Hurghada, Professionals Diving in Open Water Tour with Lunch

The Red Sea rewards calm, careful beginners. This eight-hour Hurghada trip combines two guided scuba sessions, a boat ride, lunch, and time to swim or snorkel. I like the small-group promise of up to 10 people and the easy hotel pickup in a newer, air-conditioned vehicle. I also like that beginners and experienced divers can share the day, with a guide leading the underwater sessions.

The main caution is consistency. Most feedback praises the staff, colorful coral, and smooth first-time instruction, but one serious account describes overcrowding, poor organization, shortened sessions, and uncomfortable contact underwater. The extra €4 instructor fee in cash is also easy to miss when working out the true price.

Key points at a glance

• Two separate Red Sea scuba sessions: You get one session after the morning boat ride and another after lunch at a different site.
• Time for snorkeling and swimming: You are not required to spend the entire day below the surface.
• Lunch and drinks on board: Mineral water, soft drinks, and a midday meal are included.
• Hotel pickup in Hurghada: Send your room number in advance so the guide can find you.
• Languages and group size: Live guidance is offered in English, French, German, and Russian, with groups advertised at no more than 10 people.
• A strong but mixed safety picture: The overall rating is 4.3 from 80 ratings, with excellent praise for beginner instruction but one serious complaint about equipment, crowding, and staff conduct.

A full Red Sea day from Hurghada

This is a long, active day rather than a short boat outing. The published schedule allows about 40 minutes for sailing, 35 minutes for the first underwater session, 45 minutes for lunch, 30 minutes for the second session, and 45 minutes for snorkeling. Transfer time to and from your hotel is part of the eight-hour window.

I like this shape of day because it gives you more than one chance to settle into the water. The first session lets you learn the rhythm of breathing and moving with the equipment. The second takes place after lunch, when you have had time to think through what felt easy and what did not.

The trip is aimed at both first-time participants and certified or experienced divers who want a relaxed day in the Red Sea. That sounds broad, so you should set your expectations correctly. A beginner will receive guidance and supervision, while an experienced participant may find the pace more controlled than a private charter.

Hotel pickup and the ride to the marina

Pickup is included from your hotel in Hurghada. You need to send your room number ahead of time, since this helps the guide locate you without a long search through the hotel.

The transfer is described as a comfortable, newer, air-conditioned vehicle. That matters in Hurghada, where a cool ride is welcome after a day in the sun and before a boat trip. It also removes the need to arrange a taxi to the harbor yourself.

The information provided does not give a fixed pickup time. Check the available start times when booking and allow some flexibility around hotel collection. Bring comfortable shoes for the transfer, boarding, and time on deck, plus a sun hat for the open boat.

Forty minutes across the Red Sea

The boat ride takes about 40 minutes. This is not just dead time. You get views across the water and back toward the Hurghada coast, with room to settle in before the first underwater session.

The boat also becomes your base for the day. Lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks are included, and you can rest on board between activities. I would still bring anything personal you need for sun protection, since the supplied information only promises drinks and lunch, not sunscreen or towels.

The group is advertised as limited to 10 participants. That is an important part of the value. A smaller group should make it easier to hear the briefing, ask questions, and get attention from the guide. One negative account, however, described more than 20 people on board, so I would confirm the group size with the operator before setting out.

The first 35-minute underwater session

After the boat reaches the first site, the instructors explain the location and the basics you need for the session. The first underwater period is scheduled for about 35 minutes, although your actual time may depend on your comfort, air supply, conditions, and the guide’s instructions.

For a first-time participant, the guide’s role is especially important. One highly positive account described the staff as excellent for beginners, and another first-time participant said the experience was very good overall, though the lack of a French-speaking guide made the briefing harder to follow. If you are not comfortable in English, request your preferred language before the day begins.

The equipment included in the price covers the tank and weights. The information does not state that a full personal equipment package is included, so ask what is supplied and what sizes are available. This is not a minor point. A participant once reported that a requested women’s small wetsuit was unavailable and that the replacement fit badly.

The first session should feel supervised, not rushed. If you are new to scuba, tell the instructor clearly that you want a slow briefing and close support. If you are experienced, explain your certification and recent experience, while still following the guide’s site rules.

Lunch, drinks, and a proper break

After the first session, lunch is served on board for roughly 45 minutes. Mineral water and soft drinks are included, giving you a practical break before the second time in the water.

I like this pause because two underwater sessions can be tiring, especially for a beginner. You can eat, drink, warm up or cool down, and let your ears and breathing recover. It also gives you a chance to tell the guide if you need different equipment or extra explanation before the next session.

The food itself is not described in detail, so do not book this as a gourmet lunch. Think of it as useful fuel included in a boat-based day. If you have dietary needs, ask in advance, since no special meal information is provided.

The second 30-minute session at a new site

The second underwater session takes place at a different location and lasts about 30 minutes. A new site gives you a chance to see another part of the Red Sea rather than repeating the same view.

The strongest praise centers on the coral and fish. One account described colorful coral and plenty of fish, while another called the time between the reefs a dream. Those comments fit the main appeal here: you are not simply practicing skills in a featureless area, but looking for the underwater life that makes the Red Sea famous.

The shorter second session is not necessarily a problem. By this point, you may be tired, and the guide may be managing air use across the group. Still, experienced participants should ask how the site time is planned if they expect long underwater periods. One particularly poor account alleged that both sessions were cut short, with the second lasting only about 20 minutes because of an oxygen shortage. That is not the standard suggested by the advertised schedule, but it is a reason to ask practical questions before departure.

Forty-five minutes for snorkeling or swimming

After the two scuba sessions, the schedule allows about 45 minutes for snorkeling. You can also swim or simply relax on the boat if you have had enough activity.

This flexible finish helps the trip work for mixed groups. A confident scuba participant can enjoy the two guided sessions, while someone who prefers the surface can use the later period to look down at the reef without wearing full scuba equipment.

The snorkeling period is also useful if a beginner decides that scuba is not for them. You still get time in the Red Sea and do not lose the entire day. The supplied information does not confirm that snorkeling equipment is included, so check this before booking if you need a mask, fins, or other gear.

What the $72 price really covers

At $72 per person, the price is reasonable for a full-day boat outing with hotel transport, two guided scuba sessions, tank and weights, lunch, water, and soft drinks. The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a transfer, boat trip, instruction, and meals.

The group size matters just as much as the headline price. A 10-person limit can make the fee feel fair because you should receive more attention than on a large boat carrying several groups. But the conflicting account of a boat with more than 20 people shows why you should not treat the group limit as a small detail.

Add the €4 cash instructor fee when budgeting. It is listed as not included, and you should carry the correct amount rather than assume you can add it to the booking or pay by card.

The flexible booking terms add some value. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you keep your plans open. These policies are useful if your Hurghada schedule may change, but they do not replace checking the actual pickup time and group arrangements.

Staff, language, and safety checks

The trip offers live guidance in English, French, German, and Russian. That is helpful for a technical activity, since a clear briefing matters more than polished sightseeing commentary.

The feedback is notably strong for staff support during beginner sessions. One first-time participant described the day as perfect apart from the language issue, and another praised the care provided both on board and underwater. Those are the qualities I would want most if I were handing a regulator to a new participant.

There is also a serious warning that deserves plain treatment. One detailed account named a center manager called Oussama and alleged aggressive behavior, poor organization, lack of oxygen, dirty water, overcrowding, shortened sessions, and inappropriate touching by an instructor. This is one account, not proof that every departure has these problems, but underwater contact must always be explained, necessary, and welcome. If anything feels unsafe or inappropriate, end the session and speak to the senior staff immediately.

Before boarding, confirm four things:

• The exact group size for your departure
• The condition and size of your wetsuit and other equipment
• The language of the safety briefing
• The planned duration of both underwater sessions

These questions are simple and may prevent avoidable trouble.

Who should book this Hurghada trip?

This experience suits a first-time participant who wants structure rather than a private lesson. The instructor-led format, two separate sessions, lunch, and surface time give you a gentle introduction to the Red Sea.

It also suits an experienced participant who wants an uncomplicated day with transport included. You may prefer a private or specialist charter if you need full control over the site, bottom time, group size, or pace.

It is less suitable if you need a wheelchair-accessible boat or vehicle, since the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. Pregnant women should not book it, and pets are not allowed.

You should also think carefully about the physical demands. Even though the day includes breaks, you will spend time boarding, sitting on a boat, handling equipment, entering the water, and taking part in several activities under the sun.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a sun hat. Send your hotel room number before pickup, and keep the €4 instructor fee in cash.

If you are a beginner, tell the instructor before the first briefing. Ask for the steps to be shown slowly, and do not feel pressured to continue if you are uncomfortable. The best part of this experience is the chance to learn at a manageable pace, not the number of minutes you can stay underwater.

If you speak French, German, or Russian, request that language in advance rather than assuming the right guide will be available. The language offering is broad, but one participant had trouble because a French guide was not available on the day.

Bring patience for a full day. The timetable includes sailing, two underwater sessions, lunch, and snorkeling, but exact timings can change with boat operations and conditions.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if you want a reasonably priced, all-in-one Red Sea day and you are happy with a shared boat and guided pace. The colorful coral, fish, beginner-friendly staff, lunch, and hotel pickup make it a practical choice, especially for a first scuba experience.

I would not book without confirming the group size and equipment arrangements. The overall 4.3 rating from 80 ratings is encouraging, and several participants praise the staff and underwater scenery, but the serious complaint about crowding and safety cannot be brushed aside.

Ask the operator to confirm the maximum number of people, the wetsuit size, the two session lengths, and the available guide language. If those answers are clear, the $72 price offers good value. If the answers are vague, choose a provider with firmer safety and group-size guarantees.

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada scuba tour?

The experience lasts 8 hours, including hotel pickup, the boat ride, two underwater sessions, lunch, snorkeling, and the return to Hurghada.

How many underwater sessions are included?

Two separate guided scuba sessions are included. The first is scheduled for about 35 minutes and the second for about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks are included on board.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Round-trip pickup from hotels in Hurghada is included in an air-conditioned vehicle. You should send your room number so the guide can locate you.

What languages are available?

Live guidance is offered in English, French, German, and Russian. You should request your preferred language in advance.

Is the instructor fee included in the price?

No. An instructor fee of €4, payable in cash, is listed as an extra cost.