Hurghada is one of the best places in the world to breathe underwater for the first time. The sea is warm for most of the year, visibility is usually excellent, and calm, shallow reefs full of colour are a short boat ride away. Thousands of complete beginners do their first dive here every week.
The try-dive: no experience needed
A beginner dive — often called a try-dive or discover scuba dive — is the simplest way to start:
- A short briefing on the boat: how the equipment works, how to breathe, how to equalise your ears and a few hand signals.
- Practice in shallow water, standing or kneeling, until breathing through the regulator feels natural.
- A guided dive of around half an hour, usually to a modest depth, with the instructor beside you the whole time.
Many boat trips combine one try-dive with snorkelling at a second stop, so the rest of the family can come along without diving.
A full course
If the first dive leaves you wanting more, an entry-level open water course takes a few days and combines theory, practice in shallow water and several open-water dives. At the end you receive a certification recognised around the world, so you can dive anywhere with a buddy. Hurghada's calm conditions make it an easy place to learn.
Who can dive?
- Age: children can usually start from around ten years old on special junior programmes; check with the dive centre.
- Health: you will fill in a medical questionnaire. Some conditions — asthma, heart problems, recent surgery, pregnancy — may need a doctor's approval or rule diving out.
- Swimming: you do not need to be a strong swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water.
Safety rules worth knowing
- Do not fly too soon after diving. Allow a full day between your last dive and your flight home — plan your diving early in the holiday.
- Equalise early and often. Pinch your nose and blow gently as you descend; never force it.
- Never hold your breath. Breathe slowly and continuously.
- Do not touch the coral or the animals. Some, like fire coral and stonefish, can hurt you, and all of them are fragile.
- Listen to your instructor. If you feel unwell, signal and go up slowly together.
How to choose a dive centre
Look for recent reviews that mention the instructors by name, small groups for beginners, well-maintained equipment and a clear safety briefing. A good centre never rushes a nervous beginner.
What to bring
Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, water and seasickness tablets if you need them. The dive centre provides all diving equipment.
Book your first dive
Compare the best-rated diving trips in Hurghada, with real traveller reviews. Prefer to stay on the surface? A Giftun Islands snorkelling day shows you the same reefs from above.
