his commitment to mentoring young people. 

Emperor Divers is adding to its Maldives fleet with the launch of Emperor Explorer II, a brand-new flagship liveaboard and the largest vessel the company has operated in the region.

At 44 metres long, Explorer II has been designed with a focus on space, comfort and functionality. The layout across four decks creates a sense of openness, with large windows throughout bringing in natural light and offering stunning sea views.

Explorer II will begin sailing in August 2026, with her predecessor, Emperor Explorer, continuing to operate until the end of May.

Why can two divers complete the same dive, yet only one experiences a problem?
A new Red Sea research initiative is setting out to find the answer.

Launched by Hypermed Red Sea and Baromedical Red Sea, and supported by Emperor Divers, the study will investigate individual susceptibility to diving-related stress using Doppler ultrasound technology. 

The project is overseen by Dr Hossam Nassef and Dr Hanaa M Nessim, with day-to-day operations led by Dr Abdelrahman Hossam and Dr Abdelhakim Hossam.

The new course director, Rosie Alvelais Crocker, brings international teaching experience and a strong passion for professional dive training to the island.

Rosie’s journey into scuba diving began far from the ocean. Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and raised in El Paso, Texas, she developed an early fascination with marine life during family beach trips. 

Buddy Dive Resort has been recognized for its outstanding contribution to professional diver education as a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center.

The prestigious recognition is presented to a select group of PADI Instructor Development Centers that demonstrate exceptional commitment to developing the next generation of dive professionals. 

This award recognises the resort’s exceptional commitment to luxury, sustainability, and marine conservation in one of the world’s most biodiverse underwater environments.

Buddy Dive Resort has won 14 Scuba Reader’s Choice Awards for 2026!! We could not be prouder than what we stand for and what we offer to our dive community. We are especially proud of placing second place in family friends experience – we enjoy seeing every diver’s journey from the kids’ courses to the technical diving courses!

Buddy Dive Resort’s 2026 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards: