Hurghada: Scuba Diving for Beginners & Certified Divers

The Red Sea puts on quite a show. This Hurghada boat trip combines two scuba sessions, two snorkeling stops, lunch, and hotel transport for $30 per person. I especially like the patient instructors for first-timers and the chance to see coral and fish from both above and below the water.

I also like the relaxed boat setup, with buffet lunch, unlimited soft and hot drinks, a bathroom, and a shower. The main caution is transport and communication: one person reported waiting more than an hour for the return transfer, while another found the transfer vehicle cramped. You may also need to ask the crew where to go next instead of waiting for instructions.

Key points to know before booking

• Two underwater stops: Beginners receive two short scuba sessions, usually 15 to 20 minutes each, while certified participants get about 30 to 40 minutes per session.
• Patient instruction: The first session may include one-to-one help, useful if you feel nervous in the water.
• Snorkeling included: You can use the same general underwater areas without scuba gear, making this a good choice for mixed groups.
• Lunch and drinks onboard: A buffet meal, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and other hot drinks are included throughout the day.
• Extra charge for certified participants: The basic price is $30, but certified scuba participants must choose the certified option, which costs an additional €25 per person.
• Not a children’s scuba trip: Children under 12 cannot take part in the scuba sessions, though they may snorkel.

From your Hurghada hotel to the Red Sea

The day begins with pickup from your hotel in Hurghada, followed by a transfer to the port and a boat ride toward the underwater sites. The exact pickup time is not provided, so you should confirm it carefully and be ready early.

Pickup and return transport are included for hotels in Hurghada. Transfers from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, Sharm El Naga, and Viva Blue require an add-on selected at checkout for each participant. That extra step matters, since the basic price does not cover every resort area.

The transfer received mixed marks. Some people found pickup prompt and helpful, including assistance getting in and out of the car. Another person described the vehicle as cramped, and a separate account reported a long wait for the return ride. I would keep some patience for the end of the day and avoid scheduling a tight evening commitment.

Once you reach the port, you board the boat and meet the crew. The trip is built around time on the water rather than a long sightseeing program, so the boat itself becomes your base for the day. You can sit back, look across the Red Sea, and get used to the equipment before the first session.

Preparing for your first scuba session

This trip is designed for beginners without a license, which makes the instruction especially important. Before each underwater session, a certified instructor explains the site and gives guidance on how the activity will work.

That is useful if this is your first time breathing through a regulator. A few people arrived nervous and found that the instructors used humor and patience to settle them. One first-time participant had one-to-one help during the first session, then went with a partner for the second session.

The first session lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your condition. That is not a long time underwater, but it is enough to learn how the equipment feels and to look around without turning the day into an exhausting training course.

You should expect the instructor to control the pace. This is not the place to rush ahead or treat the session like a free swim. Stay close, follow the instructions, and tell the instructor if you feel uncomfortable. The staff’s patience is one of the strongest reasons this trip suits beginners.

Certified participants follow a different format. Each session lasts roughly 30 to 40 minutes, again depending on individual condition. You must select the certified option, which carries an additional €25 charge per person. The included basic package is not the correct choice for a licensed scuba participant seeking the longer format.

What the two underwater sites offer

The boat visits two scuba sites and two snorkeling stops. The available information does not name the reefs or promise particular animals, so you should not book this expecting a guaranteed encounter with dolphins, turtles, or a specific fish.

What you can reasonably expect is coral, fish, and clear Red Sea scenery. One certified participant described plenty to see around a living reef, with many fish in the water. Another noted that the snorkeling area was also used by the scuba group, which is handy for couples or families who want to share the same part of the day at different levels.

The first site is likely to feel like the learning session for beginners. You may spend much of those 15 to 20 minutes concentrating on breathing, buoyancy, and staying calm. That is normal. The reward is not distance or depth, but the moment you stop thinking about the equipment and begin noticing the reef.

The second session usually gives beginners a little more confidence. One participant described the first session as slower and the second as offering more freedom. Your own pace will depend on the instructor and how comfortable you feel, but two attempts are far better than one hurried introduction.

For certified participants, the longer sessions provide more time to examine the reef and fish. Still, this is a group boat excursion, not a private technical trip. Site choice and underwater time depend on conditions and individual ability, and the crew’s instructions take priority.

Snorkeling for non-scuba participants

The snorkeling stops widen the appeal of the trip. Children under 12 cannot take part in scuba sessions, but they can snorkel. The same applies to anyone who simply prefers to stay at the surface.

Snorkeling gear is included when that option is selected. You can see fish and coral without taking a lesson in regulator use or spending time underwater. This makes the trip workable for a mixed group, although the day’s main focus remains scuba.

If one person in your group is nervous, snorkeling offers a comfortable alternative. You can still enjoy the sea and watch activity around the reef while the scuba participants are below. Just remember that the supplied information does not specify how long each snorkeling stop lasts.

Time on the boat, lunch, and drinks

Between water sessions, the boat provides a place to dry off and rest. You can enjoy the Red Sea views, sit in the open air, or simply wait for the next activity without needing to return to shore.

Lunch is served as a buffet onboard. The meal received positive attention, with chicken nuggets specifically mentioned as a hit and the food generally described as good. Since menus can vary, it is best to think of this as a practical boat lunch rather than a restaurant meal.

Unlimited soft and hot drinks are included. Coffee, cola, and lemonade were available during one person’s trip, and the ability to help yourself throughout the day adds real value to the $30 price. Bring cash for personal spending and tipping, since cash is listed among the items to bring.

The boat has bathroom and shower facilities. Those are simple details, but they matter after saltwater sessions. A towel and swimwear are essential, while sunglasses and a sun hat will help during the long hours outside.

The crew and the human side of the trip

The strongest part of this experience is the crew’s approach to beginners. People described the instructors as calm, funny, patient, and serious about safety when it mattered. That mix is exactly what you want when your first minutes underwater feel unfamiliar.

Nassr received a special thank-you from one participant, while Omar, Yousef, and Baschar were also named in a positive account. The praise is not limited to one instructor. The wider team appears to contribute to the day, from the boat service to assistance with transfers.

One small weakness is that you may need to find out what is happening rather than wait for someone to explain every next step. If you are unsure, ask. A quick question about the next meeting point, equipment, or timing can save confusion.

The listed languages are English, German, Polish, Arabic, French, and Russian. That range may make the briefing easier for many people, though the exact language arrangement for your group is not stated.

Is $30 good value?

At $30 per person, this is a strong-value day if you want an introduction to Red Sea scuba without paying for a private session. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, the boat, instruction, two underwater stops, equipment depending on the selected option, lunch, unlimited drinks, and onboard facilities.

The value becomes even better for beginners who want two attempts. A single short session can end just as you are getting comfortable. Here, the second session gives you a chance to use what you learned, often with less anxiety and more enjoyment.

Certified participants need to calculate the real cost differently. Add the €25 per-person supplement for the certified option, and check that the selected package includes the scuba gear and longer sessions you need. The price is still reasonable, but the advertised $30 is not the final figure for licensed participants.

You should also count the cost of convenience. Hotel transport saves you from arranging a port transfer, and lunch and drinks reduce extra spending during the day. The uncertain part is the return transfer, so the value is best for people with flexible schedules.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to first-time scuba participants who want a gentle introduction rather than a formal certification course. The instructors’ patience, two attempts, and one-to-one support during the first session can make a big difference.

It also suits couples and groups with mixed interests. One person can scuba while another snorkels, and everyone can share the same boat, lunch, and sea views.

Certified scuba participants should book only after selecting the correct certified option. The longer sessions may suit you well, but this remains a general boat excursion rather than a specialist trip built around advanced underwater goals.

This is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with respiratory issues, or wheelchair users. Children under 12 may snorkel but cannot take part in scuba sessions.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, cash, and your passport. A copy of your passport is accepted. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your schedule is still shifting.

My final recommendation

Book this Hurghada trip if you want a friendly, low-cost first taste of Red Sea scuba, especially if you value patient instruction and two chances in the water. The coral and fish provide the main attraction, while lunch, drinks, transport, and a helpful crew make the day easy to manage.

Think twice if you need precise scheduling, private instruction throughout, or a guaranteed return time. Ask questions onboard, allow extra time for the transfer home, and choose the certified option if you already hold a license. For beginners with realistic expectations, this is a very good use of $30.

FAQ

Is this trip suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The trip is designed for people without a scuba license, and certified instructors provide guidance before each underwater session.

How many scuba sessions are included?

Two scuba sessions are included when the appropriate option is selected.

How long does each beginner session last?

Each introductory session lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your individual condition.

How long do certified sessions last?

Certified sessions last about 30 to 40 minutes each, depending on your individual condition.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes, two snorkeling stops and snorkeling equipment are included when that option is selected.

Can children take part?

Children under 12 cannot take part in scuba sessions, but they can go snorkeling.

Is hotel transportation included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Hurghada. Transfers from Makadi Bay, Safaga, Soma Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Sharm El Naga, and Viva Blue require an add-on selected at checkout.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is served onboard.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited soft drinks and hot drinks are included throughout the day.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, cash, and your passport. A passport copy is accepted.

Who should not book this activity?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with respiratory issues, or wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.