3-Day Open Water Diving in Marsa Alam: Red Sea Certification

Three days of theory, confined water practice, and four open water dives on Red Sea reefs

A 3-day PADI Open Water Diver course in Marsa Alam that combines classroom theory, shallow-water practice, and four guided dives on Red Sea coral reefs, ending with worldwide certification to dive to 18 meters. Includes hotel pickup, all equipment, meals, and instruction in multiple languages. Children from age 10 are welcome.

The Experience

If you've arrived in Marsa Alam wanting to dive but have never done it, this course builds the skills step by step. Day one covers the theory (safety, equipment, hand signals) through interactive online lessons that assume no prior experience, then moves into confined water where you practice breathing underwater, controlling your buoyancy, and handling your gear in a safe, shallow setting. The instructor is there to watch and adjust your technique before you enter the open sea.

Days two and three are the four open water dives themselves, either from a boat or from the beach depending on conditions and the site. You'll put into practice what you learned in the pool, moving through the Red Sea's coral reefs with your certified instructor alongside you. The dives are paced to your comfort, not rushed, and the marine life and reef structure are what you came to see. The course is built around actually being underwater, not just checking boxes.

At the end you receive your PADI Open Water Diver card, recognized worldwide, which lets you dive to 18 meters with a buddy anywhere on the planet. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as are all scuba equipment, meals (Oriental buffet with vegetarian options), drinks, and coffee or tea throughout the three days. The instructor speaks English, Italian, French, German or one of several other languages depending on availability.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• all SCUBA equipment.
• four open water dives on Red Sea coral reefs.
• PADI Open Water Diver certification card.
• Oriental buffet meals with vegetarian options.
• bottled water.
• coffee and tea.
• entry to national park dive sites.
• government fees.
• instruction in English, Italian, French, German or other available languages.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Sambo divers

Is this one for you?The course spans three full days with an early start each morning, so it suits someone with a block of time in Marsa Alam rather than a quick afternoon activity. The confined water practice on day one builds confidence before the open water dives, making it designed for first-time divers who want to move at a measured pace.

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Top questions

What do I learn on the first day before getting in the water?

Day one covers diving safety, equipment setup, and underwater hand signals through interactive online lessons, then moves into confined shallow water where you practice breathing underwater and controlling your buoyancy with an instructor watching before any open water dives.

How many dives do I do in the Red Sea, and where do they happen?

You complete four open water dives over days two and three on Red Sea coral reefs, departing either from a boat or from the beach depending on conditions and site selection.

What certification do I get at the end, and where can I use it?

You receive your PADI Open Water Diver card, which is recognized worldwide and allows you to dive independently to 18 meters with a buddy anywhere on the planet after the course ends.

Is hotel pickup included, and what else is provided during the three days?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The course also provides all scuba equipment, an Oriental buffet with vegetarian options, bottled water, coffee and tea, and entry to national park dive sites and government fees.

Can children take this course, and are there any health restrictions?

Children from age 10 are welcome to enroll. The course is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health, and participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

Can I choose a private instructor instead of a group setting?

Private instructor options are available at checkout. Select that option when booking if you prefer one-on-one instruction instead of a group course.