Sharm El Sheikh: Red Sea Scuba Diving Day with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

First time diving in Sharm’s wild blue water with real PADI guides

You’ll start your day learning scuba basics in calm water near Sharm El Sheikh before heading out for your first real Red Sea dive with a certified PADI instructor. Enjoy a simple lunch on board between dives and soak up the sun while you swap stories with fellow travelers. It’s more than just seeing fish — it’s about feeling braver than you thought.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was nervous the second we pulled up to the boat in Sharm El Sheikh. The Red Sea looked impossibly bright, almost fake, and I kept fiddling with my mask strap like it would help. Our instructor, Ahmed, noticed right away — he just grinned and said, “Breathe slow. You’ll see.” We started off in this shallow spot where the water was so clear you could count pebbles on the bottom. I remember the first time I put my face under — salt stung my lips a little and everything went quiet except for my own bubbles. It’s weird how loud your breath sounds down there.

After practicing some basics (I definitely flailed trying to find my buoyancy), Ahmed gave us a thumbs-up and we headed out for our first real dive. The Red Sea is wild — schools of little yellow fish zipped past us like they had somewhere important to be, and there was this one soft coral that looked like neon cauliflower. At one point, I tried to ask what it was underwater (which doesn’t work), but Ahmed just pointed and winked later when we surfaced: “Broccoli coral,” he joked. Lunch back on deck tasted extra good after all that — chicken, rice, salad — nothing fancy but somehow perfect with wet hair and sun-warmed skin.

I didn’t expect to feel so light after — not just from floating but from doing something that scared me at first. We talked about maybe coming back for full certification next time (Ahmed said these dives can count toward it if you want). The ride back was quiet; everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts or maybe still underwater in their heads. Sometimes I still hear those bubble sounds when I close my eyes at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Learn and dive in Red Sea

• Learn basic scuba skills
• Practice skills in confined water
• Enjoy two dives from shore or boat
• Dive at Ras Mohamed National Park
• Dive at White Island

Top questions

Is this scuba diving experience suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed for first-timers and includes instruction in basic skills before your open water dive.

Are hotel transfers included in the booking?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included.

How long does each dive last?

Each dive is about 25 minutes long.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included with options like chicken, rice, pasta, vegetables, and salads.

Do I need to bring my own scuba gear?

No, all scuba equipment is provided as part of the tour.

Can children or infants join this activity?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation and most areas are wheelchair accessible.

Where do the dives take place?

Dives are done either from shore or by boat near Ras Mohamed or White Island.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, use of all necessary scuba equipment, a 25-minute confined water session plus a 25-minute open water dive with a professional PADI-certified instructor guiding you throughout. You’ll have lunch onboard—think chicken, rice or pasta with fresh salads—and drinks like water, coffee, tea or soda are available too before heading back to your hotel.