Diving in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh — a chance to get to know the Red Sea underwater: to see corals, sea fish and reefs from a different angle. For a first dive there are programs with an instructor, and for certified divers separate options taking their training into account.
We explain how a yacht trip differs from shore diving, how to choose a resort and what to find out before booking. The main thing is to choose a format to suit your own experience, not just a beautiful photo.
Short answer: you can try diving at both resorts. For a short introduction consider a shore dive, and for a whole day at sea a yacht. A certificate is usually not needed for an introductory program, but admission depends on age, health and the conditions of the specific center.
Diving in Hurghada: a first dive and a day on a yacht
In Hurghada it is convenient to choose between a short shore program and a sea trip for most of the day. Both formats let you get to know the underwater world, but they differ in logistics, time away from the hotel and the number of activities between dives.
The program all-day diving in Hurghada combines a yacht, a briefing, two trial dives, lunch and time for snorkeling. It is an option for those interested not only in the underwater part but also in the boat trip itself.
If a whole day on a yacht does not suit you, consider shore diving in Sahl Hasheesh. According to the program description, the dive takes place from a pier in the Coral Garden lagoon. This format lets you focus on preparation and getting to know the equipment without a long trip out to sea. For a busier day there is the premium diving "Two Reefs", and Magawish Island with diving excursion and Paradise Hula Hula let you add a dive to a beach day.
Do not choose a program only by the stated depth. For a first experience a clear briefing, suitable equipment and the chance to settle in calmly matter more. The length of the excursion is also not equal to the time underwater: it includes the transfer, preparation and waiting.
Diving in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh: what to choose
| Your plan | Hurghada | Sharm El Sheikh |
|---|---|---|
| Try scuba for the first time | A shore program and a sea trip are available | A shore dive and additional dives from a yacht are available |
| Spend a day at sea | Yacht, trial dives and snorkeling | Sea routes with the option to add diving |
| Not go on a yacht | Consider the program in Sahl Hasheesh | Consider a shore dive |
| Dive with a certificate | Check the separate format and requirements | Check the separate format and requirements |
For a first attempt you do not have to change resorts just for diving. First compare the available programs near your hotel. A well-organized introductory dive matters more than the promise of "the most beautiful reef" without an explanation of the conditions.
Can you dive without experience and a certificate
Yes, introductory programs for beginners exist. For example, PADI Discover Scuba Diving does not require a prior certificate but involves preparation and a medical questionnaire. Depending on the answers, a doctor's note may be needed. These conditions are described in the PADI answers about trial diving.
This is an example of training rules, not a statement that every local excursion is run under a PADI program. Before paying, find out which format the chosen center offers, who accompanies participants and what restrictions apply.
The briefing explains the equipment, the main signals and the order of actions. Ask questions if something is unclear and tell the instructor about any discomfort. Do not try to increase the depth on your own or move away from your escort for a photo.
A trial dive is not a substitute for training and does not give the right to dive independently afterwards. If you enjoy the session, you can discuss a full course, its requirements and getting a certificate.
From the shore or from a yacht: which format is more convenient
From the shore
Suitable if you need a short outing without a long boat trip. Check the way of entry: the name may mean a pier or pontoon, not a gentle entry from the sand.
From a yacht
Suitable for a whole day at sea. Between dives you can rest on board, and in some programs snorkel. Take into account crossings and waiting for your turn.
Compare the number of dives, the approximate time underwater and the total duration. If the description states a time "including preparation", it does not mean the same number of minutes at the reef itself. It is better to clarify these details in advance.
If someone traveling with you does not dive, ask about accompaniment and its cost. This option may be convenient for a couple or a family, but the conditions for taking part on the yacht and in the shore program differ.
When to plan diving in Egypt
Dives are held in different seasons, but comfort changes with water temperature, wind and sea conditions. In summer the water is warmer, but it can be hot on the shore and the open deck. In winter dry clothes after leaving the water will be especially useful.
Check the suitable wetsuit and the program conditions at the center. Do not choose equipment only by the air temperature: underwater it feels different. The weather also affects the availability of specific sites and the yacht's sailing.
Leave a margin in your holiday dates. For a general choice of season you can study the forecast for Sharm El Sheikh, but the decision to dive is made taking into account actual local conditions.
What to check before booking
State your experience, the age of the participants and important information from the medical questionnaire. If it requires a medical assessment, complete it before taking part. Do not consider payment for the excursion as confirmation that diving is suitable for your health.
For children, check separately the admission to scuba diving: being able to go on the yacht does not equal permission to dive. The descriptions of the programs reviewed contain age restrictions; the final conditions must be confirmed with the organizer.
Do not plan diving right before your flight. Tell the center your flight time and agree on the interval after the last dive. The program page in Hurghada states a minimum of 24 hours; follow the conditions of your center and a longer interval if one is set for your program. General recommendations are given at Divers Alert Network.
Check the included equipment, transfer, documents and possible extra charges. Take swimwear, a towel and dry clothes. Underwater do not touch corals and animals: you can observe the reef without damaging it.
Choose diving in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh
Open a suitable program and compare it with your holiday plans. When booking, give the hotel, date, experience and number of participants, including companions who will not dive.
Also in Hurghada: Premium Diving "Two Reefs", Magawish Island with diving excursion and Paradise Hula Hula (with one trial dive).
Other trips are available in the catalogs of sea excursions in Hurghada and sea excursions in Sharm El Sheikh. Holiday memos are collected in the "Guide to Egypt".
Going diving? What to arrange in advance
If the trip is not yet bought or you are putting it together yourself, settle these questions in advance.
Travel insurance
It is better to arrange medical insurance in advance. Compare offers and check whether it covers diving and sea excursions.
Tour with flight
The search shows offers from tour operators in Moscow: dates, meals and hotel are chosen in one place.
Hotel only in Hurghada
Suitable if you have already bought tickets or are planning the trip yourself. Hotels can be filtered by price, area and reviews.
Hotel only in Sharm
The same for Sharm El Sheikh: filter hotels by price, area and guest reviews.
Questions and answers
Is diving in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh suitable for beginners?
Both resorts have introductory programs with an instructor. You need to choose specifically a format for beginners and confirm that you meet its requirements.
Do you need a certificate for a first dive?
For an introductory program, usually not. However, a briefing, a check of admission conditions and accompaniment are mandatory; independent diving is a different format.
Can you try diving without a yacht?
Yes. Consider a shore dive in Sahl Hasheesh or a shore program in Sharm El Sheikh. Check the way of entry and the duration in the description.
Does a trial dive give a diver certificate?
No. It is an introduction to scuba diving under accompaniment. Certification requires separate training meeting the requirements of the chosen course.
Can you dive on the last day of your holiday?
The plan depends on the flight time and the required interval after dives. Agree it with the center in advance; it is more convenient to leave a margin and not move diving to the time right before the flight.
