Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about diving in Hurghada
General Diving in Hurghada
What's the best time of year to dive in Hurghada?
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Hurghada offers excellent diving year-round! Water temperatures: about 23°C in December, 21–23°C in January–February, around 22°C in March rising to 25–26°C by May, 28–30°C in June–August, and 28°C in September easing to about 25°C by November. Summer months (June-September) provide the warmest waters, while spring and autumn offer great visibility with fewer crowds.
Do I need to know how to swim to try diving?
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For the Introductory Dive you don't need to be a swimmer: non-swimmers can join with a life jacket and the instructor in the water with them. For PADI courses you need to swim 200 meters (or 300 meters with mask, fins and snorkel) and float for 10 minutes. However, being comfortable in water greatly enhances your experience.
What marine life can I see diving in Hurghada?
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The Red Sea is home to over 1,200 fish species! Expect to see colorful coral reefs, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, octopus, dolphins, and occasionally sea turtles and reef sharks. Every dive is a new discovery!
How deep will I dive as a beginner?
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Introductory dives go to maximum 12 meters (40 feet). Open Water certified divers can go to 18 meters (60 feet), while Advanced divers can reach 30 meters (100 feet). We always match depth to your experience and comfort level.
Is diving in Hurghada safe?
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Absolutely! Hurghada is one of the safest diving destinations globally. We follow strict PADI safety standards, use modern equipment, conduct thorough briefings, and our experienced instructors maintain small group sizes for personalized attention.
PADI Courses & Certification
How long does it take to get PADI Open Water certified?
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The PADI Open Water course takes 3 days. This includes theory sessions (which you can complete online beforehand), confined water training in a pool, and 4 open water dives in the Red Sea. The pace is flexible to match your learning style.
What's included in the course price?
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All PADI courses include: certification materials, equipment rental, boat trips, instructor fees, and your certification card. Hotel pickup/drop-off is free inside Hurghada; outside town see the transfer prices. You only need to bring your swimsuit and enthusiasm!
Can I do my PADI theory online before arriving?
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Yes! PADI eLearning lets you complete the theory portion at home before your trip. This saves time and lets you spend more days diving. We'll email you the access code once you book, and you can study at your own pace.
What's the difference between Open Water and Advanced courses?
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Open Water is your entry-level certification (diving to 18m). Advanced Open Water builds on this with 5 adventure dives over 2 days, including wreck, deep diving (to 30m) and navigation. It's not "harder" - it's about gaining experience and exploring different diving specialties.
Is there an age limit for diving courses?
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Children can start at age 10 with PADI Junior certifications. There's no upper age limit - we've certified divers in their 70s! You just need reasonable health and fitness. A medical form ensures diving is safe for your specific situation.
Daily Diving Trips
What does a typical daily diving trip include?
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Our daily trips include hotel pickup (7:30–8:00am outside town, 8:00–8:30am inside Hurghada; we confirm the exact time the evening before), 2 guided dives at different sites, tanks and weights, lunch onboard and drinks. The boat leaves at 9:00 and is back at the dock between 3 and 4pm. Equipment rental is €10 a day. You'll visit stunning reefs with plenty of surface intervals to relax and enjoy the Red Sea sun.
Can non-divers join the boat trip?
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Absolutely! Non-diving companions are welcome to snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy the boat experience. We charge a reduced rate for snorkelers who want to join. It's a great way for the whole family or group to spend the day together.
What dive sites will we visit?
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Sites vary daily based on weather and group experience. Popular locations include Giftun Island, Abu Ramada, Shaab El Erg (dolphin site), and various house reefs. Your dive guide selects the best spots for optimal conditions and marine life encounters each day.
Do I need my own equipment for daily dives?
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For daily dives, tanks and weights are included; the rest of the equipment (wetsuit, BCD, regulator, fins, mask) is €10 a day to rent. On courses, intro dives and snorkeling all equipment is included. If you have your own gear and prefer to use it, you're welcome to bring it. We maintain all rental equipment to the highest safety standards.
Practical Information
What should I bring on a dive trip?
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Bring: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (reef-safe), sunglasses, hat, and your certification card if you're certified. Optional: underwater camera, personal snorkel/mask, and a light jacket for the boat ride back. We provide everything else!
Do you provide hotel pickup?
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Yes! Free hotel pickup and drop-off is included for all our services within Hurghada, including Village Road up to Rixos Premium Magawish. Village Road past the Rixos is 10 Euro, Al Ahyaa 15 Euro, and El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi 20 Euro per car. Groups of 7 or more in these areas pay 30 Euro. We'll confirm your exact pickup time the day before. Just let us know your hotel name when booking.
Can I dive if I have a medical condition?
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Most people can dive safely! You'll complete a medical questionnaire before diving. Certain conditions (recent surgery, ear problems, severe asthma, heart conditions) may require a doctor's clearance. We prioritize your safety and will help guide you through this process.
What payment methods do you accept?
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There's nothing to pay in advance. You pay on board in cash (euros, dollars, pounds or Egyptian pounds) or by card with 3% added. Only large groups pay a 10% deposit by payment link.
Do you offer private dive trips or courses?
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Yes! Private trips and courses offer maximum flexibility and personalized attention. Perfect for families, couples celebrating special occasions, or anyone wanting a customized experience. Contact us for private booking rates and availability.
Cancellation Policy
Flexible, Fair, and Stress-Free
At Diamond Red Sea, we understand that plans can change. We've designed our booking and cancellation policy to be as flexible as possible, making your diving experience stress-free from start to finish.
Booking Flexibility
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No advance payment required
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Confirm your spot without any deposit
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Payment on board on your first day
Course Participation
For all PADI courses:
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50% payment required after Day 1
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Covers materials and instruction
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Secures your course placement
Cancellation Guidelines
Within 48 hours: Free rescheduling
After Day 1: 50% course fee applies
Weather issues: Full refund or reschedule
We're Here to Help
Unexpected situations happen, and we're committed to finding fair solutions. Contact us directly if you have special circumstances—we'll work with you to accommodate your needs.
Your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities. We maintain the perfect balance between flexibility and professional service that our customers appreciate.
