The Red Sea is one of the easiest places in the world to try scuba diving for the first time. The water is warm, the reefs start close to the coast and the boats leave from Hurghada daily. This guide explains how a beginner dive day works, what you need to know before you go and how to choose between a first dive and a full course.
Can Beginners Dive in Hurghada?
Yes. Many of our guests have never dived before. A first dive with an instructor does not require a certificate. You get a short briefing, learn the basic signals and how to breathe underwater, and the instructor stays with you in the water. If you prefer not to dive at all, the same boat is a good place to snorkel and stay near the reef.
How Our Diving Day Works
- Pickup. We collect you from your hotel anywhere in Hurghada.
- First dive. A guided dive on a Red Sea reef.
- Lunch on the boat. A rest between dives, with drinks and fruit.
- Second dive, or snorkel. Dive again or switch to snorkelling.
- Return. Back to your hotel at the end of the day.
What Is Included and What Is Not
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Hotel transfer both ways | Marine park fee |
| Two dives | Tips |
| Equipment | Anything not listed here. Ask us on WhatsApp |
| Lunch on the boat, soft drinks, fruit | Transfer from El Gouna, Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh: +€10 |
The price is €35 per person. We confirm everything on WhatsApp before you pay.
First Dive or a PADI Course?
| Option | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Boat diving day | Trying scuba or certified divers | Two dives in one day, with the option to snorkel after |
| PADI course | Getting certified to dive anywhere | Theory, pool or shallow-water skills and open-water dives, usually over several days. Ask us for the schedule. |
If you only have one free day, choose the boat diving day. If you have a week and want a certificate, message us and we will explain the course options.
Before You Dive: What Beginners Should Know
- Health: you fill in a short medical questionnaire. If you have asthma, heart or ear problems, or are pregnant, check with a doctor first.
- Age: PADI sets a minimum age of 10 for scuba diving. Younger children can snorkel instead.
- Flying: do not fly for at least 18 hours after diving. Plan your dive day away from your flight home.
- Alcohol: avoid it the evening before and on the day of the dive.
- Swimming: be comfortable in the water. You do not need to be a strong swimmer for a first dive, but you should not fear it.
- Sea conditions: the Red Sea is warm, but a rash vest or wetsuit helps in winter. See the best time to visit Hurghada.
What You Will See
Red Sea reefs are known for clear water, hard and soft corals and large numbers of reef fish. Divers often see colourful reef fish, anemonefish, parrotfish and sometimes turtles and rays. What you meet depends on the site and the day, and the instructor will point things out. If you want marine life without scuba, our snorkelling trips on Giftun Island reefs are a lighter alternative, and the semi-submarine keeps you dry.
Diving, Snorkelling or Semi-Submarine?
| Trip | Price | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diving day | €35 | Full day | Trying scuba, two dives |
| Orange Bay | €25 | Full day | Snorkelling and a beach |
| Semi-submarine | €20 | Short trip | Seeing the reef without getting wet |
See every trip on the tours page and the price list.
FAQ
Do I need a certificate to dive in Hurghada?
Not for a first guided dive. Certified divers can also join the boat day.
How much does diving cost in Hurghada?
From €35 per person for our boat diving day: two dives, lunch, equipment, drinks and hotel transfer. The marine park fee and tips are not included.
Is diving in Hurghada safe for beginners?
Yes, when you dive with a qualified instructor and follow the briefing. You will answer a health questionnaire before the dive.
Can I snorkel instead of dive?
Yes. You can snorkel after your dives or instead of the second dive.
Can I cancel?
Yes. Cancellation is free up to 72 hours before the trip.
Ready to dive?
Send your date, group size and hotel. We reply on WhatsApp within 1-3 minutes.