PADI 3-Day Open Water Diving: Sharm El Sheikh certification

You earn your PADI card while diving the Red Sea, not in a classroom.

A 3-day PADI open water certification course in Sharm El Sheikh combines pool training on day one with four sea dives each on days two and three, taught by experienced PADI instructors. You complete theory, quizzes and the exam across the three days and leave certified to dive anywhere in the world to 18 meters depth. The certification card is valid for life with no annual renewal required.

The experience

The course starts in the pool on day one, where you complete five dives to get comfortable with the equipment before the ocean. A PADI master scuba diver trainer walks you through the basics of breathing underwater, managing buoyancy and handling the gear in a controlled setting. Once you're steady on day one, day two takes you out for four dives in the Red Sea itself, and day three adds four more sea dives. Between water time you'll finish your theory work, take quizzes and sit the exam that qualifies you as an open water diver.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as is transport by air-conditioned minivan to the dive sites. All scuba equipment is provided. The instructors are PADI-certified and follow safety standards throughout. Your certification card never expires and needs no annual renewal, so once you finish these three days you can dive independently anywhere in the world down to 18 meters with a buddy.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• professional PADI instructor.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• use of all scuba equipment for pool and sea dives.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (15 to 60 years) · Child (10 to 14 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Paid on siteUS$ 159

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Pirates Dive Club

Is this one for you?If your guide speaks a language you're comfortable following for technical instruction, the three-day structure gives you enough time to move from pool basics to independent sea diving without rushing the skills.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 14 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

Can I do the PADI open water course if I've never dived before?

Yes, the course is designed for beginners. Day one in the pool teaches you how to use the equipment and breathe underwater before you enter the sea, so no prior experience is needed.

Do I need to bring my own diving equipment?

No, all scuba equipment is included in the course. The operator provides everything you need for the pool dives and the four sea dives.

How deep will I dive during the course?

The pool dives on day one are in shallow water to build confidence. The sea dives on days two and three take you to depths where you can practice the skills you've learned, and once certified you'll be qualified to dive to a maximum of 18 meters anywhere in the world.

What's the difference between the PADI card I get and other diving certifications?

The PADI open water card is recognized worldwide and lets you dive independently to 18 meters with a buddy at any dive site that accepts PADI certification. It's the most widely accepted recreational diving qualification globally.

Is there a minimum age to take the course?

Children are welcome from age 10 and must be accompanied by an adult during the course.