PADI Open Water Diver Course

Taking the plunge into scuba diving is a big step—and doing it in Sharm el Sheikh, known for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters, makes it even better. While we haven’t tried this course ourselves, the consistently glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of what to expect. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to get certified in a stunning location, this 3-day course offers a practical and rewarding experience.

What we love about this experience are three key things: the expert instruction from PADI certified professionals, the breathtaking underwater scenery of the Red Sea, and the well-organized group structure that makes learning smooth and fun. The price at $411.31 per person offers strong value considering what’s included—scuba equipment, boat trips, and the certification itself are all covered, making it a straightforward, no-hidden-cost package.

One potential consideration is the exclusion of e-learning materials, so you’ll need to allocate some time beforehand to review theory content independently. Also, diving within 24 hours of flying isn’t recommended, which might be a scheduling challenge for some travelers. Still, this course is well-suited for those who enjoy learning in a lively, scenic environment and want a recognized, worldwide diving license to continue exploring after their stay.

If you’re someone who loves discovering new skills, enjoys marine life, and wants a safe, guided introduction to scuba diving, this course should be on your radar. It’s particularly ideal for first-timers or those with a minimum age of 10 years old who want to tick off a bucket list activity in a popular destination.

Key Points

• Professional Instruction: All courses are led by qualified PADI instructors, like Mohamed Abdelkarim, known for his calm, patient teaching style.
• Beautiful Underwater Environment: Dives are conducted in the Red Sea, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and abundance of marine species.
• All Equipment Included: Students receive all necessary scuba gear, removing logistical worries.
• Flexible Group Size: The tour caps at a maximum of 15 travelers, allowing for personalized attention.
• Comprehensive Learning: The course incorporates 5 theory sessions, 5 confined water dives, and 4 open water dives for hands-on experience.
• Family Friendly: Children from 10 years and up can participate, with certifications valid up to 18m depth.
• Convenience: Optional hotel pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned vehicles streamline the experience.
• Value for Money: The price includes equipment, boat trips, and certification—manuals and photos are extra.
• Weather Dependent: The activity requires favorable weather; cancellations due to poor conditions are handled with options or refunds.

The Itinerary: What’s Included and Why It Matters

Day 1: Introduction and Confined Water Dives

The journey begins with a pickup around 8:30 am, setting the tone for a relaxed, professional experience. You’ll meet your instructor and get comfortable with the equipment onboard the boat, which is praised for being spacious, clean, and not overcrowded—a detail that many reviewers appreciate. The first day focuses on confined water dives—a safe, controlled environment where you’ll learn essential skills such as breathing techniques, mask clearing, regulator use, and buoyancy control.

Reviewers like those who’ve taken the course with instructors like Mina, Amr, or Hani mention feeling confident thanks to their instructors’ patience and clear explanations. The small group size means personalized attention—crucial for first-timers. Expect to spend most of the day practicing these skills in shallow waters, setting a solid foundation for the open water adventures to come.

Day 2 & 3: Open Water Dives in the Red Sea

The highlight of this course is the 4 open water dives conducted in the stunning waters of the Red Sea. These dives are carefully designed to reinforce skills learned previously while revealing the vibrant marine life that makes this area so popular. Reviewers often comment on the diversity of marine species and crystal-clear visibility, making it easy to spot coral, fish, and even larger creatures like reef sharks or turtles.

The boat departs early, and most reviewers appreciate the well-organized trips, often making three stops in a day, with enough time allocated for each dive. The boat crew is praised for their professionalism and friendly approach, with some describing the experience as “well-organized” and “not overcrowded,” which enhances the overall enjoyment.

The Certification and Aftermath

Once you complete your dives and theory tests, you’ll receive your worldwide-valid PADI Open Water Diver certification. It’s a credential that opens the door to exploring the underwater world anywhere in the globe, with no renewal fees, which is a bonus. For those who want to continue diving, this certification is the perfect starting point.

Additional Perks and Tips

• Meals and Drinks: Lunch and soft drinks are included, making the day more comfortable. Reviewers highlight the quality of the onboard food as a pleasant surprise.
• Photos: Souvenir photos are available to purchase, allowing you to keep a visual memory of your first underwater adventure.
• Medical Considerations: Participants will need to complete a health questionnaire and possibly consult a doctor if they have underlying conditions like asthma or heart issues. Pregnant women are advised against diving.

What Real Travelers Say

The reviews reflect a genuine appreciation for the professionalism and friendliness of the instructors, especially those like Mohamed Abdelkarim and Amr, who are consistently noted for their patience, clear instructions, and safety-first approach. Many mention how confident they felt after just a few sessions, with some describing their experience as “fun,” “safe,” and “well-organized.”

Reviewers also love the beautiful underwater scenery—crystal-clear visibility, colorful corals, and an abundance of fish. Several mention how the boat trips felt comfortable, with the crew ensuring everyone was well taken care of, and that the food onboard was a highlight.

The small group size and personalized attention are consistently praised, making even nervous first-timers feel supported. For families, the minimum age of 10 is a big plus; reviewers with children say that instructors like Mina made sure their kids were safe and confident.

Practical Details and Considerations

Price at $411.31 is reasonable considering the inclusions—equipment, boat trips, and certification. The optional manual and photos cost extra, but the overall value remains high, especially given the quality of instruction and environment.
Duration is roughly three days, perfect for fitting into a longer holiday or a dedicated diving trip.
Pickup is offered, saving you from arranging transportation in a foreign city, and the experience is capped at 15 travelers for a more intimate vibe.
Weather can influence schedules, so flexible travelers might need to adapt. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour For?

This PADI Open Water Diver course is best suited for beginners looking to earn their certification in a beautiful setting, families with older children eager to start their diving journey, and anyone interested in exploring the underwater world safely and joyfully. The emphasis on professional guidance, scenic dives, and inclusive amenities makes it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a hassle-free, memorable first dive experience.

If you’re someone who values expert instructors and well-organized trips, this course will meet and exceed expectations. Plus, if you’re a marine life enthusiast craving vibrant coral reefs and lively fish, you’ll love the underwater scenery of the Red Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $411.31?
The fee covers all scuba equipment, boat trips for open water dives, instruction from a PADI professional, and meals onboard. Manuals and souvenir photos are extra.

How long does the course take?
The entire course lasts about 3 days, with mornings starting around 8:30 am, including theory, confined water training, and open water dives.

Is the course suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 10 and over can participate, with certifications allowing dives up to 12m for kids under 15, and up to 18m once they turn 15.

Do I need prior experience?
No previous diving experience is necessary. The course is designed for beginners with no background required.

What should I bring?
Bring your valid passport, swimwear, sunscreen, and a positive attitude. The course provides all necessary scuba gear.

Can I participate if I have medical conditions?
Participants will need to complete a health questionnaire. Conditions like asthma or heart issues should be discussed with your doctor beforehand.

What if the weather is bad?
Dives are weather-dependent. If conditions prevent the activity, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How experienced are the instructors?
Instructors like Mohamed Abdelkarim, Mina, and Amr are highly praised, with many reviews noting their calm, patient, and professional approach.

Is this a good value for money?
Absolutely. Considering the inclusions and the quality of instruction, this course offers excellent value—especially for the memorable underwater scenery.

This 3-day PADI Open Water Diver Course in Sharm el Sheikh offers a perfect mix of professional teaching, stunning scenery, and a straightforward way to start a lifelong passion. Whether you’re new to diving or want to get certified somewhere unforgettable, this experience promises a safe, fun, and rewarding introduction beneath the waves.