Earn your PADI Open Water certification over three immersive days in Marsa Alam. From classroom basics to four open-water reef dives, this course turns beginners into confident divers on the Red Sea’s vibrant reefs.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You surface to a wide, glassy horizon and the boat rocks gently beneath you — the Red Sea slipping back into silence as instructors ready tanks and check gauges. In Marsa Alam the water is a pageant of light: shafts of sun pierce blue, and the coral walls below seem to breathe. The course moves from classroom basics to confined-water skills and then into four open-water dives, each rehearsal building confidence until you navigate reef channels and shallow bommies without thinking about your breathing.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Moderate — comfortable swimming ability and basic cardiovascular fitness; able to climb a ladder and carry gear.
Wildlife
History
Marsa Alam evolved from a small port and Bedouin communities into a diving hub; the coast sits along historic Red Sea trade routes and now includes protected marine parks.
Conservation
Many dive operators use mooring buoys and brief divers on low-impact practices; avoid touching coral and use reef-safe sunscreens to help preserve fragile habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Red Sea Open Water Diver Course in Marsa Alam today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate and rest before dives
Diving dehydrates and fatigue increases risk of ear problems and decompression issues; drink water and get a good night’s sleep.
Practice equalization on the surface
Swallowing and Valsalva techniques before descent reduce ear pain and aborted dives—ask instructors for form checks.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and rash guard
Topical sunscreens can harm coral; wear a long-sleeve UV shirt and apply mineral-based sunscreen sparingly.
Listen to the briefing and follow the buddy system
Briefings cover entry, exit, depths and emergency procedures—stick with your buddy and instructor at all times.
Mask & Snorkel
A well-fitting mask and snorkel help with surface breathing and low-stress skill practice.
3–5mm Wetsuit
Choose 3mm for summer, 5mm for cooler months to maintain comfort during repeated dives.
fall
Dive Computer or Depth Gauge
Tracks depth and bottom time to keep dives within safe limits and practice ascend rates.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen / Rash Guard
Protects skin topside while minimizing impact on coral when snorkeling between dives.
summer