Hurghada, Professionals Diving in Open Water Tour with Lunch

Red Sea color starts below the surface. This full-day Hurghada trip combines two guided scuba sessions, a boat ride, lunch, swimming, and snorkeling for $72 per person. I like the small-group promise of up to 10 people, and I like that hotel pickup, equipment tanks, weights, food, and drinks are included.

The main concern is consistency. Most feedback praises the staff, colorful reefs, and good support for first-timers, but two serious complaints describe overcrowding, poor organization, limited air, and unsuitable equipment. I would confirm the group size and instructor fee before you go.

• Two separate underwater sessions: You visit two sites rather than repeating the same location.
• Small group advertised: The tour is limited to 10 participants, though you should confirm this before departure.
• Lunch on the boat: Food, mineral water, and soft drinks are included during the break.
• Helpful for beginners: An instructor explains the site and leads you underwater, while experienced participants can request more independence.
• A full Red Sea day: The schedule includes a 40-minute cruise, two scuba sessions, snorkeling, and time to rest.
• Extra cash to budget: Instructor fees cost €4 in cash and are not included in the advertised price.

What the $72 price really buys you

At $72, this is a useful package if you want transport and most of the day’s basics handled in one booking. You receive an air-conditioned return transfer from your Hurghada hotel, boat transport, tanks, weights, lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks.

That matters in Hurghada, where arranging each part separately can create a string of small decisions. You do not need to find your own way to the marina, arrange a boat, or pack a separate lunch. I also like the flexibility of reserving now and paying later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

The price is not fully all-inclusive, however. Add the €4 cash instructor fee, and remember that the supplied details do not list wetsuit rental, mask rental, fins, or other personal equipment as included. Ask what gear is provided before you pay, especially if you need a particular wetsuit size.

The value depends heavily on how well the day is run. With 10 people or fewer and two properly managed sessions, the package looks attractive. With a crowded boat or shortened underwater time, the price feels much less convincing.

Hotel pickup begins the day in Hurghada

Pickup is included from your hotel in Hurghada. You need to send your room number so the guide can identify you and arrange the collection. That small step is easy to overlook, so send it soon after booking.

The vehicle is described as a comfortable, new, air-conditioned van. For a long day in the Egyptian sun, that is more than a cosmetic benefit. You will appreciate a cool ride before and after time on the water.

The trip is designed as a small group, with a stated limit of 10 people. That should allow the instructor to give clearer briefings and keep a closer eye on less experienced participants. Since one serious complaint reported more than 20 people on a boat, I would ask for confirmation of the actual group size on your date.

The 40-minute cruise across the Red Sea

The boat ride takes about 40 minutes. This is not wasted time. It gives you a gradual change from Hurghada’s shore to the open water and lets you settle into the day before the first session.

You can expect views of the water and the coast as the boat moves away from the city. Bring a sun hat, comfortable shoes, and protection from the strong light. The supplied details do not list towels or sunscreen, so pack anything you normally need for a day outdoors.

The sea can also make the timetable feel longer than it looks on paper. The schedule lists specific activity periods, but boarding, safety checks, moving between sites, and waiting for groups can add extra time. The overall experience lasts eight hours, so keep your evening plans light.

First scuba session, with an instructor close by

The first underwater session lasts about 35 minutes. Before entering the sea, an experienced instructor explains the site and the basics of the activity. A guide then leads the group underwater.

This format suits a first attempt because you do not need to manage the location alone. One first-time participant described the support as excellent, while another account said the instructor held a companion’s arm closely at the beginning and later allowed more freedom after seeing that the pair already had experience.

That is a sensible progression in principle. Beginners often need close support at first, while certified or experienced participants may prefer space to look around. If you already know how to use your equipment, tell the instructor clearly at the start. If you are new, ask questions before entering the water rather than trying to follow instructions once you are submerged.

The reef scenery is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing. Reports describe colorful fish and coral, and the Red Sea is the main attraction here. The experience is not simply a boat ride with a quick swim. The underwater time is the heart of the day.

Still, 35 minutes is a modest session for experienced scuba participants. You should view this as a guided recreational outing, not a technical or advanced training day. The exact depth and route are not specified, so do not book it expecting a particular species, wreck, or reef.

Lunch and a quiet break on board

After the first session, lunch is served on the boat for around 45 minutes. Mineral water and soft drinks are included. This is a practical pause between the two water activities, giving you time to dry off, eat, and regain energy.

I like the onboard setup because it keeps the day moving without sending you back to shore. You can eat while remaining close to the sea, then prepare for the second site.

Food quality is not described, so keep expectations sensible. One complaint raised concerns with the condition of drinking water, although this is not presented as the normal experience. I would check that your water is sealed and fresh before drinking it. Bringing a small personal snack may also be wise, particularly if you have dietary needs that are not covered by the supplied lunch.

The second session brings a new site

The second scuba session lasts about 30 minutes and takes place at a different location. A second site is a real benefit. It gives you another chance to see coral and fish, and it makes the day feel less repetitive.

By this point, beginners may feel more comfortable with the equipment and the underwater routine. Experienced participants can use the second session to enjoy the scenery with less coaching, provided the instructor agrees and safety rules allow it.

The shorter time is worth noting. Together, the listed sessions total about 65 minutes underwater, not counting the boat ride, briefing, lunch, and surface activities. That is enough for a first experience, but experienced scuba participants may find it brief.

A serious complaint described much shorter sessions and a shortage of air on one departure. That kind of problem is not a minor inconvenience. If you are certified or have substantial experience, ask how long each session is expected to last and what happens if the boat runs short on tanks or air.

Snorkeling adds a gentler third water activity

After the second session, the schedule allows about 45 minutes for snorkeling. You can also swim or simply remain on the boat and rest.

This makes the tour more flexible for mixed groups. One person can take part in scuba while another prefers snorkeling. You also have an easier option if you feel tired after the first two sessions.

The snorkeling period is useful for enjoying the reef at a slower pace. You are closer to the surface, and you can spend time watching fish without the same equipment routine. The exact snorkeling gear provided is not stated, so confirm whether masks, snorkels, and fins are included.

Staff support and communication

The advertised guide languages are English, French, German, and Russian. That is helpful on a group activity where safety instructions need to be clear.

The actual language match may vary. One French-speaking participant had difficulty because a French guide was not available, despite limited English. I would message the provider before the trip if your English is weak and ask which language will be spoken on your departure.

Feedback about staff is generally warm, with praise for friendly support and good care both onboard and underwater. There are also two safety-related accounts that deserve attention. One person reported inappropriate touching by a guide and unsuitable wetsuit sizing. Another described aggressive management, overcrowding, poor organization, and a serious air shortage.

I cannot treat those reports as proof of what you will experience, but I would not ignore them. Before entering the water, make sure your equipment fits, ask who your instructor is, and speak up immediately if anything feels unsafe or inappropriate. A professional operator should welcome those questions.

Who should book this Hurghada trip

I think this tour suits you best if you want a simple introduction to the Red Sea, prefer hotel pickup, and like having lunch and drinks included. It also works well for a small mixed group, since some people can scuba while others swim or snorkel.

First-timers are likely to get the most from the format. You receive an explanation, close supervision, and two chances to become comfortable underwater. The colorful coral and fish give the day a clear purpose beyond simply ticking off a boat excursion.

Experienced participants should judge it more carefully. Two short sessions may be enough for casual sightseeing, but the timetable is not designed for long underwater exploration. If you want a specialist guide, precise depth planning, or a serious training session, ask detailed questions before booking.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Pets are not allowed. Comfortable shoes and a sun hat are listed as essentials, and I would add swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and cash for the €4 instructor fee.

My practical booking advice

Send your hotel room number after booking so pickup can be arranged. Confirm the pickup time, group size, available languages, and exactly what personal equipment is included.

Ask these four questions before departure:

• Is the boat limited to 10 people on my date?
• Is the €4 instructor fee payable in cash?
• Are wetsuit, mask, fins, and snorkel included?
• Will the instructor speak my preferred language?

If you are a beginner, tell the guide that clearly. You should receive a full explanation before entering the water and close assistance during the first session. If you already have experience, explain how much independence you want, but follow the guide’s safety rules.

The cancellation terms are generous: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if your Hurghada plans may change.

Should you book this open water day?

I would book it if you are a beginner seeking an easy Red Sea introduction and you confirm the group size, equipment, and language first. The combination of hotel pickup, two sites, lunch, snorkeling, and friendly support can make this a good-value day at $72 plus the small instructor charge.

I would hesitate if you are an experienced scuba participant looking for long sessions or strict technical standards. The conflicting accounts about overcrowding, equipment, and air supply mean you should ask direct questions rather than rely on the headline promises. If the operator confirms a small group and sound equipment, this could be a pleasant first step into Hurghada’s underwater world.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada scuba tour last?

The activity lasts eight hours, including hotel pickup, the boat ride, two scuba sessions, lunch, snorkeling, and the return to Hurghada.

How many scuba sessions are included?

Two sessions are included. The first is scheduled for about 35 minutes, and the second for about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks are included and served on board.

Is hotel pickup provided?

Yes. Round-trip pickup from your hotel in Hurghada is included in an air-conditioned vehicle. You should send your room number to help arrange the pickup.

What languages are available?

Live guides are advertised in English, French, German, and Russian. The language available on your specific departure should be confirmed before you go.

Is the instructor fee included?

No. An instructor fee of €4 must be paid in cash.

Can I cancel the tour?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.