Planning a trip to Hurghada and considering a day on the water? This scuba diving full-day trip manages to strike a balance between accessibility for beginners and enough adventure for seasoned divers. With hotel transfers, two dives, and a delicious buffet lunch, it promises a seamless, unforgettable underwater experience — all for just $24 per person. We’re here to give you the inside scoop based on plenty of reviews and detailed tour info, so you can decide if this trip is right for you.
What we love: the flexibility for different experience levels, the professional guides, and the value for money. But a heads-up—some reviewers noted gear quality and tipping expectations, so it’s worth keeping that in mind. Whether you’re a first-timer or already comfortable in the water, this tour can cater to your needs. It’s especially suited for families, solo travelers, or mixed groups wanting a hassle-free day on the Red Sea.
Key Points
- Suitable for all levels: Beginners and experienced divers can explore side-by-side.
- Convenient transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off make it stress-free.
- Two diving sites: One beginner-friendly reef and a second for more experienced divers.
- Includes buffet lunch: A generous open buffet on board ensures you stay energized.
- Flexible options: Snorkeling or swimming available at multiple points.
- Affordable price: At $24, it’s an accessible way to enjoy the Red Sea’s underwater beauty.
An In-Depth Look at the Hurghada Scuba Day Trip
Want to go deeper? We've reviewed these other diving experiences in Hurghada
What’s Included and How It Works
This 8-hour boat trip from Hurghada centers around giving travelers a safe, guided taste of the Red Sea’s vibrant marine life. The package covers hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, use of professional diving equipment, two dives at different sites, and a buffet lunch with water, soft drinks, and hot beverages. The tour operates daily, starting at 8:00 am, which means you’ll get a full day of underwater exploration and relaxation.
The professional instructors are key to making this a safe and enjoyable trip. Reviewers like Reese_C and Francesca_C highlight how supportive and friendly the staff are, especially for first-timers. The guides seem to take their responsibility seriously—explaining the sites, ensuring safety, and offering patience, which is vital for novices.
The Itinerary: From Pickup to Underwater Adventure
Your day begins with a prompt pickup from your Hurghada hotel — a bonus for travelers tired of complicated logistics. Expect a smooth ride to the boat, which is described as clean, well-organized, and equipped with a comfortable deck. Once aboard, you’ll meet your crew and fellow travelers, often numbering up to 30, as noted in reviews.
The morning starts with your first dive site, chosen for its suitability for beginners. Here, you’ll learn the basics of scuba diving in a safe, shallow environment. Guests like Nasser_K appreciated the low-cost experience, though some mention that the reef visit didn’t live up to expectations for more experienced divers. The focus is more on giving newcomers a taste of underwater exploration.
After your first descent, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch served on the boat, often praised for its quality and variety. Many reviews emphasize the deliciousness of the food, with some calling it “lovely” or “superb,” making the break a pleasant chance to relax and chat.
Post-lunch, you’ll move to a second site—a deeper or wall site suited for those with more experience. The flexibility here shines; snorkelers or swimmers can choose to stay on deck or float around, enjoying the beautiful views and marine life. A common highlight is the chance to swim alongside colorful coral and fish, with some reviewers mentioning sightings of barracuda, lionfish, and even dolphins.
The Quality of Equipment and Guides
While most guests rave about the professionalism of the instructors like Sultan and Mustafa, a few reviews mention older gear from the 70s and issues with size availability, particularly for children or smaller adults. This suggests that while safety equipment is provided, it might sometimes be less modern or well-fitted, which can impact comfort and confidence.
The guides are lauded for their consideration and patience. Multiple reviews describe instructors as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, making it easier for nervous first-timers to feel at ease. Notably, they tailor the experience for different skill levels, which is a big plus if you’re traveling with a mixed group.
The Experience and Marine Highlights
The underwater scenes are often described as stunning and vibrant. Travelers love the chance to see a variety of fish and coral, with some reviews mentioning remarkable encounters such as swimming with dolphins or spotting rare fish. One guest was especially thrilled, describing their experience of dolphins swimming around the boat and underwater, calling it “breathtaking.”
For many, the underwater visibility and marine life diversity are the biggest draws, especially given the reasonable price point. The two dive stops give ample opportunity to explore, with some reviewers noting that the first dive might sometimes be brief or less deep than expected, but overall, the experience remains highly positive.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Hurghada
- Hot Air Balloon In Luxor + Private Full Day Tour In Luxor Temples
- Viva Egypt Full Day Escape to Hula Hula Island From Hurghada
- Viva Egypt: Pyramids & Museum Full-Day Tour from Hurghada
- Full Day Scuba Diving Boat Trip for Professional Divers_Hurghada
- Hurghada Full Day Desert Tour
- Red Sea: Orange Island Speedboat Full Day Tour with Lunch
Logistics, Group Size, and Overall Value
The group size appears to max out around 30, which balances social atmosphere with personal attention. The pickup service is punctual and straightforward, reducing stress—something many travelers appreciate. The 8-hour duration means you get plenty of time for both dives, lunch, and relaxing onboard, making it a great use of your day.
Cost-wise, at $24 per person, this trip offers excellent value. It includes all equipment, transfers, lunch, and guided instruction, which most standalone diving excursions would charge extra for. Reviewers frequently mention that the price point is very reasonable for what’s offered, especially considering the quality of the guides and the marine scenery.
Final Thoughts: Is This Trip Right for You?
This full-day scuba adventure works well for a variety of travelers. If you’re new to diving but eager to experience the underwater world, the professional guidance and shallow sites make it approachable. For experienced divers, the second site offers enough depth and wall scenery to satisfy your appetite.
Families or groups with mixed experience levels find this tour particularly appealing. The hotel pickup makes it convenient, and the lunch onboard is an added bonus, especially after a morning in the water. The overall value for money combined with friendly guides and stunning marine life makes it a popular choice.
However, be aware that some reviewers flagged older gear and tipping expectations—a point worth preparing for. Also, some reviews hinted that the first dive could sometimes be a bit underwhelming or less deep than hoped, but most consider this a minor flaw in an otherwise rewarding experience.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip is particularly suited for beginners, families, or those traveling with mixed skill levels who want a safe, guided introduction to scuba diving. It’s ideal if you’re looking for an affordable, well-organized day out on the water with plenty of marine sights. If you’re comfortable with the idea of slightly older equipment or don’t mind the occasional tipping request, you’ll find this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.
FAQs
Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, making it very convenient.
What is the duration of the trip? The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning in the late afternoon.
Do I need prior diving experience? No, this trip is suitable for beginners, and professional instructors guide all dives with safety as a priority.
What should I bring? While most equipment is provided, bringing a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera or phone case is recommended. Some guests opt to buy photos or videos from the crew.
Are meals included? Yes, a buffet lunch with water, soft drinks, and hot beverages is served onboard.
Can I snorkel instead of diving? Yes, you can choose to snorkel or simply relax on the boat during the dives if you prefer.
How many dives are included? There are two scheduled dive stops—one suitable for beginners and another for more experienced divers.
What marine life might I see? Expect to see vibrant coral, tropical fish, and possibly larger marine animals like barracuda or dolphins, depending on the day.
Are there additional fees I should be aware of? Yes, National Park admission is €5 per person (cash payable on the spot), and transfers from certain locations like El Gouna or Sahl Hasheesh cost an extra €10 per person.
Final Words
For anyone looking to experience the Red Sea’s underwater world without diving deep into their wallet, this full-day boat trip offers an impressive blend of safety, scenery, and convenience. The professional guides, good value, and beautiful marine life make it a compelling choice whether you’re new to diving or just eager for a relaxing day on the water. It’s a tour that genuinely caters to a broad range of travelers, all wrapped up in a well-organized package designed to maximize fun and minimize hassle.
More Dinner Experiences in Hurghada
- Sahl Hasheesh: Desert Stargazing, Candlelight & BBQ Dinner
- Hurghada: Safari Jeep, Quad, Buggy, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner
- Hurghada: Quad Bike, Camel & Option Dinner, Show, Stargazing
- Hurghada: Horse Ride, BBQ Dinner, and Stargazing
- Hurghada: Quad Bike and Camel Ride with Dinner and Show
- Hurghada: A Romantic Dinner On Islands Proposal Tour
More Dining Experiences in Hurghada
- Sahl Hasheesh: Desert Stargazing, Candlelight & BBQ Dinner
- Hurghada: Safari Jeep, Quad, Buggy, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner
- Hurghada: Quad Bike, Camel & Option Dinner, Show, Stargazing
- Hurghada: Horse Ride, BBQ Dinner, and Stargazing
- Hurghada: Quad Bike and Camel Ride with Dinner and Show
- Hurghada: A Romantic Dinner On Islands Proposal Tour
More Tour Reviews in Hurghada
Still browsing? Here are more Hurghada experiences we've covered recently
- Hurghada: Desert Quad Bike Camel Ride with Optional GoPro
- Hurghada: Pirates Sailing Boat to Orange Bay with Transfers
- Hurghada: Small-Group Luxor Highlights & Balloon Day Tour
- Hurghada: Boat trip to Magawish island with Multi Options
- Hurghada: Speedboating, Snorkeling & BBQ On Giftun Islands
- Hurghada: Luxury VIP Hammam & Spa with Transfer & Drink
- ( canyon hurghada & stargazing )
- Hurghada: Spa Experience with Hammam, Massage, and Transfer
- Museum Diving Experience in the Red Sea
- Hurghada: Cairo Highlights Day Tour with Pickup & Flight
- Cairo: 2-Days Trip to Hurghada by Airplane
- Hurghada: Full Body Massage