Scuba Diving in the Egyptian Red Sea: PADI Introduction

One pool session and one open-water dive, all the gear included, no certification required

A full-day scuba diving introduction in the Egyptian Red Sea with a PADI instructor covers one pool session and one ocean dive from the beach, plus all equipment, lunch and hotel pickup. The dives count toward PADI certification if you decide to pursue it later. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included; the experience is open to ages 10 and up with moderate fitness.

The Experience

The day starts with hotel pickup and a trip to Pyramids Diving Center's own boat. You'll begin in the pool with a PADI instructor, learning the basic skills and knowledge you need underwater—how to breathe, equalize pressure, and move safely. This isn't a certification course, so there's no exam or paperwork that locks you in; it's a hands-on introduction designed to let you try diving without the commitment. All equipment is provided: wetsuit, tank, regulator, mask and fins.

After the pool session, you move to the open water. The dive launches from the beach into the Egyptian Red Sea, where you'll put those pool skills to work under your instructor's supervision. You're not going deep or far—this is about getting comfortable underwater and seeing what's there. The dives you complete today count toward a PADI Scuba Diver or Open Water certification if you decide later that you want the full credential.

The boat carries lunch—a buffet spread—and soft drinks are available throughout the day. You'll need to bring a towel and a valid passport. A health questionnaire is required before you enter the water; some conditions like asthma or heart issues may prevent diving, so check with your doctor if you have concerns. Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended.

What’s included

• All diving equipment (wetsuit, tank, regulator, mask, fins).
• one pool training session and one ocean dive with a PADI instructor.
• buffet lunch and hot and cold beverages.
• DSD manual.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Pyramids Diving Center

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Sharm el-Sheikh without your own transport—hotel pickup gets you to the boat—and want a full day underwater rather than a rushed introduction to diving.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

1,850 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,807

4 ★24

3 ★5

2 ★6

1 ★8

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can I do this dive if I've never been underwater before?

Yes. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving program is designed for people with no diving experience. You'll spend time in the pool learning the basics with an instructor before moving to the ocean dive, so you're not thrown into deep water unprepared.

What's included in the full day, and what do I need to bring?

The package includes all diving equipment, the pool and ocean sessions with a PADI instructor, a buffet lunch, soft drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a DSD manual. You'll need to bring a valid passport, a towel, and any medications you take regularly.

Do these dives count toward a real PADI certification?

Yes. If you decide to get certified later, the dives you complete today count toward your PADI Scuba Diver or Open Water certification—you won't have to repeat them.

What's the age requirement, and can children go?

The minimum age is 10 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day.

What if I have a medical condition—can I still dive?

You'll complete a health questionnaire before the dive. Some conditions like asthma, heart problems or spinal injuries may prevent you from diving safely. Check with your doctor beforehand if you have any concerns, and be honest on the questionnaire.

How long is the full day, and when does it start?

The experience runs a full day, starting with hotel pickup in the morning. The boat provides the pool session, ocean dive, lunch and return transport, so plan for most of your day.