Around a million people learn to dive every year, and a growing share of them do it in Egypt — because nowhere else combines warm, calm, crystal-clear training conditions with prices roughly half of what European dive schools charge. Here's everything you need to know before booking your course.

What is the PADI Open Water Diver course?

It's the world's most recognized entry-level scuba certification. Once certified you can dive to 18 metres with a buddy, anywhere on the planet, for life — no renewal fees, no expiry.

How much does it cost in Egypt?

In Hurghada and Marsa Alam a full Open Water course typically costs $350–450 including equipment, versus €600–800 in Europe. Add the fact that your training dives happen on actual coral reefs (not a murky quarry), and the value is unbeatable.

The 3-day course, day by day

Day 1 — Theory + pool

Morning: PADI eLearning review and safety fundamentals with your instructor. Afternoon: confined-water session learning core skills — breathing underwater for the first time is a moment you'll never forget.

Day 2 — First open-water dives

Two boat dives to a max of 12 metres on gentle reef sites. You'll practice skills from day one and — between exercises — meet clownfish, blue-spotted rays and morays.

Day 3 — Qualification dives

Two deeper dives (max 18m) demonstrating everything you've learned. Back on the boat, paperwork is signed, and you're a certified diver. Most centers celebrate appropriately.

Requirements

  • Minimum age 10 (Junior Open Water) — no upper limit
  • Basic swimming ability (200m swim + 10-minute float)
  • Honest medical self-declaration (asthma, heart and ear conditions need a doctor's sign-off)

Open Water vs "intro dive" — which first?

If you're not sure diving is for you, start with a Discover Scuba intro dive (no certification, one day, ~$70). Loved it? Most centers — including ours — credit the intro toward your full course if you upgrade within days.

Ready to become a diver? See our PADI course packages in Hurghada and Marsa Alam — small groups, multilingual instructors, e-learning included.