Learn to dive in the warm, clear waters off Hurghada with a PADI Open Water course that combines classroom theory, confined-water skills and four supervised open-water dives. Expect practical training, local reef dives and included equipment and transfers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
On a salt-laced morning off Hurghada the Red Sea waits like a bright, breathing world beneath the surface—warm, clear, and insistently alive.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours (often split over 2–3 days)
Fitness Level
Comfortable swimmer with basic stamina; able to swim ~200 m and tread water for 10 minutes.
Wildlife
History
The Red Sea has been a trade corridor for millennia; modern dive tourism around Hurghada grew from the 1980s as resorts and liveaboards developed along productive coral reefs.
Conservation
The Red Sea faces warming and localized reef stress; responsible diving practices, reef-safe sunscreen and no-touch rules help protect coral and preserve dive sites.
Reserve your spot on the Course for Padi OW in Red Sea and Sinai today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a swim test-ready mindset
You should be comfortable swimming 200 m and treading water—this course requires basic swim competency for safety drills.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen before boarding to protect coral and avoid oily lotions that cling to gear.
Layer for wind on the boat
Morning and evening boat rides can be cool—bring a light windbreaker to stay comfortable between dives.
Hydrate and avoid alcohol
Drink plenty of water before and between dives; avoid alcohol for 24 hours before diving to reduce decompression risk.
Mask and snorkel
A well-fitting mask improves comfort during confined-water skills and surface swims.
Shorty or full wetsuit
Keeps you warm in cooler months and during long surface intervals.
winter
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and prevents harmful sunscreen chemicals from reaching coral.
summer
Light windbreaker or rash guard
Useful for boat runs and sun protection between dives.
spring