🌊 Diving in Egypt: Top Spots for Beginners & PADI Certification

Q: Q1: Can I try diving if I don’t have any experience?

Yes! Intro diving is designed especially for beginners. You’ll be supervised closely, with no need for previous experience.

Q: Q2: How deep do beginners dive?

Intro dives typically go down to 6–10 meters , a comfortable depth for a first dive.

Q: Q3: Are PADI certifications available in all cities?

Yes, you can get certified in Hurghada , Sharm El-Sheikh , or Marsa Alam .

Q: Q4: How long does it take to complete a PADI Open Water course?

The full course usually takes 3–4 days , including theory, pool sessions, and open water dives.

Q: Q6: What’s the best place in Egypt for a first dive?

All three cities are great, but Marsa Alam is often praised for its calm waters and turtle sightings.

Q: Q7: Are there any age restrictions?

Most diving centers allow children from 10 years old for both intro dives and PADI programs.

🐠 Introduction to Diving in Egypt

Diving in Egypt is an unforgettable adventure for anyone interested in exploring the underwater world. Whether you’re trying scuba for the first time or aiming to get your PADI certification, Egypt offers the perfect combination of beginner-friendly waters, professional instructors, and world-class dive sites. The top three destinations for both intro dives and certified training are Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Marsa Alam.

🔍 Diving in Egypt

With calm Red Sea waters, stunning coral reefs, and abundant marine life, Diving in Egypt is ideal for all levels. Intro diving is perfect for beginners with no prior experience, offering guided underwater sessions with full safety and support. Meanwhile, those ready to advance can choose from various PADI diving courses offered across all major diving cities.

🌍 Best Places for Diving in Egypt

🤿 Diving in Hurghada for Beginners & Certified Divers

Diving in Hurghada is perfect for first-timers and certified divers alike. If you’re new to diving, Hurghada offers safe, shallow reefs for intro diving, where you’ll get personal attention from experienced instructors. You’ll learn the basics, then explore beautiful underwater spots like Abu Ramada or Giftun Island, even on your very first dive.

For those who want to go deeper, Hurghada has many dive centers offering PADI Open Water, Advanced, and Rescue Diver courses with flexible schedules and multilingual instructors.

✅ Great for first-time divers ✅ Easy access to dive sites ✅ Budget-friendly PADI courses

🤿 Diving in Sharm El-Sheikh for Beginners & Courses

Diving in Sharm El-Sheikh combines natural beauty with top-tier diving experiences. First-time divers can enjoy intro dives right from the shore or boat at calm sites like Far Garden or Ras Um Sid. Guided closely by instructors, you’ll discover colorful corals and tropical fish even on your first dive.

For certification, Sharm is home to premium dive centers offering all PADI levels, with access to famous sites like Ras Mohamed National Park and the SS Thistlegorm wreck.

✅ Intro diving options available daily ✅ Excellent visibility & marine life ✅ Advanced training & wreck dives for PADI students

🤿 Diving in Marsa Alam for Beginners & Nature Lovers

Diving in Marsa Alam is a hidden gem for nature and marine life lovers. For beginners, intro diving takes place in calm bays like Abu Dabbab, where you might even spot sea turtles and dugongs. The relaxed environment makes it one of the best places in Egypt for a first diving experience.

If you’re interested in certification, dive schools in Marsa Alam offer complete PADI programs with fewer crowds and a more personal feel. You’ll also gain access to top dive sites like Elphinstone Reef and Sha’ab Samadai (Dolphin House).

✅ Gentle sites for intro diving ✅ Possibility to dive with turtles & dolphins ✅ Peaceful setting for PADI courses

🎯 Highlights of Diving in Egypt

Beginner-friendly Intro Diving across all destinations
Clear, warm Red Sea waters with 20–30m visibility
Coral reefs, shipwrecks & rich marine life
Multiple languages-speaking certified instructors
Full range of PADI courses (Open Water to Rescue)
Diving options available year-round

📘 What’s Included in Diving Packages

Hotel pickup & drop-off
Full diving equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit, tanks)
Intro dive briefing for beginners
Certified instructor supervision
1–2 guided dives (intro or training)
Course materials and PADI certification (for full courses)
Snacks or lunch (for boat trips)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I try diving if I don’t have any experience?

Yes! Intro diving is designed especially for beginners. You’ll be supervised closely, with no need for previous experience.

Q2: How deep do beginners dive?

Intro dives typically go down to 6–10 meters, a comfortable depth for a first dive.

Q3: Are PADI certifications available in all cities?

Yes, you can get certified in Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, or Marsa Alam.

Q4: How long does it take to complete a PADI Open Water course?

The full course usually takes 3–4 days, including theory, pool sessions, and open water dives.

Q5: Is intro diving done from the shore or a boat?

It depends on the location. In most cases, you’ll start from a boat with a group, or directly from the beach in calm spots.

Q6: What’s the best place in Egypt for a first dive?

All three cities are great, but Marsa Alam is often praised for its calm waters and turtle sightings.

Q7: Are there any age restrictions?

Most diving centers allow children from 10 years old for both intro dives and PADI programs.

Q8: What if I’m nervous about diving?

Instructors are trained to make beginners feel comfortable. You can start slow and stay in shallow water.

Q9: Is it safe to dive in Egypt?

Yes, Egypt’s diving industry is highly regulated, with a strong focus on safety.

Q10: Can I do both an intro dive and then start a course later?

Definitely. Many divers try an intro dive and love it so much they sign up for the Open Water course right after.